My perspective on sustainability has deepened since arriving in Minnesota three months ago. I’m an architect and sustainability professional from India, and now a master’s student at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
I’ve found that sustainability is a field with so many fascinating dimensions to explore! Watching the clean energy sector booming globally, I often reflect on how women — especially newcomers like me — navigate their roles in an industry still largely dominated by men.
Being new to the area and local industry has indeed boosted my need to network. So, on a rainy November evening, I caught the bus to the Conga Latin Bistro in Minneapolis for food, fun, and some casual networking. I joined a group of women, femme, and non-binary individuals who all count themselves among Minnesota’s thriving energy industry.
I attended this event not only to meet some local connections, but also to gather actionable advice for newcomers like me. I was welcomed among the group with open arms and a number of kind folks offered valuable insights. Here’s what I learned about how to step into this local, transformative field.
Those I spoke with at the event made it clear that they feel the energy sector in Minnesota thrives on shared values of innovation, inclusivity, and progress. Common themes were the power of networking or “finding your people”, the versatility of the industry, and the importance of believing in oneself.
expected the meetup to be formal and somewhat daunting. (I was even haunted by the idea that I was 15 minutes late! Gasp!) However, to my surprise and delight, the atmosphere was refreshingly straightforward, welcoming, and relaxed. Meeting with like-minded people created the perfect environment to converse openly and feel confident in myself as a woman.
