On Friday, June 21, 2024, the Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) held its Annual General Membership Meeting at the JEA Conservation Center in Jacksonville, Florida. This important gathering brought together around 35 attendees, providing an opportunity for members to reconnect, share updates, and strategize for the future. The meeting featured engaging speakers, committee updates, and regional reports, highlighting the organization’s commitment to advancing diversity in the energy sector.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
The meeting kicked off promptly at 9:00 a.m. with a call to order by Walette Stanford, AABE FL President, followed by greetings from Vickie Cavey, CEO of JEA, and Kwanza Humphreys, JEA Board Member. Their words set a positive and empowering tone for the day, emphasizing the vital work AABE is doing to support Blacks in energy-related fields.
Career Elevation Insights
The guest speaker, Tiffani Bibbs, an HR leader, coach, and consultant, delivered a powerful session on how to elevate your career in the energy sector. Her insightful presentation offered actionable advice for professional growth and leadership development, leaving attendees inspired and ready to implement her strategies.
Committee and Program Updates
A crucial part of the meeting was the updates from various AABE committees, where chairs provided insights into the progress and upcoming plans for 2024:
- Membership Committee: Updates by Kaevon McCray (OUC) highlighted efforts to grow the chapter’s member base.
- Scholarship Committee: Derick Farfan (Duke Energy) provided updates on the chapter’s ongoing scholarship initiatives.
- Finance: Kendra Cash (JEA) presented a financial overview of the chapter’s activities.
- Golf Tournament Fundraising: Corey Johnson (OUC) shared exciting details about this year’s fundraising plans.
- Legislative/Government Affairs: Phillip A. Singleton discussed legislative priorities and their impact on AABE’s goals.
Additionally, the BEAM Program updates were provided by Derick Farfan, Melvin Philpot, and Mikle Gordon, underscoring the chapter’s focus on expanding education and career pathways for youth.
Regional Reports
The afternoon session featured reports from regional chairs across the state, including updates from the Northwest, Northeast, Central, and South Florida Regions. Each chair shared progress and strategies to address the unique energy challenges and opportunities within their respective areas.
Closing Remarks
The meeting concluded with a wrap-up from Walette Stanford, who summarized the day’s discussions and reinforced AABE Florida’s commitment to empowering underrepresented communities within the energy sector. The meeting was officially adjourned at 3:00 p.m., leaving members energized and ready to continue advancing the chapter’s mission.
The Annual General Membership Meeting was a success, filled with informative sessions, strategic planning, and a strong sense of community. AABE Florida looks forward to another impactful year of growth, collaboration, and advocacy.
