Gunster presented the first-ever Florida’s Women in Energy leadership forum on April 14 and 15, 2016, in Orlando. The forum was designed to highlight the economic and workforce development contributions made by the electric and gas industries.
Video produced by InVision Multimedia.
In the video:
- Carolyn Bermudez, vice president and general manager, Florida City Gas
- Joanna Bonfanti, governmental affairs consultant, Gunster
- Jennifer Grove, community development manager, Gulf Power Company
- Holly Henderson, regulatory affairs manager at Gulf Power Company
- Lila Jaber, former chair, Florida Public Service Commission; shareholder, Gunster
- Beth Keating, shareholder, Gunster
- Cheryl Martin, assistant vice president of regulatory affairs & business planning, Florida Public Utilities Company
- Bill Perry, managing shareholder, Gunster
- Aleida Socarras – AVP marketing and energy logistics, Florida Public Utilities Company
- Betina Terry, vice president, customer service & sales, Gulf Power Company
- Nancy Tower, chief corporate development officer, Emera
The energy industry, both electric and natural gas, are the economic engines of the state of Florida, Gunster attorney Lila Jaber says in the video.
Florida has a constructive regulatory environment, Nancy Tower of Emera, adds. The state has talent, diversity and a business-friendly approach. Florida has a growing economy with an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to development and growth.
Energy is a multibillion-dollar industry in the state, Aleida Socarras says in the video, employing hundreds and thousands of people each year.
The work we do with the Legislature is incredibly important, says Joanna Bonfanti of Gunster. In Florida, she says, the Legislature creates the framework for the policy that the regulators and the companies have to abide by.
The industry is facing a shortage of talent and experience and future leaders, says Cheryl Martin of Florida Public Utilities Company. “I believe there’s a great deal of opportunity not only for women but anyone looking for a fulfilling career,” she adds.
In order for natural gas to continue to grow, we need to have diversity of thought in order to meet the challenges we will face in the future, Carolyn Bermudez of Florida City Gas says in the video.
“All careers in the energy industry are available to women,” says Jennifer Grove of Gulf Power Company. “The opportunities are limitless.”
For over 90 years, Gunster has been helping the energy industry create the infrastructure that allows Florida residents and businesses to prosper, Gunster Managing Shareholder Bill Perry says in the video. And we hope in the future to be able to help our energy clients power Florida’s future, he adds.
For more information about the April 14-15 forum, please visit the event page on Gunster’s website.
