Washington, D.C. — The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is set to host a groundbreaking event, Powering Forward: Innovation, Leadership & the Future of National Energy Security, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. This premier symposium will bring together national leaders, innovators, policymakers, and emerging talent to discuss the future of energy security and innovation in the United States. The event will take place from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., with a reception to follow from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For those unable to attend in person, the discussion will also be accessible online.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Speakers and Participants
The symposium will feature an impressive roster of speakers and participants, including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Hon. Timothy Alan Simon (Chair, AABE LIPP Committee), Harry Godfrey (Managing Director, Advanced Energy United), Nicol Turner Lee (Senior Fellow & AI Ethics Expert, Brookings Institution), and representatives from leading organizations such as Citibank, Google, Idaho National Laboratory, and Synergy Grid LLC. These thought leaders will share their insights on critical topics shaping the energy sector.
A Day Packed with Insightful Discussions and Networking Opportunities
The event will kick off with Voices & Vibes: The Morning Warm-Up, an interactive session designed to engage attendees and early-career innovators in a dialogue about the meaning of innovation. Simultaneously, an invite-only Champions Breakfast will bring together HBCU students, rising professionals, and mentors, with remarks from Congresswoman Clarke and Greg Ellcott of ConEd.
The day’s agenda includes a series of dynamic panels and sessions, such as:
- Building the Grid of the Future: A discussion on modernizing America’s energy infrastructure.
- Future of Security in the Energy Industry: Exploring climate, cyber, and geopolitical threats to energy resilience.
- AI, Ethics & Regulation in Energy Law: Led by Nicol Turner Lee, this panel will delve into AI bias, data privacy, and evolving legal frameworks.
- Sustaining America’s Golden Age of Innovation: A historical-to-modern look at Black innovation driving the energy transition.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in curated networking sessions, including a Networking Lunch & Energy Circles, designed to foster cross-sector collaboration and idea-sharing.
The event will conclude with a celebratory evening reception at Boqueria Penn Quarter, providing a relaxed atmosphere for networking and reflection on the day’s discussions.
About AABE
Founded in 1977, the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the representation and influence of African Americans and other minorities in the energy sector. With over 1,800 members and 40 chapters nationwide, AABE advocates for diversity and inclusion in energy policy, regulation, research, and development. Through its efforts, AABE aims to create a more equitable energy future that benefits all communities.
Join the Conversation
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and innovators shaping the future of energy. Register now to secure your spot at Powering Forward: Innovation, Leadership & the Future of National Energy Security.
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