About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

The NC Chapter was chartered in 1989 at the Annual AABE Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. From its inception, the chapter has been focused on ensuring the input of African-Americans and other minorities in the development of energy policy, energy regulation, R&D technology and environmental standards for the African American community throughout North Carolina. In June of 1990, the NC Chapter developed a plan to share information with other energy-related entities and was renamed the VA/NC Chapter. Realizing the need to strengthen the programs and participation in the NC area, the chapter was renamed the NC Chapter in 2003.

The Focus areas for the NC Chapter are:

Legislative
Scholarship
Communications
Membership

The NC Chapter is one of seven chapters in the Southeast Region and includes members from Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Roanoke Energy Resources, Renewable Energy Transition Initiative and others.

Why AABE?

Members have the ability to network with more than 1,400 professionals in the energy industry, many of which are leaders in our most prominent energy companies.

Members have access to:

AABE Coffee Talk Podcast
Career Center
Legislative Issues and Public Policy
National & Chapter Conferences
Webinars
Professional Development

Executive Committee

MoNiqueka Smith

President

Vinita Moore

Vice President

Malika Lindsey

Secretary

Latitia Haskins

Treasurer

Shae Kinard

Historian

Committee Chairs

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The NC AABE committees are vital aspects of our chapter. Our committees are responsible for a number of important functions, including networking and all events across our state. NC AABE members are encouraged and always welcomed to join one or more committees at any time. Please see more information regarding our committees and the supporting chairs below.

Communications Chair

Sandra Williams

Ensure all communications align with the chapter’s brand and communications strategy. The team manages the collections and compilation of articles and pertinent information to distribute in chapter newsletters. They maintain relevant information on the chapter’s social media.

Legislative Issues & Public Policy (LIPP) Chair

Andrea Foster

Plan and execute legislative summits to support awareness oflegislative issues and regulatory policies affecting our industry and communities.

Professional Development Chair

Dana Davis

Plan and execute career development initiatives in support of professional development for members. Identify and share professional development opportunities in our local communities. Meet and address the concerns of members concerning their career development.

Membership Recruitment & Engagement Co-Chair

Andrea Wages

The organization’s membership consists of technical, professional, STEM and energy-related professionals in the North Carolina area, including companies and organizations such as Advanced Energy, Duke Energy, North Carolina Electric Cooperatives, and Siemens Energy.

Membership Recruitment & Engagement Co-Chair

Rita Joyner

Scholarship Co-Chair

Bria Burwell

Work to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the energy field by identifying scholarship candidates and disbursing funds annually to qualified high school students attending college with a business or STEM major. We serve as an active partner in the community by broadening the knowledge base of adults and students about the energy industry, innovative technologies and challenges, and various careers in the energy field. We look for ways to serve and educate the next generation of energy workers and leaders.

Technology Chair

Shawnon Renee Burks

The Technology Committee supports the chapter's mission by delivering reliable, user-friendly technology solutions that ensure seamless event experiences, strengthen communication, and enhance member engagement.

Our Sponsors