WASHINGTON –-(ENEWSPF)–November 18, 2014. At a forum marking the first anniversary of its Minorities in Energy Initiative (MIE), the Energy Department today announced the launch of its new Industry Partners Network. The network is comprised of energy-focused companies and trade associations joined by a common mission to increase engagement of minority and tribal communities in the energy sector through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, workforce development, energy economic development and climate change policy and awareness. Industry partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DOE agreeing to contribute toward making measurable advancements in these areas.
“The Minorities in Energy Initiative seeks to inspire underrepresented Americans to pursue careers in energy – and support their advancement into leadership positions,” said Secretary Moniz. “Careers in energy are providing an important pathway for economic mobility, as President Obama says, a ladder of opportunity for those who want to pursue the American Dream. That is why I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion at the Department of Energy and to working with our new Industry Partner Network to promote diversity in the entire energy sector. It is critical for developing American talent and strengthening our economy and our society.”
Secretary Moniz, recognizing the opportunity to involve all of America’s diverse communities in the fast-growing energy field, launched the Minorities in Energy Initiative last year to engage more minorities in energy through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, energy economic development and climate change policy.
In its first year, the MIE recruited nearly 40 Minorities in Energy Ambassadors and Champions, senior leaders from industry, government, academia, and nonprofits who are actively working for inclusion, access, and engagement by minorities in the energy sector.
At today’s forum, attended by industry leaders, Broderick Johnson, White House Cabinet Affairs Secretary and Chair of My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, Congressman Bobby Rush of Illinois and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, the Department of Energy announced the Industry Partner Network and also released a new Strategic Plan for MIE, which can be found here.
“Energy powers our lives and it will power our future. Our Minorities in Energy Industry Partners will work with the Department to help make that energy future inclusive of all Americans,” said Dot Harris, Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the Department of Energy and leader of the MIE Initiative. “This is just the beginning; we look forward to an ever growing number of industry partners to join us in this endeavor.”
Industry Partners will leverage their professional networks, expertise, and the financial resources of the private sector to build the capacity of minorities to compete for work and business opportunities in the energy sector.
The MIE Industry Partners Network includes:
• AREVA
• BP America
• Hispanics in Energy
• Lockheed Martin
• National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
• Shell Oil Company
• WGL Holdings
Source: energy.gov
