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! 

#AABEFlorida #BEAMMonth #EnergyAwareness #TECO #NextGeneration #STEMCareers

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.

📖 Read Walette’s Full Interview in The Power Source

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.

Join Us in New Orleans

📍 Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
🔗 Register Today

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.

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.

Application Deadline

🗓 Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST

📌 How to Apply:
📄 Review the full eligibility details and application process: 2025 AABE FL High School Scholarship Handbook
🖥 Submit your application online: AABE Scholarship Application Portal

Selection Process

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.

To register for the 17th Annual Scholarship Golf Classic or to become an event sponsor, please visit https://aabeflgolf2023.eventbrite.com/.