Spark Sessions: Renewable Energy Workforce

Each month we will host a guest to do a deep dive into one element of renewable energy for the KidWind network. Organizers, educators, and students are all invited to join.

This month we are joined by Erin Twamley, Dr. Maggie Teliska, and Chelsea Abner, who will lead a panel on the Renewable Energy Workforce – focusing on women in the renewable energy field!

Erin Twamley – STEM Superheroes

Erin Twamley is an award-winning nonfiction children’s book author, educator (M.Ed.), and passionate STEMinist. She is the founder and creator of STEM Superheroes, an initiative dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls by showcasing real-life women in STEM careers. Through her work, Erin seeks to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage kids to envision themselves in STEM roles, all while promoting a sustainable planet.

With a focus on storytelling, Erin introduces young audiences to the vibrant careers, challenges, and superpowers of women making a difference in STEM. One of her latest books, Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy Careers, shines a spotlight on women leading the way in energy industries. Upcoming projects will feature groundbreaking women in construction, further expanding her mission to amplify the voices of women in STEM.

Erin shares her passion through interactive author visits, STEM workshops, and collaborations with organizations like Girl Scouts. A world traveler and global educator, Erin has lived on three continents and continues to inspire audiences worldwide to dream big, think sustainably, and see themselves as the problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Maggie Teliska – Manager, Technical Services, Operations and Maintenance, Enel Green Power, Battery Scientist

Dr. Maggie Teliska grew up in upstate NY and enjoyed high school math and science classes. Upon graduation, she traveled to Boston to attend Boston College and majored in chemistry. After working a few years in Washington D.C., she returned to school at The George Washington University to further her studies and was awarded a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry.

Maggie sits on the Women’s Energy Network Global Chapter board as Programs Director. In addition, she has authored and published several peer-reviewed articles in the power sources field, including as an ongoing contributor to the Axios Expert Voice series, an online news outlet. She is featured as a STEM Energy Superhero in the children’s book “Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy Careers,” released in July 2022.

Maggie has worked for 20 years designing and deploying power sources, including batteries and fuel cells, for the US Navy and private manufacturers. Currently, she leads the battery energy storage systems technical services group at Enel Green Power. This role involves managing the technical information and problem-solving for large-scale batteries. The batteries will store the energy we generate from wind turbines and solar panels for use when the electric grid experiences a lot of demand, such as air conditioning, electric car charging, etc. In addition, the batteries can help make our aging electric grid more resilient by providing seamless power when needed so that when you flip a switch, the lights will turn on.

Maggie lives in Charleston SC with her husband and cat. She enjoys writing, competing in fiction contests, crafting, and spending time with friends.

Chelsea Abner – Wind Farm Facility Manager in New Mexico and Former Teacher
[full bio forthcoming]