Calgary Women in Energy (CWIE) is a non-profit membership society dedicated to supporting women working in the Energy sector here in Calgary. The group was born in 2002 when 6 women working in the oil and gas industry started meeting for weekly breakfasts. Each looking to share ideas, knowledge and experiences to grow in their careers, they looked to like-minded individuals who understood the challenges faced by women in the industry. At a time when oilmen’s groups were strictly for men, these informal breakfast meetings quickly grew as more women identified with the need to network and learn from each other. These 6 women were the founding members for the CWIE we know today.

Calgary Women in Energy has come a long way since its beginnings with a dynamic membership now nearing 100 women. CWIE has positioned itself as a strong, dynamic and generous group of professional women. With members ranging from sales people to office administrators, engineers to safety analysts, CWIE strives to help its members grow in their respective professional roles, and make an impact on the local community. This is achieved through monthly technical sessions, bringing in professionals from all different facets of the industry to educate “beyond one’s cubicle”. Other monthly events include a mix and mingler open to men and women of the Energy sector as well as serving at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre.

The founding principles of CWIE include education, community involvement, networking and mentorship. Even though the challenges in the industry have changed dramatically since its inception in 2002, CWIE is still a group where women with integrity, shared aspirations and a desire to make a positive impact in both their industry and the community come together to support and grow with one another.

CWIE has positively impacted the Calgary community through its charitable initiatives. Since 2006, CWIE members have volunteered over 1000 hours at the Calgary Drop-In Centre, raised over $9,000 for the CIBC Run for the Cure and donated their time to other charities like Soup Sisters and the Calgary Food Bank. The signature fundraising event is the CWIE golf tournament, held every July at D’Arcy Ranch in Okotoks. Since the first tournament in 2003, CWIE has donated over $230,000 to local women’s charities.

Planning for the 2013 tournament is currently underway, with proceeds, this year, being donated to Discovery House, a long-term shelter for abused women in Calgary. For more information regarding the tournament and their charity of choice go to www.CWIE.org.

CWIE is dedicated to promoting, supporting and empowering women within the Calgary energy sector. More than a networking group, CWIE is a vibrant collection of professional women with integrity, shared aspirations and a desire to make a positive impact in both the industry and community through mentorship, education, networking plus charitable work. For more information regarding CWIE please visit their website at www.CWIE.org.