As March unfolds, we celebrate Women’s History Month, a time to honor the indomitable spirit, resilience, and accomplishments of women throughout history. This month, we shine a spotlight on a few of the women who are driving change, leading innovation, and shaping the future of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) Power Enterprise. These women are not just breaking barriers; they are setting new standards and inspiring generations to come.
Julia Olguin: Leading with Purpose
Julia Olguin is the current Director of Origination and Power Supply for the SFPUC and brings more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry. Throughout her career, she has often been the only lead woman trader or the only woman in a management position. “I had to prove myself not just 100%, but 200%,” she said. That experience has motivated Olguin to be a champion for creating more pathways for women in a male-dominated industry. “A few months ago, I was told by a young woman that I was the reason she chose the energy path, and it literally brought me to tears. That is why it is worth it. I am happy to pass that baton to other women and to watch and support them blaze a trail!” Olguin views the dynamic, constantly changing landscape of the energy industry as a great place for anyone to start their career. “Regardless of your gender, it requires us to work as a team and to share our diverse ideas to maneuver regulatory requirements from a theory state to an actual market execution state. Honestly, all it takes is perseverance.”
Mallory Albright: Championing Equity
Mallory Albright is currently a Utility Specialist with Power’s Regulatory and Legislative Affairs team. Before she entered the energy field, her mentor warned her that it was an ‘old boys club’ and that antiquated gender norms were still very prevalent. In her experience so far, Albright has seen a changing industry. “I have worked closely with women across all levels of leadership; leaders that advocate for equity in energy and create professional advancement opportunities for our early career colleagues,” she said. Albright came to the SFPUC after working at the State for nearly a decade because she wanted to make a tangible difference in communities that are especially vulnerable to poor environmental conditions and pollution burden. Her advice for others considering a career in clean energy: “Take advantage of networking opportunities to familiarize yourself with leaders in the energy space (plug for AWWEE, CELI, and YPE Bay Area). Adopt a growth mindset. Never be afraid, or too proud, to ask questions.”
Pamela Gee: Driving Positive Change
Pam Gee started her role with Power’s Customer Engagement Group four years ago and still feels like she’s just scratching the surface of her job supporting key customer accounts. “I work very closely with SFPUC customers, and I love being able to see our work directly help customers achieve their energy and sustainability goals.” Gee describes her experience at the SFPUC as “extremely rewarding” and says it has been “encouraging to see increasingly more women in leadership roles” at the agency. What advice does she have for women considering a career in clean energy? “Find a specific area that piques your interest and make connections with those working in that field. Set up an informational interview, give them a call, or invite them to coffee! Getting your foot in the door is the first step.”
Becky Alderete: From Conservation to Clean Energy
Becky Alderete is currently the Manager for Power’s Customer Engagement Group. Alderete has always been interested in the natural world and before she entered the clean energy industry, she was performing orangutan research in Sumatra, Indonesia. Upon her return from Indonesia, she enrolled in a Business Management degree program with a focus on sustainability. “A member of my cohort introduced me to GRID Alternatives, and I became a volunteer installer of solar on Habit for Humanity rooftops. I was hooked.” A change in industries led to a 12-year career across various disciplines with the solar industry before landing at the SFPUC. In her role, Alderete supports the adoption of clean energy for SFPUC Power customers and has a knack for finding common ground with diverse stakeholders. Based on her own experience talking to a World War II veteran while conducting site visits for a solar company, Alderete’s advice for her colleagues – no matter where they are in their career – is “to take a deep breath from the rigors of work now and then to appreciate the people around you as you never know what gems you’ll uncover.”
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we appreciate the contributions of these remarkable women in the SFPUC’s Power Enterprise. Their stories and perspectives remind us of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in driving meaningful change.
Thank you to all the Power-ful women in Power for being groundbreakers and changemakers who are positively influencing our industry, our City, our customers, and our agency as a whole.