Kyle Holder Leach
Published on October 21, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
PANAMA, October 2026 – More than 40 women from across the Caribbean’s sustainable energy community gathered for the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) luncheon at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) 2026, celebrating the power of mentorship, professional connections and collective action under the theme “Sisterhood is the Grid: Powering Renewable Energy in the Caribbean.”
Hosted by the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA) and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), the luncheon provided an opportunity for women to connect, exchange experiences and explore ways to strengthen women’s leadership in the region’s energy transition. Through networking and activities such as WIRE Bingo, participants built connections while celebrating the value of a supportive professional community.
The growth of this community was highlighted by Gillian Charles-Gollop, Vice President, Corporate Services at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), who reflected on her experiences as both a WIRE mentor and a recipient of mentorship. She spoke to the value of mentorship in building confidence, sharing experience, expanding networks and helping women recognise their potential.
Our hope is that these connections will continue to grow into meaningful opportunities for professional development, collaboration and leadership
Charles-Gollop recalled an earlier CREF gathering in Jamaica when the number of women present could be counted on one hand. The participation of more than 40 women at the 2026 luncheon reflected the progress made in creating opportunities for women to connect and contribute to the Caribbean’s sustainable energy sector.
WIRE’s development is supported through the CDB-funded Accelerated Sustainable Energy and Resilience Transition (ASERT 2030) Regional Capacity Strengthening Programme, which promotes technical capacity development, institutional strengthening and gender equality in the Caribbean energy sector.
A key initiative under this programme is the 2026 WIRE Fellowship Programme, which brings together 13 women from 10 Caribbean countries for mentorship, leadership development, professional coaching, technical training and regional networking. Charles-Gollop emphasised the importance of sustaining these relationships beyond the fellowship and strengthening WIRE as a lasting regional platform involving development institutions, governments, the private sector, utilities and programme alumni. The aim is for fellows to become future mentors, leaders and advocates for women across the sector.
In recorded remarks delivered on her behalf, Kiesha Farnum, Head of Partnerships and Programmes at CCREEE, compared WIRE’s role to that of an electrical grid, connecting women with fresh ideas, emerging technologies, expertise and professional opportunities. She highlighted the importance of creating spaces where women can learn from one another, grow professionally and pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
Farnum also underscored that advancing women’s leadership is a shared responsibility, requiring individuals and institutions to open doors, share knowledge, champion talent and provide meaningful opportunities for women to contribute.
The programme also featured welcome remarks from Racquel Moses, Chief Executive Officer of CCSA, who welcomed participants to the session and to CREF 2026. Moses joined featured speaker Nellie Gorbea, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico Green Energy Trust, on stage for a keynote conversation on women’s leadership and regional collaboration in advancing a sustainable energy future after her inspiring address.
Dr Mohammad Nagdee, Executive Director of CCREEE, reflected on the importance of building on the relationships, experiences and expertise shared through WIRE, highlighting the value of mentorship, professional networks, technical exchanges and leadership opportunities in supporting the continued advancement of women in the Caribbean’s energy sector.
“WIRE provides an important platform for women to connect, share experiences and inspire one another. Our hope is that these connections will continue to grow into meaningful opportunities for professional development, collaboration and leadership. At CCREEE, we remain committed to listening, learning and working alongside our partners to help create an environment where more women can thrive and lead in the region’s energy transition,” Dr Nagdee shared.
The luncheon reinforced the importance of moving beyond conversation to action. Through mentorship, professional development and regional collaboration, WIRE continues to help women build the relationships and opportunities needed to contribute to the Caribbean’s sustainable energy future.
About CCREEE
The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) is a specialised regional multilateral institution of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that supports the region’s sustainable energy transition and achieving net zero targets through regional collaboration, technical assistance and strategic partnerships.
About WIRE
Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) supports mentorship, professional development, networking and leadership opportunities for women in the Caribbean’s sustainable energy sector.
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