On June 12, 2026, the Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) gathered at SECO Energy for its second General Body Meeting of the year. The meeting brought together chapter leaders, members, students, and industry professionals from across the state for a day focused on leadership, collaboration, and advancing AABE’s mission.

The event featured chapter updates, discussions on upcoming initiatives, and opportunities for members to connect and share ideas that will continue to strengthen the organization’s impact throughout Florida. Attendees also heard from guest speakers and chapter leadership, who reinforced the importance of developing the next generation of energy professionals through mentorship, education, and community engagement.

The Florida Chapter extends its sincere appreciation to SECO Energy for hosting this year’s General Body Meeting and to everyone who attended and contributed to another successful event.

We look forward to seeing our members at upcoming chapter events as we continue working together to educate, empower, and elevate the future of energy in Florida.

Our chapter was recognized at the Mentoring Families & Kids (MFK) Annual Achievements Awards, and the words on the award said it all:

“Thank you for your dedication and the time you’ve spent. Your words have inspired, empowered, and encouraged the next generation to dream bigger and pursue their goals with more confidence.”

We also must recognize Mae King, founder of Mentoring Families & Kids, who is celebrating an incredible 21 years of pouring into young people across our community. That kind of commitment changes lives, and we’re honored to stand alongside an organization doing this work.

Investing in the next generation is at the very heart of what AABE is about. To be recognized for it means more than I can say.

If this work speaks to you, I’d love for you to get involved. Whether it’s mentoring with MFK or joining us at AABE, there’s a place for you. Reach out and let’s connect.

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!