The programming for our 2023 #WPLNSummit was built around the knowledge and skills that any woman on the trail or in office would need.
In addition to our three larger panels, we held two more intimate policy panels, one on the future of workforce and one on secure and sustainable energy solutions.
Our panel on secure and sustainable energy solutions featured the following experts and leaders:
WPLN Board Chair Joel Noyes, from Hess Corporation (@JPNoyes on Twitter)
Emily Haggstrom from HBW Resources (@emilyhaggstrom on Twitter)
Kristin Westmoreland from American Petroleum Institute (@Kangus10 on Twitter)
Molly Determan from Energy and Technology Workforce (@molly_smart on Twitter)
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Our “Secure and Sustainable Energy Solutions” panelists (from left to right): WPLN Board Chair Joel Noyes, from Hess Corporation; Molly Determan from Energy and Technology Workforce; Kristin Westmoreland from American Petroleum Institute; and Emily Haggstrom from HBW Resources
One key theme of the panel was that energy encompasses everything, from the environment to the economy.
“Everything we do, there’s energy involved somehow,” said WPLN Board Chair Joel Noyes, who is also Director of Government & External Affairs for Hess Corporation. “You can trace [everything] back to energy.”
Energy Workforce & Technology Council President Molly Determan highlighted the role that energy plays in our modern lives.
“Everything that you enjoy about modern life today is made possible by energy and all of the industries are supported by energy,” she said. “They’re made possible by energy.”
She added that energy isn’t “just the gas that you put in your car to get somewhere.”
Kristin Westmoreland, who serves as Vice President and Chief of Staff at the American Petroleum Institute, said energy is “one of the most consequential policy items on the docket today.”
Emily Haggstrom, Vice President Communications and Creative Development at HBW Resources LLC, agreed, saying, “Energy is complex. It’s not one thing. It’s all of the above.”
This complexity is part of what drew them into the industry.
“We are the problem solvers tackling the greatest energy challenges of today,” said Kristin, noting that energy prices impact every family’s wallets.
“I like to be at the center of issues that matter,” she added.
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One of the challenges related to energy? Decision-making around short-term solutions for long-term problems.
“Quick brash decisions in our communities that pit energy against each other really hurt,” said Emily. “People, when they’re backed against the wall, will always choose to help the right now. We’re asking people to solve for generations that they won’t even know… when they’re just trying to make sure they can catch the bus or feed their families or get their medication.”
Partisanship exacerbates this challenge.
“Our political circumstances have made energy a binary choice,” said Joel, referring to the framing that you either love the planet and want to protect it or you’re greedy and don’t care about climate change.
And, unfortunately, policy-makers and the general public often have misconceptions about the energy industry.
“A huge misconception is that the oil and gas industry does not appreciate the seriousness of climate change,” said Kristin.
Referencing her earlier point about being problem solvers, she said, “We want to have a seat at the table to try to create solutions that support the whole planet.”
Emily stressed that energy solutions – both positive and negative – matter no matter where they’re taking place. “All of those things still affect our globe because we all still live on one big rock,” she said.
Noting that energy issues should be seen as nonpartisan, Joel asked the panelists if there is a way to break through the partisan divide on energy issues.
“Two lessons that I’ve learned,” said Kristin, “is just the importance of communication and keeping it simple, and number two is remembering who your audience is and what is in it for them – and that holds true for no matter what policy you’re talking about.”
Kristin added, “We need all forms of energy to continue to be able to be the leader both here at home but to also support our allies around the world.”
“When Russia invaded Ukraine, it really put front and center the importance that energy plays in national security,” she said.
Emily emphasized the importance of including others in the community in conversations about solutions.
“Working together is so important, especially in these local communities where these policies are largely made,” said Emily.
Like other panelists at our summit, Kristin said that coalition-building was critical, to bring “different groups to the table to tackle specific issues that can help unleash energy across the spectrum.”
“People are people. If you find the common denominator, it does help,” said Kristin.
Joel closed the panel by asking each of the panelists how they overcame the challenges related to working in a male-dominated industry.
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“Women have a different perspective and have a different story to tell,” said Molly.
She pointed out that studies show men are more likely to assume they can learn on the job, whereas women are more likely to feel they need to meet every qualification.
“We have to get women more comfortable with just jumping in before they’re ready,” said Molly.
Emily said that she focuses on what she brings to the table. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, “I get to offer a fresh perspective,” she said. “I feel lucky.”
Kristin noted that the oil and gas industry being male-dominated means it is designed around men, such as lacking protective gear designed for women’s bodies. She recommended looking for ways to help make women feel comfortable and that they have the foundational support necessary.
The panelists discussed the ways that men can lean in so as to not hold women back.
“There need to be more soccer dads,” said Kristin.
The panelists also spoke about the importance of representation, fostering curiosity and interest in young girls, and mentoring younger women.
“People want to see someone who looks like them in the roles that they want to have,” said Kristin.
“We’re all sitting up here because people blazed paths ahead of us,” said Kristin. “Each of us can talk about the great mentors and advocates that we’ve had.”
“It’s incumbent on all of us to continue to pay it forward and be intentional” about lifting women up, she added.
As policy leaders or as heads of the family, the most important thing we can do is “help lift up our little girls,” said Emily.
“We all have a voice and we all have a role to play in this,” said Kristin.
“Come and be a part of the solution,” Molly urged.
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Stay tuned for more details, photos, and posts from our 2023 #WPLNSummit!
To see even more photos from the weekend, click here for our Facebook group. (If you're not a member of our Facebook group, click here to join!)
Want to follow up with our speakers? Here’s a list of our panels, the speakers, and their social media information:
Economic and community development, featuring the following leaders and experts:
Former California Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (@CBakerAD16 on Twitter)
San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones (@RebeccaJ516 on Twitter)
Yorba Linda Mayor Pro Tem Tara Campbell (@tarapcampbell on Twitter)
Darian Z. Harris from Advantage Capital (Darian’s LinkedIn profile)
Diversity on the trail, featuring the following leaders and experts:
WPLN President Larissa Martinez (@LMart939 on Twitter)
Monet Bacs from the LIBRE Initiative (@MonetBacs on Twitter)
Nikita Pearson (@MsNikitaPearson on Twitter)
Lorenda Overman from the American Farm Bureau Federation
Angel Fimbres Barcelo from Big Fish Recruiting (@AngelFBarcelo on Twitter)
Voter outreach and community engagement, featuring the following leaders and experts:
Arkansas Republican Party Communications Director Amber Crawford (@AmberRowlett1 on Twitter)
Sara Marie Ridley from Majority Strategies (@SaraMarieK on Twitter)
Former California congressional candidate Tamika Hamilton (@TamikaGHamilton on Twitter)
Chris Lane from Cygnal (@ChrisLaneMA on Twitter)
We also offered more intimate panels on two important issues:
The future of the workforce, featuring
Cheryl Jaeger from Crossroads Strategies (Cheryl’s LinkedIn profile)
Pennsylvania State Representative Kristin Marcell, of HBW Resources (Kristin’s LinkedIn profile)
Rachel Michelin from California Retailers Association (@RachelEMichelin on Twitter)
WPLN Board Member Matt Ralston, from Troutman Pepper Strategies (@MD_Ralston on Twitter)
Secure and sustainable energy solutions, featuring
WPLN Board Chair Joel Noyes, from Hess Corporation (@JPNoyes on Twitter)
Emily Haggstrom from HBW Resources (@emilyhaggstrom on Twitter)
Kristin Westmoreland from American Petroleum Institute (@Kangus10 on Twitter)
Molly Determan from Energy and Technology Workforce (@molly_smart on Twitter)
And our skills building workshops centered around 3 skills critical for any candidate or lawmaker:
Speaking with confidence, led by Jenifer Sarver from Sarver Strategies (@utsarver on Twitter)
Building your brand, led by Madeline Fetterly of Be the Brand (@m_fetterly on Twitter)
Fundraising, led by June Cutter of Highland Illuminate (@junecutter on Twitter)
In addition, Maria Giannopoulos (@greekmaria) and Erica Arbetter (@ThatsErica) from Google gave a presentation on the importance of digital security ("Keeping Yourself Secure with Google”).
Lastly, have questions about our national summit? Learn more here.
