AABE Florida extends our heartfelt appreciation to our partners at TECO for their outstanding engagement and support during our recent student-focused event. Though BEAM Month officially begins in October, we are proudly counting this collaboration as an early BEAM initiative—and what a powerful start it was!
Together with TECO and Duke Energy, students were introduced to career journeys, energy awareness, safety, craft and technical opportunities, power generation, and energy efficiency. The candid conversations and hands-on insights made a lasting impact and inspired the next generation of energy leaders.
A special shout-out goes to Julie Ward, Phillip Singleton, Addidas Barnes, Derick Farfan, and Dr. Shonda Flores for their exceptional dedication. Your passion and commitment helped create a memorable and meaningful experience for every student in attendance.
Thank you, TECO, for being an incredible partner in this mission. Together, we’re building brighter futures in energy!
We are proud to share that Walette Stanford, President of the AABE Florida Chapter, is featured in the January 2025 issue of The Power Source, a publication of the Florida Women in Energy Leadership Forum (FWELF).
In her feature, Walette shares insights into her career journey, her role as Ethics Officer at JEA, and her perspective on who we are as AABE. She highlights the importance of fostering an ethical workplace culture, building career pathways for future energy leaders, and the value of purposeful career development.
Highlights from the Interview
On her role at JEA: Walette develops and executes strategies to strengthen JEA’s ethical culture, ensure compliance, and embed values into daily operations.
On inspiring the next generation: JEA offers internships, apprenticeships, and college-to-career programs that provide real-world experience, mentorship, and skill-building for future energy professionals.
On her career path: With an MBA and experience in both human resources and communications, Walette describes her professional growth as a purposeful strategy—one that she encourages students to consider when shaping their own futures.
About FWELF
Founded by Lila Jaber, the Florida Women in Energy Leadership Forum continues to highlight women making an impact across the energy sector. This year, FWELF will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the 2025 Forum: IMPACT!, held August 25–27 at the Four Seasons Orlando.
The AABE Florida Chapter is excited to share important updates about the upcoming 49th AABE National Conference, taking place in vibrant New Orleans, Louisiana.
Updated Conference Dates
Please note the conference will now be held Sunday, April 12 – Wednesday, April 15, 2026, a slight adjustment from the originally announced April 13–17 dates.
What Remains the Same
While the dates have shifted, the heart of the AABE National Conference remains unchanged:
Policy Leadership, Community Engagement, and Career & Professional Development continue as our guiding pillars.
Attendees will enjoy a rich experience focused on education, professional growth, networking, and enrichment—the hallmarks of the AABE experience.
Conference cost remains unchanged.
What to Expect
Prepare for a comprehensive, power-packed AABE experience that tackles national energy issues while celebrating resilience and innovation in our industry. This annual gathering is more than a conference—it’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and lead alongside energy professionals and thought leaders from across the nation.
The AABE Board of Directors, National Headquarters Staff, Regional Directors, and Local Leadership are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you to New Orleans this spring.
Help us spread the excitement by sharing this news with your colleagues and networks. Together, we will make this year’s conference an unforgettable experience.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to AABE’s mission. We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!
Our recent Youth Energy Academy (YEA) in North Florida brought together enthusiastic students from across the region for a full day of exploration, hands-on learning, and inspiration—all centered on careers in the electric utility and energy sectors. No matter your familiarity with energy fields, this video captures the spark that ignites curiosity and a passion for STEM among the youth of our community.
Through interactive workshops, guided facility tours, and engaging Q&A sessions with industry professionals, participants gained firsthand insight into engineering, power distribution, renewable energy, and more. You’ll see students testing circuits, asking probing questions, and discovering paths they never considered before.
🌟 Why It Matters
Hands‑On Learning: Students immerse themselves in real-world challenges, applying STEM skills in a meaningful context.
Mentorship in Action: Energy professionals share stories and guidance, helping bridge classroom theory and careers.
Inspiration for the Future: Watching these young minds light up reinforces why YEA is essential to workforce development.
📌 What to Watch For
Look out for:
Participating teams collaborating to build and test mini energy systems.
Excited “aha” moments as students connect theory with practice.
Smiles and teamwork—YEA is as much about community as it is about careers.
🎯 Join the Journey
If this video sparks excitement, consider inviting a student, school, or local group to join our next YEA event. Together, we can continue shaping the future of energy—one spark at a time.
AABE Florida/FPL – Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum (FWELF) Scholarship
Program Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 @ 11:59 pm (EST)
Our organization is strengthening ties to the Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum by partnering with the NextEra Energy Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company’s charitable arm beginning at this year’s FWELF conference! This partnership has led to an increased scholarship amount of $5,000 (previously $1k)! This scholarship aims to encourage equal opportunities and representation across all sectors of the utility industry by supporting women in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an energy-related field at an accredited college or university.
This award targets women in higher education that are currently in their sophomore to senior years of undergrad. The winner should have a desire for a career in the energy field. Previous AABE Florida Scholarship Winners can also apply.
This award requires the winner’s attendance at the Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum at the Four Seasons Orlando in Orlando, FL, on August 25–27, 2025. The award will be presented on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, and attendance on that day is mandatory for the selected winner.
The registration fee for the leadership forum will be covered for the award recipient.
As the 2025 winner, you will also be provided with unparalleled access to networking opportunities with leaders in the energy sector at the forum.
If you are interested in applying, please ensure all application materials – including your application, transcript, and essay are submitted by the deadline of Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 @ 11:59 pm (EST). Please feel free to me if you have any questions, please email scholarship@aabefl.org.
The Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is proud to announce that applications for the 2025 High School Scholarship are now open! This scholarship program is designed to encourage and support students pursuing careers in the energy sector, particularly in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Why Apply?
College costs continue to rise, and AABE Florida is committed to easing the financial burden for deserving students. Our goal is to increase the number of qualified energy professionals by providing financial assistance and mentorship opportunities to promising high school seniors.
Scholarship Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria: ✅ Be a graduating high school senior who has applied to at least one accredited college or university. ✅ Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. ✅ Plan to major in business, physical sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics with the goal of pursuing a career in the energy industry. ✅ Be an underrepresented minority (African American, Hispanic, or Native American). ✅ Be a Florida resident or reside in an area where the Florida Chapter is the nearest AABE chapter. ✅ If applying for the need-based scholarship, demonstrate financial need and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Scholarship recipients are chosen by the AABE Florida Chapter Scholarship Committee based on eligibility and selection criteria.
Investing in the Future of Energy
Through this scholarship and mentorship program, AABE Florida is dedicated to fostering the next generation of energy leaders. We strongly encourage all eligible students to apply and take a step toward an exciting and rewarding career in the energy industry!
For questions or more information, visit our website: AABE Florida
Help us spread the word! Share this opportunity with students, parents, and educators who may know eligible applicants.
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.
Fuel your academic journey with the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)’s 2024 Scholarship Handbook release. Dive into opportunities in business, STEM, and more with seven prestigious scholarships, including a $5,000 National award.
Thank you, TECO, for being an incredible partner in this mission. Together, we’re building brighter futures in energy! 
