Employee Spotlight: Celebrating the Women of CleanChoice Energy

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day at CleanChoice Energy, we’re highlighting some of the amazing women in renewable energy that we’re proud to call our colleagues. These women are making a difference every day and paving the road for females in the future.

We interviewed Marie Schutte, Managing Director of New Energy Services; Erin Guthrie, Senior Director of Brand Marketing; and Jen Walters, Technology Business Manager at CleanChoice Energy about the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day, barriers they’ve faced in their careers, and how we can get more women into the renewable energy industry. Continue reading to see what each of them had to say.

Marie Schutte, Managing Director of New Energy Services

CleanChoice employee since October 2021

Q: Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

A: For centuries, women's contributions often went unnoticed and under-appreciated. It's important to elevate women's stories and achievements so that we can celebrate all we've accomplished, and future generations can see all the opportunities available to them.

Q: How can we encourage more women to pursue careers in renewable energy?

A: Every industry needs people with all kinds of diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Bringing clean energy to everybody, everywhere means including people with experience in marketing, finance, HR, project management, software development, and more. There's a place for everybody in this important and growing industry.

Erin Guthrie, Senior Director of Brand Marketing

CleanChoice employee since April 2022

Q: Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

A: I think it's important to come together to celebrate the accomplishments and acknowledge the work still needed to advance women's equality around the world. 

Q: How can we encourage more women to pursue careers in renewable energy?

A: The renewable energy space is growing and needs your talents! For this movement to succeed, we need skill sets of all kinds. I encourage women who are interested in getting into the space to join a local networking group to learn more about opportunities in your area. Also, never underestimate the power of a cold call or email. Find some women on LinkedIn who have roles you're curious about and reach out to them to learn more.  

Q: What is your favorite part of working at CleanChoice Energy?

A: I love how motivated we all are to accomplish our mission of providing clean energy for everyone, everywhere. It is so exciting to work with a group of individuals who are committed to more than just their day jobs and find true passion in their work. 

Jen Walters, Technology Business Manager

CleanChoice employee since September 2021

Q: Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

A: Even today, with all of the momentum and progress made with women's rights, there are still women who desperately need our help, and International Women's Day allows us to focus attention on existing issues while also celebrating progress and continuing to inspire future generations! 

Q: What barriers have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

A: Through trust in God, hard work, relationship building, and perseverance, I have overcome the barriers of both youthfulness and being a woman in a male-dominated industry. Most recently I have been challenged with choosing motherhood and family over a career path. I have leaned into what is best for me and my family and found work that is both rewarding and flexible that fits my family's current needs. 

Q: What is your favorite part of working at CleanChoice Energy?

A: It is not one thing! My favorite things are the combination of purpose-driven work with inspiring people with the work flexibility I need as a mom!

These are just a few of the many women at CleanChoice Energy who are pivotal to our mission of providing clean energy to everyone, everywhere. As a renewable energy supplier, we help customers make a positive impact on the planet with 100% clean, renewable energy from wind and solar power. Learn more about how you can choose clean energy for your home today, and if you’re interested in joining our CleanChoice Energy team, be sure to check out our current job opportunities.