EDISON, N.J., August 20, 2024 - CS Energy Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), the company’s first networking and mentoring program for women, has selected three Co-Chairs: Bisola Arowolo, Paralegal; Zoe Elliott, Project Cost Controls Manager; and Rosanna Alvarez, Executive Office Manager. These dynamic leaders will drive the program forward, building on its success and introducing new initiatives that foster leadership, innovation, and community within the company.
The decision to appoint new Co-Chairs reflects CS Energy’s commitment to broadening leadership opportunities for women and bringing fresh ideas into the program. The election process was open to all interested female employees, with the final selection made by a vote from the WiRE Co-Founders.
“CS Energy WiRE is an exceptional program that exemplifies CS Energy’s core values of diversity and collaboration, and I’m grateful to have been selected as a Co-Chair,” said Zoe Elliott. “Through organized volunteer events and informal lunches, I’ve had the opportunity to foster new relationships, which has been both professionally and personally enriching. I’m looking forward to building upon the program’s momentum in my new role, including through establishing new internal as well as external-facing events.”
Founded in the spring of 2020, CS Energy WiRE has hosted an array of impactful events, including virtual networking sessions with industry groups like Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE), and Dominion Energy. The program has also organized off-site networking lunches and dinners, and partnered with the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) to host a town hall aimed at inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
In 2023, CS Energy WiRE expanded its activities to include the NextGen Rally, a yearly event designed to foster team building and networking among new team members through fun and competitive activities. Additionally, the WiRE the World Discussions series provided a platform for women within the organization to motivate, mentor, and exchange experiences.
This year, the program also increased its community outreach with volunteer events at Habitat for Humanity in New York and New Jersey, and at Ronald McDonald House in NJ—an initiative organized by the new Co-Chairs.
“I gravitated toward CS Energy WiRE when I first started working at CS Energy, as it has provided a safe space for me to get to know and learn from other women at the company,” said Bisola Arowolo. “Participating in CS Energy WiRE has facilitated my professional growth by providing opportunities to lead as well as collaborate with other women. I’m eager to work together with my fellow Co-Chairs to expand the impact of the program.”
The new Co-Chairs have also introduced WiRE Walks, a series of 15-minute outdoor sessions where participants can bond and discuss central topics, with the first walk themed around Pride. Additionally, they are kicking off a WiRE Mentorship Program this month, an initiative designed to empower and connect women across the organization through mentorship, networking, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Thanks to CS Energy WiRE’s efforts, the company has seen remarkable growth in its female workforce, with a 70% increase in female staff and 50% representation of women in C-suite positions within just two years. This success is largely attributed to the program’s focus on both internal networking and external outreach, which have helped attract and retain top female talent in the renewable energy sector.
“I’m honored to have been selected as a Co-Chair of this important program, which is setting an example for the broader renewable energy industry,” said Rosanna Alvarez. “The program has facilitated valuable opportunities for networking and professional growth, fostering a stronger sense of connection within the company as well as with other women in solar energy. It has provided a unique opportunity for women to share challenges and learn from diverse experiences.”
CS Energy has been recognized as an NJBIZ Empowering Women Honoree for their tangible and innovative efforts to advance women in the workplace and broader community. Learn more about CS Energy WiRE here.
About CS Energy:
CS Energy is an industry-leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) renewable energy company that develops, designs and builds optimized solar, energy storage, and emerging energy projects. CS Energy has successfully designed and installed over 1.8 GW of solar and 650 MWh of energy storage projects across the United States. Owned by American Securities, a leading US private equity firm, CS Energy leverages strong relationships with solar developers, IPPs, utilities, off-takers, suppliers, and landowners to help our customers streamline the project development process, lower project costs, and create value for all stakeholders as a trusted and long-term partner.
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