It is the intent of the Women of Wind Energy (WoWE) to recognize one woman each year who has contributed to the expansion and improvement of the wind energy industry. This contribution can be made as the president of a company or as a woman working behind-the-scenes to resolve critical wind energy issues. She can be working in a legal, technical, business or advocacy role for the wind industry. She can be working in nearly any facet and on any aspect of wind energy in North America. The purpose of the WoWE Woman of the Year award is to recognize a myriad of different female wind energy professionals, but choose one woman each year who truly stands out for their significant contribution.

The award is presented each spring at the annual WoWE luncheon during the WINDPOWER conference. While nomnations for each year's award have a due date in the spring of the year, we accept nominations at any time.  Click below for nominating instructions.

2008 Woman of the Year Award

Rachel Shimshak is the Director of the Northwest REnewable Project (NRP) in Portland, Oregon.  She is a pioneer in the wind energy advocacy field, and has been the Director of NRP since its inception in 1994.   Rachel is responsible for putting the Northwest on the map of wind energy development.  Under her leadership, RNP has been instrumental in passing strong renewable energy policy in the Northwest.

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

2007 Woman of the Year Award

Jan Hamrin, President of the Center for Resource Solutions, received the second Woman of the Year Award in 2007.

2006 Woman of the Year Award

Jan Blittersdorf, CEO of NRG Systems, Inc., received the first ever Wind Woman of the Year Award in 2006 for her outstanding work in the field of wind energy and a passion for renewables.

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