Month: March 2023

Originally published on NRG Insights

During Women’s History Month, we reflect on the achievements and contributions of women from the past and present. The theme of the month is embracing equity — an action that rejects bias, makes progress for equality, and fosters psychological safety. These themes are embedded in our culture, and we continue to strive toward creating a safe space for everyone.

We joined the conversation by putting a spotlight on five incredible women leading Business Resource Groups (BRGs) at our company. BRGs are employee-led collectives that foster community and contribute to workplace culture. We learned more about each woman’s experiences and how they are embracing equity in their day-to-day.

Meet the women

Ashley Osei-Kuffour – Senior Associate, Sustainability & Partnerships

Ashley co-leads the Early Career Success (ECS) BRG. This group empowers members to enhance their professional development through a network dedicated to career growth, interpersonal relationships, and cross-functional learning.

Mareza Lopez – Manager, Go To Marketing Acquisition

Mayra Morales – Pricing Analyst

Mareza and Mayra are co-leaders of Hola! Club, a Hispanic/Latin BRG with a mission to foster cultural diversity, understanding, and inclusiveness.

Reneé Meaux – Director, National Partnership Development

Reneé is one of the leaders of Women in Power (WIP). Their mission is to empower, strengthen, and connect female employees to foster growing careers.

Renuka Joopelli – Senior IT Project Manager

Renuka is an active member of VIVIDH which serves as a platform for South Asian employees to educate and share their culture with everyone.

What does #embracingequity mean to you?

Embracing equity starts with acknowledging that there is a gap. It also involves recognizing that every human being holds different experiences and unique perspectives that are essential to growth. Whether that be from a professional standpoint or a societal one. When there’s fairness, everyone feels valued, and we all succeed. – Ashley

For me, that means making sure that everyone has access to the same opportunities while taking into account that the differences in our backgrounds and where we come from can create barriers to participation. It’s also ensuring that everyone gets the necessary tools to be successful and that those tools are what is best for them. – Mareza

Embracing equity is ensuring everyone is not only present but being heard. It’s also having thoughts and opinions across all genders, races, and ages. It means everyone is acknowledged, considered, and valued. – Reneé

Embracing equity is creating an environment where everyone feels included and valued at work. It’s also providing the resources specific to their needs no matter their gender, age, race, or position. This fosters a positive work experience and increased productivity resulting in better service to our company. – Renuka

What have you learned from women in the workplace?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to be adaptable. You always have to be open to change and ready to pivot. If you’re always thinking everything has to fit the status quo, then it’ll be hard to move forward in your career. I’ve learned that from many women across the organization and throughout my professional development. I hope to pass it along to others as they’re building their careers. – Ashley

What would you go back and tell your younger self?

You are smart, you are capable, and you deserve a seat at the table. If they don’t want to give you a seat at the table, then make your own table. Bring your own chair. You are where you’re at because you work hard and deserve it. Don’t doubt yourself. You have so much to give, so share that and empower other people. – Mareza

Why is it important to have women represented in leadership roles?

I was reading an article that said there were only two female CEOs in Fortune 500 companies back in 2000. Now, we’ve got 53. That speaks volumes, and it lets that little girl watching know, ‘if they’ve done it, why can’t I?’ When I see women leaders who have climbed up the ladder in our company, I see that could be me one day. It also motivates me to know that my children can see women leaders doing big things. – Mayra

One of the biggest reasons is for people to see what’s possible. We all come from different backgrounds, perspectives, and privileges. If we were in a company where women were not present in leadership, my perspective of potential opportunity would be much more limited than what it is today. – Reneé

How do you help other women enhance their skills in the workplace?

I would encourage them to speak up. One way to do that is by making introductions and connecting women to each other. At NRG, I’ve learned that I can get mentorships that help elevate not only myself but others. – Mayra

I’ve had the opportunity here at NRG to advance as a leader. One of my favorite things has been getting to help other people develop and become leaders themselves. The best thing I can do as a leader is to give honest feedback and not be afraid of challenging conversations because those are often opportunities for the biggest growth. – Reneé

What woman from the past or present has inspired you the most?

I was born and raised in India and migrated to the US when I got married. My parents lived in a rural area when I was born, but my mother worked hard to ensure that I got the best education. She sent me to live with my aunt and uncle during my childhood in a far-off urban city where I attended one of the best schools and colleges. I am forever grateful to my mother for paving my future and my aunt for raising me with great values. – Renuka

Celebrating women everywhere

We enjoyed learning more about a few of the women at NRG and are proud to have this opportunity to highlight their affinity groups, voices, and accomplishments. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month as we recognize the achievements of women at NRG and around the world.

To learn more about about NRG Energy, click here.

Reprinted from the Biomimicry Institute Blog by Sarah McInerney

The judges took their seats. The lights came down. Heart rates ramped up. One by one the track finalist announcements rang out with Ray of Hope Prize® Alumni winning in every track they participated in. A home run.

This was the scene at the Hello Tomorrow Deep Tech Global Summit in Paris on March 9 & 10th, 2023. This event brings together a global audience of scientists, founders, investors, and other ecosystem stakeholders aiming to solve the world’s most pressing problems through deep tech. Over these two days experts spoke on topics from agriculture to aerospace, exhibition spaces overflowed with innovative tech and the overall energy was one of inspiration and hope for the future.

We have long supported nature-inspired startups through our Ray of Hope Prize Accelerator program who are living the mission of creating technical solutions that are conducive to life, and seeing them on stage in Paris was thrilling.

Ray of Hope Prize Alumni were represented in three categories:

1. Sustainable Construction and Infrastructure Global Challenge Track, supported by Leonard. There were 6 startups in this track from the EU, UK and Chile. Our Ray of Hope Prize Alumni representation was Strong by Form from Chile, a 2022 Alumni.

2. Environment Global Challenge Track, supported by L’Oréal and Elkem. There were 7 startups in this track from the US, EU, New Zealand and Singapore. Our Ray of Hope Prize Alumni representation was New Iridium from the United States, a 2021 Alumni.

3. Industrial Biotechnology and New Materials Global Challenge Track, supported by Solvay. There were 6 startups in this track from the US, EU and Singapore. Our Ray of Hope Prize Alumni representation were Sóliome from the United States, a 2022 Alumni and Impossible Materials from Switzerland, a 2021 Alumni.

Read the full blog here.

The BBC recently published an article on age discrimination in the workplace entitled ‘Over-50s at work: ‘You feel your usefulness has passed’’. Although I’m not in that age bracket, I’m certainly not in the first flush of youth either! It made me reflect on the skills and experience I’ve gained not only through the kind of jobs I’ve had throughout my career, but also what I’ve learned from other people – whether they are a line manager, inspirational CEO, or colleague who’s had a different experience to me.

This subject matter also came up a few weeks ago when Acre Frameworks hosted a roundtable attended by Health, Safety and Sustainability leaders. One of the many subjects that was discussed was the lack of opportunity for people with different skillsets and experiences, to share their expertise.

The importance of experience cannot be underestimated – someone could be highly decorated with lots of letters after their name, but real-world experience and learning on the job is crucial.

It’s worth noting that an age-diverse workplace enables an organisation to gain a variety of experiences and points of view, as different perspectives often become a source of innovation. Differences in terms of experience mean that each person brings their own unique skillsets to a business. More mature workers can use their years of experience in the workforce to teach newer employees the ropes and conversely, the newer employees have an opportunity to teach modern technology methods or industry-related skills to the more mature members of the team. The aim is to build relationships that are both cross-functional and span generations.

It was also recognised that organisations need to motivate professionals who have extensive experience to make changes to enable them to go on a development journey. There were different expectations of a safety role 20 or 30 years ago, not only because the physicality of a safety role takes its toll, but in terms of mindset as well. How is it possible to encourage already-skilled people to become re-invigorated and enthusiastic about their current role? Is it about expanding and developing skillsets by becoming a mentor for those with less experience? However, this can only work when an organisation places value on continual learning and skill-building for employees at all levels of experience.

Going back to my initial thoughts at the beginning of the article and thinking of the roles we play at work – as a mentor, coach or friend – I think of the impact it has had. Now with the gift of hindsight and a few more years experience, I hope I have more humility, the wisdom to know when to challenge, and when to be curious. I feel that whatever our stage of life, we all still have value to bring and a legacy to leave behind – but it’s about taking time to know and understand that, which can be the biggest challenge of all.

About Acre

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy.

Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.

Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too.

We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations.

Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.