MENTORING PROGRAMMES

PROGRAMMES | COMPLETED MENTORING PROGRAMMES

Run by GWNET and GIZ, on behalf from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

2021 Energising Women to Advance the Energy Transition

The Energising Women to Advance the Energy Transition mentorship programme was organised by GWNET in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). This initiative aimed to support the careers of mid-career women involved in the energy transition across select countries within the framework of German bilateral energy partnerships. As part of the programme, a dedicated study tour took place in Munich, Germany, for selected mentees.

GWNET received over 260 applications from women in the sustainable energy sector, resulting in a cohort of more than 100 participants from 12 different countries. All selected mentees were matched with a hand-picked mentor with whom they engaged in a bilateral exchange between June 2021 and May 2022. This matchmaking was according to the career aspirations of the participants.In parallel, an exclusive online course on energy and personal development topics also took place.

About GIZ: The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, (GIZ), is the main German development agency. It is headquartered in Bonn and Eschborn and provides services in the field of international development cooperation and international education work. GIZ offers customised solutions to complex challenges. Its diverse expertise is in demand in around 120 countries worldwide. Learn more here: Home – giz.de

About BMWi: Since the completion of the programme, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, (BMWi) is now known as the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Visit the BMWK website here: BMWK – Homepage

View Mentees in this programme:

Algeria

Sabrina Hasni, Process Engineering Lead at Shell
Yassamina Keriti, Teaching and Research Assistant at the University of Ahmed Draya of Adrar
Dalila Belhout, Research Scientist
Hana Kerkebane, United People Global Champion at United People Global
Safia Bouaffad, Head of Programming & Monitoring at APRUE
Baya Belarbi, Renewable Energies Engineering Director at CEEG
Yasmina Belgacem, Head of the Environment, Scientific Research and Public Relations Department at APRUE
Leina Benouniche, Project Engineer at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Renewable Energies
Chehat Djaouida, Office Manager at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Renewable Energies
Assia Sayad, Head of Office at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Renewable Energies
Nihal Mansouri, Head of Technical Study at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Renewable Energies
Fatiha Meslem, Founder and General Manager at Atlas Academy

Brazil

Helena Barbosa, Institutional Manager at EcoSolar Energia Inteligente
Fernanda Corrêa Ferreira, Legal Counsel at Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE)
Tainan de Farias Nogueira, D.Sc Researcher at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Ana Terra Fernandes, Business Development Manager, Renewable Energy at the British Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, Commercial Department
Isabela Issa, Operational Manager/Consultant on Energy and Sustainability at Mitsidi Projetos
Aline Kirsten Vidal de Oliveira, Researcher/PhD Student at Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
Mariana Lucas Barroso, Energy Research Analyst at Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (Brazilian Energy Research Office)
Patricia Messer Rosenblum, Energy Research Analyst at Energy Research Office (EPE)
Isadora Pauli Custódio, Architect, Doctoral Student, and Researcher at Fotovoltaica/UFSC Solar Energy Research Laboratory
Juliana Velloso Durão, Energy Research Analyst at Energy Research Office (EPE)
Aline Lusieux Alves de Oliveira, Urban Planner Consultant at Self-employed
Carolina Kavalkievicz, CEO at Kavitti Representação Comercial Ltda

Chile

Fernanda Cabanas, Professional at the Clean Transportation office at Sustainable Energy Agency
Maria Cerda, Leader Solar Thermal Systems at Fraunhofer Chile
Carla Douglas, Professional at the Regional Office of Energy, Metropolitan Region of Santiago at the Ministry of Energy Chile
Lilian García Berg, Origination Associate at Sonnedix
Javiera Ketterer, Researcher in Energy sector and Master of Economic Application Student at the Instituto de Política Publica and Universidad de Chile
Gabriela López, Executive director at EGEA ONG
Paulina Mansilla, Business Developer at Reden Solar
Katherine Navarrete, Senior Professional at Sustainable Energy Division at the Ministry of Energy Chile
Maite Pizarro Illanes, Project Coordinator of the “Comuna Energética” Programme at the Sustainable Energy Agency
Elena Villanueva, Engineer at the Energy Access and Social Development Division at the Ministry of Energy, Chile

China

Dongli An, Global Energy Efficiency Program Manager at Apple Inc.
Xiaoju Fang, Director of Branding and Public Affairs at Envision
Molin Huo, Director of the Energy Saving and Marketing Research Center at the State Grid Energy Research Institute
Susan Li, Founder and CEO at Shenzhen Power-Solution Ind Co., Ltd
Yang Li, Division Chief at China Three Gorges International Limited
Fen Li, Chief Engineer at Shenzhen Institute of Building Research
Shiyu Rao, Project Manager and Volunteer Committee Chair at ZhiuTech and Energy Innovation Network
Huijie Sun, Program Manager at the China Center for Urban Development, National Development and Reform Commission
Han Wang, Director at NEA
Xiaodan Yuan, Co-Director at Beijing Energy Network
Yue Cui, Senior manager at Membership Division, Cooperation Bureau at the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization(GEIDCO)

Ethiopia

Christian Samuel Belay, Lecturer and Researcher at Jimma Institute of Technology
Liilnna Teji, Senior Energy Consultant at Veritas Consulting
Tena Abebaw, Company Manager at Techscie Engineering PLC
Seble Alemu, Gender & Social Responsibility Advisor at Solar Village Ethiopia
Selamawit Amaha, Bioenergy Technology Design Expert at Ethiopian Rural Energy Development and Promotion Center
Amen Aniley Amentie, Msc Student at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University
Rekik Bekele, CEO at Green Scene Energy PLC
Azmera Belachew, Researcher at the Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute (EEFRI)
Linda Lapiso Dilebo, Electrical Engineer and Consultant
Meseret Tesema Terfa, Associate Professor at Hawassa University

India

Sweta, Programme Manager at SELCO Foundation
Neha Bhatnagar, Senior Research Analyst at India Infrastructure Publishing
Hemangi Borole, Research and Development Engineer at ABB AS
Pallavi Das, Programme Associate at Council on Energy, Environment and Water
Astha Gupta, Lead Country Analyst and Coordinator- India Consultant at International Energy Agency (IEA)
Shweta Jaju, Co-founder at ONergy
Swarna Priya Natarajan, Lead Engineer at Vestas Technology R&D Chennai Pvt. Ltd.
Shruti Rawat, Research Associate at the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Chandana Sasidharan, Senior Research Associate at the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy
Narayani Srivastava, Consultant at AHAsolar Private Limited

Jordan

Arwa AbuKashef, Engineer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Mais Al-Ardah, Director of Energy Unit at the Water Authority of Jordan/ MWI
Reem Al-Masri, Senior Research Assistant at UN ESCWA Technology Centre
Basma Alshatti, Head of Social Responsibilities Section on the Jordan Renewable Energy And Energy Efficiency Fund at the Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources
Lama Gharaibeh, Climate and Energy Advisor at the Norwegian Refugee Council/ NORCAP Department
Lamees Hamasha, Criteria and Assessment Coordinator at the King Abdullah II Center for Excellence
Amaal Khatatbeh, Regulatory Engineer at the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission
Tamara Otoom, Business Development Executive at Catalyst Investment Management
Aysheh Shama, Energy Engineer Freelancer
Kholoud Ayyash, Chemical Engineer at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resources
Haneen Hassouneh, Head of Local Development Unit at Sahab Municipality
Rana Hijazi, Environmental Researcher at A&H Group for Engineering and Energy Department

Mexico

Jessica Ximena Cantu Saavedra, Sustainable and Energy Efficiency Consultant
Alejandra Xochitl Cruz Bayer, Project Consultant-Advisor at the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation (DGRV)
Pamela Garcia Romero, International Energy Research Analyst at Engie
Gisela Martinez, Independent Consultant and Project Manager at Habitat – Fundacion Cunaguaro
María Serna, Partner at Talanza Energy
Marcela Maricarmen Trevino Infante, Green Energy Associate at UNDP

Morocco

Asmae Azzioui, Ressource Assessment Analyst | Geomatics and Surveyor Engineer at Masen (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy)
Hanane Boutahir, Legal Consultant at the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Environment
Sofia Fathellah, Energy Efficiency Engineer at the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Environment
Nadia Zeddou, CEO and General Manager at Green Wave & Green Wave Academy

Saudi Arabia

Amal Abdulaziz Alomari, Consultant at KPMG
Sarah Alharthey, Business Development Manager at ACWA Power
Hossa Almutairi, Research Fellow at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC)
Rima Sorour, Co-Founder/Vice President at Saudi Sustainable Building Council

South Africa

Ngozi Atalor, Chief Executive Officer at De-rahbs Energy Services
Yolanda Mabuto, Director at Divaine Growth Solutions
Devaksha Maharaj, Managing Director at Ikigai Engineering
Winnie Mamatsharaga, National Gender Coordinator at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
Vuyolwethu Matiwane, Grid Manager at BTE Renewables
Bongiwe Matsoha, Researcher & Energy Policy Officer at Earthlife Aica
Xolile Msimanga, Senior Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Letlhogonolo Tsoai, Technical Programme Officer at South African Wind Energy Association
Mitchell Phemelo, Business and Project Developer at Abo Wind Renewable Energie Pty Ltd

Tunisia

Hayet Baccouche, Project coordinator of the African Forum on Climate Justice (FAJC) “Renewable energy” at Model African Union NGO
Hajer Ben Charrada, Management Consultant at AFRY Management Consulting
Nouha Bouslama, Sales Manager in BMMS
Emna Ben Mahmoud, Energy consultant at EPCO Consulting
Lamia Ghazouani, Director at the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines/Department of Energy
Sana Ibrahim, Solar PV engineer at Solarabic
Mariem Khemir, Project Manager at Schneider Electric
Khouloud Sellami, Doctor in Physics at H2SEE – Hydrogen Advanced Technology
Houda Walha, Managing Partner at SEERAJ Energy
Mabrouk Békir Amel, Founder and President Elect at the Health and Environment Association/Ambassador for Energy and Environment Control

View Mentors in this programme:

Mentors for Algeria

Asal Ibrahim: Regional Growth & Innovation Lead, Energy Systems at DNV, UAE
Berit Müller: Manager at DGS – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sonnenenergie Landesverband Berlin Brandenburg e.V., Germany
Nathalie Cliquot: Project Manager at CINEA – European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, France
Noara Kebir: Founder, Managing Director and Partner at MicroEnergy International, Germany
Nicole Vermeulen: Supply Chain Manager Green & Industrial hydrogen at Shell, Holland
Yamina Saheb: Lead Author at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, France
Awatef Miraoui: Trainer at UNIDO, Tunisia
Karima Bergheul: Electrical Engineer at Autorité de Régulation des Hydrocarbures, Algeria
Benoit Lebot: Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministère de la Transition Ecologique et Solidaire, France
Gelem Lluberes: Head of Generation Service Agreements Implementation Europe, Africa & Asia at Siemens Energy, Dominican Republic
Vickie Healey: Board Member at the Global Women’s Network in the Energy Transition, USA
Fadhila Kebir: Director at the Ministère de L’énergie, Algeria

Mentors for Brazil

Luisa Valentim Barros: Energy and ESG Director at Scala Data Centers, Brazil
Leah Jara: Senior Legal Counsel at Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority
María Isabel Roldán Serrano: Techno-economic Analysis and System Modelling at German Aerospace Center (DLR), Granada
Margaret Groff: Regional Leader of the Women of Brazil Group at Women of Brazil Group, Brazil
Lylian Coelho Ferreira: Development Director at AgroParisTech-SUEZ “Water For All” Chair at SUEZ, Brazil
Karla G. Cedano Villavivencio: Head of Technology Management at Instituto de Energías Renovables – UNAM, Mexico
Dorottya Kriechbaumer: Project Manager at German Aerospace Center (DLR), Hungary
Leonardo Beltran: Board Member at SEforALL and Fundacion Por Mexico, Mexico
Ana-Maria Diez-Suarez: Professor at the University of León, Spain
María Mercedes Vanegas Cantarero: Lecturer at the Europa-Universität Flensburg, Nicaragua
Paula Mints: Founder and Chief Market Research Analyst at SPV Market Research, USA

Mentors for Chile

Balini Ketheeswraan: Key Account Manager – Connected Vehicle Systems at Molex, Germany
Amanda Niklaus: PPA Transaction Manager at Pexapark – The Renewables Platform, Switzerland
Emma Baz: Geothermal Energy Consultant at Inter-American Development Bank, Spain
Suzy Gasparini: Communications Consultant at SG Comunicação e Conteúdo, Brazil
Ariana Ramos: Postdoctoral Research Associate at Vlerick Business School, Honduras
Sylvia Herzog: Director at The Charcoal Project, USA
Iliyana Arnaudova: Clean Energy Finance Manager at C40 Cities, Bulgaria
Paula de la Fuente: Head of commercial and Business Development at TRACTEBEL, Chile
Ellen Bomasang: Specialist Leader at Deloitte, USA
Maria Locarnini: Commercial Director South Cone, Grid Solutions at GE Renewables, Argentina

Mentors for China

Krishnan Rajagopalan: Head Global BD and Proposals – Hybrid Energy & Storage Solutions at Sterling and Wilson Pvt Ltd, India
Hanne May: Head of Communications at the Germany Energy Agency (dena), Germany
Judith Joan Walker: COO at African Clean Energy, Holland
Judith Raphael: Programme Director GET FiT Zambia at Multiconsult, South Africa
Smita Chandiwala: Founder at Energe-se, India
Betty Chan-Massey: Global VP of Commercial Sales Operations at KORE Power, USA
Nidhi Gupta: Associate Director at Environmental Design Solutions, India
Ghada Darwish: Country Head – Gruppo Maccaferri at SECI Energia, Egypt
Karla Solis: Programme Officer at UNFCCC, Peru
Sandra Retzer: Director Funding Programs at GIZ, Germany
Arthouros Zervos: Chair at REN21, Greece

Mentors for Ethiopia

Muluken Zegeye Getie: Lecturer at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Daphne Pit: Founder at Pit Pure Power, Holland
Filagot Tesfaye: Founder at On Energy Consult and President at EWiEn- Ethiopian Women in Energy, Ethiopia
Vasmijahan Hasanova: HR Management & OD Consultant, Azerbaijan
Oyin T Alabi: Climate Ambassador at Climate Interactive, Nigeria
Ncobile Nkosi: Lecturer at North West University, South Africa
Katharina Habersbrunner: Management Renewable Energy and Climate Protection at WECF, Germany
Manjushree Banerjee: Freelance Contributor at Observer Research Foundation, India
Ruse Moleshe: Founder and Managing Director at Energy Solutions Consulting, South Africa
Sarah McCormack: Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Sonal Adlakha: Energy Access & Distributed Renewable Energy Consultant and Certified Empowered Entrepreneurship Trainer, India
Tigabu Atalo: Energy Program Ethiopia, EPE, under EnDev Project as a Policy Advisor and Service Line Lead, GIZ-Ethiopia office

Mentors for India

Indira Shakya: Program Manager at Centre for Appropriate Rural Technology, Nepal
Georgeta Auktor: Research Fellow at the German Development Institute, Romania
Priya Selvaraj: General Manager, PV Technology and Energy Storage, Strategy and New Business at Siemens Gamesa, India
Rahul Agnihotri: Coordinator, District Energy in Cities Initiative in South Asia at UN Environment Programme, India
Tania H. Rödiger-Vorwerk: Director Private Sector, Trade, Employment and Digital Technologies at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany
Susan Mwaniki: Finance Planning and Analysis Manager at PowerGen Renewable Energy, Kenya
Bindu Madhavi Polumahanti: Manager – Policy & Regulatory, IESA at Customized Energy Solutions, India
Heloísa Guedes Mendonça: Industrial PhD researcher at Vestas, Brazil
Kajol: Manager, Energy at WRI India, India
Usha Khatiwada: Chief Executive Officer at NRN Infrastructure & Development Limited, Nepal

Mentors for Jordan

Malak Alnory: Advisor at the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia
Corina Radu: Founder/ Sustainability Consultant & Coach/ B Corp Leader at Solutions4Impact, Romania
Sunyoung Suh: Cleantech Innovation Expert at UNIDO, South Korea
Farah Dawoud: Head of Landfills and Transfer Stations Section at the Ministry of Local Administration, Jordan
Sara Elhag: Senior Sustainable Energy Expert – Head of SE Projects’ Implementation Unit at the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), Sudan
Magdalena Teufner: Managing Partner – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, at kleinkraft, Austria
Ashraf Kraidy: Director, Planning and Technical Projects at Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), Syria
Imen Karoui: Head of the Regional Development Unit in Sfax at Tunisian Post, Tunisia
Sofia Gonçalves: Smart Grid & Energy Storage Project Manager at EIT InnoEnergy, Portugal
Jacqueline Musiitwa: Research Associate at University of Oxford, Uganda
Nameerah Hameed: Founder and Chair at Women in Energy Pakistan, Pakistan

Mentors for Mexico

Liliana Campos: Head of Project Energy Efficient Refurbishment of Social Housing at GIZ, Mexico
Laura Williamson: Membership & Institutional Partnerships at REN21, USA
Elena Martinez: Project Manager – Generation International at Alpiq, Spain
Kira Potowski: Director Innovation & Sustainability, Network of German Chambers Worldwide at DIHK, Germany
Dana Dunel-Stancu: Head of Energy and Sustainability at Biris Goran Law Firm and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Expert, Romania
Patricia Labra: Network Planning Engineer at REE, Spain

Mentors for Morocco

Nicolas Fichaux: International Renewable Energy Consultant, France
Alexandra Sombsthay: VP Europe at Akuo Energy, France
Dana Al-Lweisy: National Project Officer for Sustainable Urbanization and Resource Efficiency (SURE) at UNDP, Jordan
Sallouha Bouzgarrou: Environmental Training and Capacity Building Manager at Centre International des Technologies de l’environnement de Tunis, Tunisia

Mentors for Saudi Arabia

Rosa Muehlhoelzer: Head of Business Development – Service at Siemens Energy, Germany
Barbara Fischer-Aupperle: Founding Partner at the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition, Germany
Rabia Ferroukhi: Director – Knowledge, Policy and Finance Center at the International Renewable Energy Agency, Algeria/Austria
Christine Lins: Executive Director at the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition, Austria
Christiana Hageneder: Senior Project Manager at GIZ, Germany

Mentors for South Africa

Paballo Vilakazi: Senior Banker: Intermediary and Channel Partnerships at Land Bank, South Africa
Chandirekera Mutubuki-Makuyana: Country Coordinator at Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN), Zimbabwe
Elin Ledskog: Head of Market & Sales at Againity, Sweden
Shqipe Neziri Vela: Lecturer, Energy Policy Studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo
Sedef Budak: Founder and President of Turkish Women in Renewables and Energy Network (TWRE), Exclusive Business Partner of Vector Renewables, Turkey
Chitra Narayanswamy: Consultant – Energy Access, India
Diana Süsser: Research Associate and project lead of the EU project Sustainable Energy Transition Lab (SENTINEL) at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Germany
Tripti Ratn: Project Management Consultant at Asian Development Bank, India
Louise Paulsen: MD Vestas South Africa at Vestas, South Africa

Mentors for Tunisia

Nawel Khaldi: Doctor-Engineer at Ministère du Transport et de la Logistique, Tunisia
Rana Ghoneim: Chief, Energy systems and Infrastructure Division at UNIDO, Austria
Samira Lakhlifi: Training Manager at domaine de l’Efficacité Energétique, Morocco
Irene Giner-Reichl: Senior Advisor at the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition, Austria
Rahul Walawakar: Global Lead – Emerging Technologies at Customized Energy Solutions, India
Tania Faller: Head of Energy and Climate at GIZ, Germany
Richard Loyen: Executive Director, Enerplan, France
Mahi Sideridou: Managing Director at Europe Beyond Coal, Greece
AnnKathrin Rabe: Originator Green Power, Statkraft, Germany
Christine Lins: Executive Director at the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition, Austria

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