It is the intent of Women of Wind Energy (WoWE) to recognize one woman each year who is newer to the wind industry than many of us, and who has contributed to the expansion and improvement of the wind energy industry. This contribution can be made as the woman working behind-the-scenes, or out front leading the way to resolve critical wind energy issues. The purpose of the WoWE Rising Star Award is to recognize a myriad of younger female wind energy professionals, but to choose one woman each year who truly stands out for her significant contribution.

2008 Rising Start Award

Elizabeth (Liz) Salerno, a policy analyst for the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) in Washington D.C. is the first recipient of the Rising Star Award.  Liz provides research and analytical support for AWEA’s legislative and regulatory policy agendas, including evaluation of and advocacy for environmental and other policies that promote wind energy and new development. She was the point person on developing assumptions and methodologies for the U.S. Department of Energy’s report:  “20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy’s Contribution to the U.S. Electricity Supply.”

Liz Solarno (L) and Karen Conover, WoWE Steering Committee member.  Photo:  Bruce Bennett