Celebrating empowerment: SmartestEnergy's International Women's Day 2025

Through fostering dialogue, showcasing inspiring journeys and providing practical advice, we aimed to "accelerate action" and take steps towards driving positive change within our industry and beyond.

From classroom to career: empowering young women in energy

On 11 February, in the lead up to International Women’s Day (IWD), we were delighted to welcome over 30 Year 9 girls from The Eden Girls’ School, a local multi-faith school in Waltham Forest, to our London office. This visit was part of our ongoing volunteering and charity efforts under our Giving Something Back initiative, connecting communities.

Facilitated by the East London Business Alliance (ELBA), the day aimed to promote STEM careers and inspire these young women to consider opportunities within the energy sector. To make the experience as interactive and memorable as possible, the students took part in a fun renewable energy quiz, an energy trading game and a hands-on wind turbine building activity. The girls also heard from our leaders who shared personal career stories, key lessons and advice they wish they could give their 13 and 14-year-old selves, offering invaluable insights into the world of STEM. 

In sharing our experiences and knowledge, we hope this event inspired a new generation of women in STEM and has helped foster interest in the energy sector at an early age.

Martinis and momentum: celebrating women in trading

On 6 March, we proudly partnered with the Women's Utilities Network (WUN) to host "Women Shaping the Future of Energy" panel discussion and networking event. This dynamic event, aligned with the IWD campaign Accelerate Action theme and provided a platform for women in trading and commercial roles to share their experiences and unique perspectives

Our expert panel with speakers from energy trading and commercial roles delivered powerful messages, emphasising the importance of inclusive cultures and mentorship. The event, complete with themed cocktails and branded cupcakes, celebrated the vibrant spirit of women in trading. This event was not only a celebration, but a step towards advancing gender equality, connecting communities and driving the uptake of women across the energy sector. Thank you to our talented panel of women, who were able to provide their invaluable insights, making this event memorable and impactful:

• Louise Wapshare, CEO, SmartestEnergy Business    
• Sabrina Sabella, Senior Spot Trader, SmartestEnergy Limited
• Kat Mucha, Trading Analyst, SmartestEnergy Limited
• Della Newton, Originator, Engie   
• Selina Paxton, Market Specialist, EDF Energy   

We also extend our sincere gratitude to WUN for their invaluable partnership in making this event a resounding success.

Watch: Inspiring stories of women at SmartestEnergy

Further amplifying the voices of women within SmartestEnergy, we released a powerful video showcasing the inspiring journeys of our female colleagues. This video provided a snapshot of real stories, highlighting challenges overcome and clear the visions for a future where women are better represented and empowered energy sector-wide. 

We highlighted the power of support through mentors and colleagues and the importance of diverse leadership in driving innovation. We also included a male perspective, championing the importance of allyship to achieve gender equality. 

In sharing these narratives via video, we seek to inspire the next generation of women in STEM and reaffirm our commitment to a more inclusive energy industry, driving positive change through visibility and representation.

Watch the full video below:

These activities, combined, are a testament to SmartestEnergy’s dedication in supporting women in the utilities sector and STEM. Through creating safe spaces for dialogue, showcasing role models and emphasising the importance of supportive cultures, SmartestEnergy is proud to actively contribute towards a more equitable and diverse future for the energy industry.

We are proud to play our part in accelerating action towards gender equality and empowering women to shape the future of energy. As a growing community, we can make the system fairer and more powerful for all.