The Women in Energy Storage Mentoring Programme sat down with Chioma Ome, one of this year’s mentors, to chat about her journey in renewable energy and the challenges and opportunities for women in the energy storage sector. Chioma is a dynamic, resourceful and trained leader and Human Resource professional who has built expertise in enabling organizational structures through innovative and sustainable human resources and operational systems.
1) Tell us a little about yourself. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a woman with a passion to work with women and young people to bring out their best by finding their strengths. I love getting results through teams.
What I love most about what I do is that I am contributing to the workforce development and human capital needs in the energy space. It’s an amazing feeling to support the growth and capacity of the teams I work with as they create impact for other women in the Renewable Energy sector.
2) What were your goals when you started working in energy storage? Have these evolved?
Well, my goals were simply to be a great employee but that has all evolved. I have been exposed to the vast human capital gaps and opportunities in the energy space. I have become more determined to help people grow a rewarding career and find fulfilling paths in the energy space, especially women and girls.
3) How have you adapted to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and what advice would you give someone going through similar challenges?
The energy gap challenges still exist even amidst the COVID pandemic. So we cannot relent. We need to be dynamic, flexible and innovative in delivering energy storage interventions.
4) What are the opportunities for energy storage growth in your country?
Huge, especially in off-grid and last-mile communities. Recently the Nigerian government increased tariffs for grid distribution, creating demand for energy storage use.
But more work needs to be done in creating awareness about Renewable Energy solutions and energy storage uses.
5) What challenges have you faced in the sector? Can you tell us how you overcame (or are overcoming) this challenge(s)?
Comparatively reduced number of female role models, cultural challenges and energy-related knowledge and skills gaps.
6) Why did you join the Women in Energy Storage Mentorship Programme? What do you hope to achieve?
To share knowledge, learn, and build mutually rewarding networks.
7) What advice would you give to women hoping to join the energy storage sector?
Be open-minded and be ready to re-tool your competencies.
Read more about GWNET’s mentoring programmes here.
Become a mentor – what’s in it for you?
GWNET is looking for senior professionals who are eager to make a difference and have a positive impact on a younger woman’s career in the energy sector. With the ever-changing dynamics of the business fields, digitalisation, knowledge and knowledge sharing has become more important than ever. As a mentor, you get the opportunity to give something valuable back to more junior professionals and to expand your own knowledge through your mentees’ perspective. Mentoring will contribute to personal and professional development for both you and your mentee, as well as, shaping the direction of future generations within your field of expertise.
If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor in one of GWNET’s mentoring programmes (which involves approx. 1 – 1.5 hours of engagement per month plus optional participation in knowledge-transfer webinars), kindly fill-in the Mentor Datasheet.
