Mini Thomas: A Trailblazer in Power and Energy Education
In a small village nestled in the heart of South Asia, a quiet revolution is underway. Mini Thomas, a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), is on a mission to empower women in the power and energy industry. With her expertise in power systems and smart grids, she's breaking down barriers and paving the way for a new generation of female leaders.
As I sat with Mini in her office, surrounded by maps of India's electrical grid and diagrams of renewable energy systems, it was clear that this trailblazer is not just changing the game – she's rewriting the rules. "I want to see more women in power," she says with conviction. "Not just as engineers or technicians, but as leaders who can shape the future of our industry."
Mini's journey began many years ago, when she was one of only a handful of women studying electrical engineering at university. Despite facing skepticism and bias from some of her male classmates, she persevered, driven by a passion for problem-solving and a desire to make a difference.
After completing her studies, Mini landed a job with a leading power utility company in India. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the first women to hold a senior management position in the industry. But as she looked around at the predominantly male leadership team, she knew that something was missing.
"I realized that we were losing out on so much talent and perspective," Mini says. "Women bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table – empathy, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. We need more women in power to drive innovation and growth."
To address this gap, Mini founded the IEEE South Asia Section's Women in Power Engineering (WPE) group. The initiative aims to provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women working in the power industry. It's a bold experiment, but one that's already showing promising results.
"I've seen so many talented young women join our group," Mini says. "They're eager to learn, to take on new challenges, and to make their mark on the world. We just need to give them the support and resources they need to succeed."
As I spoke with Mini, it became clear that her work is not just about empowering women – it's about transforming an entire industry. The power and energy sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to grid resilience. To meet these demands, we need diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and a willingness to collaborate.
Mini's approach is both practical and visionary. She's working with IEEE to develop new training programs, online courses, and certification schemes that will help women build the skills they need to succeed in the industry. She's also partnering with companies and organizations to create more inclusive workplaces, where women can thrive and contribute their full potential.
As I left Mini's office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and optimism. This trailblazer is not just changing the face of power and energy – she's inspiring a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of our world.
The Implications
Mini Thomas' work has far-reaching implications for society as a whole. By empowering women in the power and energy industry, we can:
Drive innovation and growth: Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the table, which can lead to new ideas, products, and services.
Improve grid resilience: A more diverse workforce is better equipped to handle complex challenges like climate change, cybersecurity threats, and infrastructure upgrades.
Enhance customer satisfaction: Women are often more empathetic and customer-focused, leading to improved service delivery and higher customer satisfaction.
The Latest Developments
IEEE's WPE group has already made significant strides in expanding female leadership pipeline in South Asia. Some of the latest developments include:
A new online course on "Women in Power Engineering" which has attracted over 1,000 participants worldwide.
A series of workshops and training sessions on topics like smart grids, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.
A mentorship program that pairs experienced women with young professionals looking to break into the industry.
As I reflect on my conversation with Mini Thomas, I'm struck by her passion, dedication, and vision. She's not just a trailblazer – she's a catalyst for change. By empowering women in power and energy education, we can create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for all.
*Based on reporting by Spectrum.*
