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.

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