Rising Stars

This category recognises talented women in the early stages of their career in hydrogen, who have their foot in the door to grow alongside the sector.

Congratulations to...

Chantelle Carden, BC Centre for Innovation & Clean Energy (formerly Government of British Columbia)

Chantelle Carden is a Venture Associate in Carbon Management at the British Columbia Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE), focusing on scaling carbon removal solutions, a key aspect in the development of low-carbon hydrogen. She has also played key role in the implementation of the B.C. Hydrogen Strategy and the establishment of the BC Hydrogen Office. In May 2022, CICE announced the launch of a B.C. Hydrogen Investment Blueprint that will drive investment in the low-carbon hydrogen sector and lay a foundation for the establishment of a hydrogen hub in Vancouver.

Amy Chambers, Haskel

Amy Chambers joined technology firm Haskel as an apprentice at its assembly and production plant in 2019, making her the only female apprentice and female assembly technician at the facility. She currently heads up the assembly of high-pressure gas compressors, which are integrated into Haskel’s hydrogen refuelling systems, and has been key in training external service engineers on components and assembly of hydrogen booster technology.

Vaitea Cowan, Enapter

Vaitea Cowan is the co-founder of anion-exchange-membrane (AEM) electrolyser startup Enapter, which has recently received a €20mn investment from technology firm Johnson Matthey. She is a keen promoter of green hydrogen, having given multiple public talks to discuss the role of the gas in future energy systems.

DeLisa Leighton, Hydrogen Executive, Bayotech

DeLisa Leighton is a hydrogen executive at low-carbon hydrogen company Bayotech, where she has led on managing and developing a national hydrogen sourcing and delivery network for a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, automotives and utilities. She is also involved in setting up programmes for bulk hydrogen refuelling, preventative maintenance for fuel cells, and disaster response and recovery support throughout North America.

Gemma Harrison, ENGV

Gemma Harrison is a business development manager for Australian gas technology firm ENGV, which represents hydrogen companies such as Hyzon, ATCO, Nel, Hexagon Purus and PowerCell in the Australian market. Nominees note that she has been “instrumental” in the company being awarded its 4th hydrogen refuelling station order in Australia and 7th electrolyser order.

Farzana Khambatta, Advisian

Farzana Khambatta is a senior consultant for Advisian, a consulting firm owned by ASX-listed engineering firm Worley. She moved into the hydrogen sector following over 14 years of experience working on project design, construction and commissioning in the oil and gas industry. She has also played a key role in setting up or supporting associations for women in the energy industry, such as Women in Subsea and Energy (WISE), Women in Worley and the Future Engineers Program.

Danmi Lee, Shell

Danmi Lee is a project manager for Shell who has led on the delivery of Shell Hydrogen’s refuelling station projects in Europe. Nominess praise her “confident and open leadership”, “structured process” and “keen intellect” as helping to drive the success of her projects.

Megan Reusser, Burns & McDonnell

Megan Reusser is a senior development engineer for engineering and construction company Burns & McDonnell. She is currently supporting the development of one of the first pilot programmes in the US to temporarily burn hydrogen in an existing power generation facility, due to take place this autumn. Beyond this project, nominees highlight her “extensive experience in process technologies and a strong understanding of the ever-changing energy market” and role in wider communications around the hydrogen sector.

Martina Steinkusz, Renewable Hydrogen Alliance

Martina Steinkusz is the director of market development for US-based trade organisation the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance. She has been key in building up the membership of the organisation and organising forums with industry and political stakeholders to discuss the opportunities presented by the hydrogen industry.

Gemma Wong, Worley

Gemma Wong is a process engineer for Worley, and part of the firm’s Future Leaders Program. As part of Worley’s Green Hydrogen Growth Unit, she works to define the company’s global strategy in addition to working directly across the hydrogen value chain. She has been involved in multiple projects for Tier 1 clients related to hydrogen generation and process safety, low-emission scenarios for governments and industrial clients, and the use of hydrogen in transportation and mining.

 

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