This article was originally published by the Women in the Global Battery Industry (WGBI) on October 17, 2024. The original article can be viewed here and for more information, please visit womeninbatteries.org.
The Women in the Global Battery Industry (WGBI) made a significant impact at the recent European Lead Battery Conference (ELBC) 2024 in Milan, showcasing the organization’s growing influence and commitment to supporting women in the battery industry.
Successful Networking Reception Exemplifies WGBI’s Growing Impact
The WGBI networking reception at ELBC 2024 was a testament to the organization’s remarkable growth and effectiveness in fostering connections among women in the battery industry. Drawing more than 50 attendees from across the globe, the event represented a milestone in WGBI’s mission to create a supportive, interconnected community of battery industry professionals.
As women from various sectors of the industry gathered over cocktails, the reception embodied WGBI’s core objective of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for meaningful professional relationships.
The impressive turnout and engaging atmosphere at the networking event reflected the industry’s growing recognition of the vital role women play in advancing battery technology and industry core values. Such gatherings have become increasingly important as WGBI works to fulfill its mission of supporting and promoting the development of professional women across all battery chemistries.
“Historically, there hasn’t been a lot of diversity in the technical field, especially in the battery industry. Today, we are working to bridge the gap between women and education, providing pathways for more women to enter this field,” shared WGBI Director Susan Bernard.
The success of this reception, made possible through the support of our sustaining sponsors, as well as Susan Bernard and the WGBI team, further demonstrated the industry’s commitment to fostering an environment in which women in the battery industry can connect and grow together.
WGBI President Highlights Organization’s Growth and Impact
WGBI President Julie McClure, from MAC Engineering, delivered a compelling presentation titled “WGBI: putting in the work to support the women of our industry.” McClure shared impressive statistics about the organization’s growth since its launch in January 2022. Membership has expanded to 275 members globally, with representatives from both the professional and academic fields. She highlighted just a few of the opportunities that WGBI offers, including educational industry webinars, engaging discussions on industry issues, and a budding mentorship program.
Additionally, WGBI hosts dinners and global networking opportunities each year. During her presentation, McClure recognized key leadership members, including Virginia Archibald from Surrette Battery serving as VP and treasurer, Terri Grocela from Hollingsworth & Vose as Secretary, and subcommittee chairs Ellen Maxey, Rebecca Conway, and Negin Salami from Clarios.
Looking ahead, WGBI plans to expand its reach by establishing regional charters in Latin America (LATAM), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and South Asia. Through these strategic expansions and the tireless efforts of its leadership team, WGBI continues to build on its foundational mission of creating a robust, global network of women across all battery chemistries. As McClure’s presentation made clear, WGBI’s rapid growth and ambitious plans for the future underscore its position as an indispensable force in shaping the future of the battery industry.
WGBI Members Showcase Expertise
The conference featured several presentations by WGBI members and affiliates. Alyssa McQuilling from the Consortium for Battery Innovation discussed the Storage Liftoff Award and Innovations Program in energy storage, highlighting partnerships with national laboratories and emphasizing the lead battery industry’s strong position in these initiatives.
Cailin Buchanan from Argonne National Lab, a recent WGBI Battery Poster Research Certificate of Recognition recipient, presented on accelerating the investigation of organic expander molecules in PbA batteries, showcasing cutting-edge research in the field.
Maureen Sherrick, Senior Product Development Chemist at Gridtential Energy, presented on advanced deposition methods for bipolar battery active materials and improving high rate performance and cycle life.
Sherrick discussed Gridtential Energy’s development of an innovative method of depositing active material onto the current collectors of bipolar batteries.
In addition to the women named above, Athanasia-Maria Tompolidi, R&I Manager and Begüm Bozkaya, Technical Manager, both of CBI presented insightful information on CBI projects during the conference.
Industry Support for WGBI
The organization’s impact was further emphasized when Nick Starita of Hollingsworth & Vose spotlighted WGBI during his presentation on industrial lead battery global market trends, demonstrating the industry’s recognition of WGBI’s important role.
WGBI continues to thrive thanks to its dedicated sustaining sponsors Battery Council International (Founding), Hollingsworth & Vose, Clarios, Stryten Energy (Advocates), East Penn Manufacturing (Partner), Club Assist, Rolls Battery, and MAC Engineering (Supporters).
As WGBI moves forward, its strong showing at ELBC 2024 demonstrates the organization’s vital role in promoting and supporting women across the global battery industry. Thank you to ILA and CBI for once again including WGBI at ELBC.
Diversity in the Battery Industry is essential
Throughout the conference, it became clear why diversity isn’t just beneficial, but absolutely necessary in the battery industry. The battery sector is at the forefront of solving some of the world’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges. To tackle these complex issues effectively, we need a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas. Diversity brings fresh approaches to problem-solving, fosters innovation, and helps identify blind spots that a homogeneous group might miss.
WGBI is leading the charge, actively working to break down barriers and create pathways for women to enter and thrive in the field. By nurturing a more inclusive environment, they’re not just supporting individual careers, they’re enhancing the industry’s capacity to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Through their mentorship programs, networking events, and advocacy efforts, WGBI is helping to ensure that the battery industry can draw from the widest possible pool of talent, ultimately driving progress and sustainability in ways that benefit us all.
