Change at this scale takes work
Formerly known as Young Women in Energy, Joule exists to do that work—figuratively and collectively.
We champion emerging female leaders at the critical point where experience is crucial to development, expectations rise, and support is often sparse.
This is the moment that determines who stays, who advances, and who leads what comes next.
Together, we work to keep emerging female leaders engaged, visible, and connected. Working to prepare them with the confidence and capability it takes to lead. Not someday. But today. The result? A stronger, more sustainable, and innovative energy sector—one that reflects the full range of talent it depends on.
What’s In a Name?
A joule is the unit of energy and work, and Joule is all about the work.
The deliberate, sustained effort required to build an equitable energy sector in Alberta where leadership opportunity doesn’t narrow with experience—but expands with it.
From early career to emerging leadership and beyond, building energy towards gender equity is work worth doing.
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As our impact grew, it became clear that “Young Women in Energy” no longer fully reflected the work we’re doing or the audience we serve.
Specifically, the word “Young” framed the wrong conversation. Instead of asking about impact, we got sidelined with “what does young mean?”
Our focus has evolved to advancing equity and strengthening representation - particularly for emerging female leaders. The name Joule better reflects both our sector and the sustained work required to drive meaningful change.
This is NOT just a cosmetic change. This evolution reflects strategic clarity around our mandate. The name change aligns our identity with the work we are already doing.
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No. Joule is the evolution of YWE - not a replacement of its mission. The organization, leadership, community, and programs remain intact. The new name better reflects our mandate and long-term ambition.
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A joule is a unit of energy and work.
Advancing equity in energy requires sustained, intentional effort - not symbolic gestures.
The name reflects both our industry and the real work required to strengthen leadership representation.
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Joule continues to support women entering the energy industry, but our core focus is on retaining and advancing emerging leaders - particularly at inflection points (the ‘missing middle’) where progression often stalls.
We also work closely with sponsors, allies, and industry leaders to strengthen leadership pipelines across the sector.
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We remain committed to supporting early-career women. However, we recognize that leadership representation gaps often widen within the ‘missing middle’. Joule allows us to broaden our lens and focus on retention, advancement, and leadership infrastructure - not just entry.
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The Awards will continue under the Joule banner. Past recipients remain recognized Award Alumni. The legacy of YWE Award winners carries forward fully as part of Joule’s history and ongoing community.
Our core programs remain - including industry events, recognition initiatives, and networking. Over time, you may see clearer alignment under strategic pillars, but our commitment to meaningful, high-impact programming remains unchanged.
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Thanks for asking! We welcome all support through social sharing, internal promotion, and continued partnership. Remember to follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest information.
Why Join?
We bring together emerging female leaders, industry partners, and decision-makers to strengthen leadership pipelines and move equity forward in practical, measurable ways. When you join Joule, you’re not opting into conversation—you’re contributing to a brighter energy future.
Joule works to build a more equitable energy sector. One that values diverse voices and perspectives.
Because when women rise, the whole energy sector rises with them.
