5th Lights on Women Scholarship: Meet the recipients!

Era Skivjani

Era Skivjani is a young professional working as a Renewables Specialist at Fuente Dynamics. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree focusing on Energy Policy Studies from RIT Kosovo, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Management Engineering with focus on Energy Management at Politecnico di Milano.

What inspires you to pursue a career in the energy, climate, or sustainability sector, and how has your journey evolved?

My journey in the energy sector has evolved from a foundation of curiosity and ambition into a path marked by growth and deeper purpose. I chose energy as my career because it aligns with my strategic mindset and desire for impact. The field offers a balance between technical complexity and societal relevance, allowing me to contribute to one of the most critical sectors shaping the future. Energy is not just a commodity; it’s a foundation of progress, influencing economies, industries, and everyday life. My decision stems from a drive to be part of this transformation, to work at the intersection of innovation and sustainability, and to play a role in the global transition toward cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. 

Which course did you choose, and what do you expect to learn from it (have learned from it) and apply in your work or research?

I completed the “Evolution of Electricity Markets in Europe” course an online program in collaboration with European Commission, ACER, and ENTSOE, which provided valuable insights into the ongoing reforms and implementation of the EU Electricity Network Codes and the Clean Energy Package, particularly in response to the 2021-2022 energy crisis. Through this course, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of European electricity markets and the impact of recent market reforms. The knowledge I’ve gained has helped me enhance my perception of electricity trading strategies, adaptation to evolving market conditions, and the ongoing transformation of the European energy sector. 

Are there any women in the energy or sustainability field who inspire you, and what have you learned from their work or journey?

Since the start of my professional journey, I have been fortunate to have had the privilege of being brought up by women who are by no doubt the epitome of intellectual brilliance. I have seen them push boundaries, fiercely break cycles, and genuinely immerse themselves in their work, pouring their heart and soul to what they were passionate for. They have taught me to continuously push my boundaries, always see things through, and unfailingly stay grounded and tied to my core principles.  

Caroline Marie Sachmann

Caroline Marie Sachmann holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Copenhagen. During her studies, Caroline worked as a student assistant at the national regulatory authority, focusing on the regulation of wholesale energy markets. Currently, she serves as an advisor to the government in Denmark, working on offshore wind with a focus on market design and policy analysis.  

What inspires you to pursue a career in the energy, climate, or sustainability sector, and how has your journey evolved? 

The energy sector is at the heart of one of the most significant transformations of our time—the green transition. As an economist, I am motivated by the challenge of designing market frameworks that make renewable energy both efficient and competitive. My journey began with a desire to use economics to drive positive change, leading me to focus on climate change and environmental economics during my studies. I was drawn to energy economics by the complexity of electricity markets and the opportunity to shape policies that accelerate the deployment of renewable energy. 

Which course did you choose, and what do you expect to learn from it (have learned from it) and apply in your work or research? 

I chose the course Regulation of the Power Sector to deepen my understanding of electricity market design, regulatory models, and cost allocation principles, particularly in the context of offshore wind and hybrid projects. Additionally, learning about capacity mechanisms and ancillary services will strengthen my ability to assess support schemes that balance investment incentives with system stability. The knowledge I gain will complement my current work and strengthen my ability to assess and contribute to policies that support the efficient market integration of renewables. 

Are there any women in the energy or sustainability field who inspire you, and what have you learned from their work or journey? 

 Women are underrepresented in the energy sector, making initiatives like ‘The Lights on Women’ all the more important. 

One of my inspirations is Margrethe Vestager, former EU Competition Commissioner and Executive Vice President of the European Commission. As an economist, she demonstrated how economic policy can drive structural change, ensuring fair competition while fostering innovation. Her approach to regulating tech and energy markets showed the importance of balancing competition with long-term sustainability goals. I admire how she navigated complex political landscapes with bold decision-making, data-driven policymaking, and resilience, especially in her leadership on state aid rules for green industries, which highlight how economic tools can accelerate the energy transition. 

Uzunma Imo

Uzunma Susan Imo is an energy engineer, UN sustainable development goals & African Union Agenda 2063 champion, and climate advocate. Currently, she serves as an assistant technical manager in the predictive maintenance department at Eko Electricity Distribution Company, contributing to energy efficiency, sustainable power solutions and championing sustainability practices within the energy sector. 

What inspires you to pursue a career in the energy, climate, or sustainability sector, and how has your journey evolved? 

My passion for sustainability and energy access in Africa drives my career in this sector. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of unreliable electricity and environmental degradation, which fueled my commitment to finding solutions. My journey began in engineering, where I developed technical expertise, and evolved into a broader focus on sustainability, policy, and youth empowerment. Through my work at Eko Electricity Distribution Company, I advocate for green skills, clean energy transitions, and sustainable urban development. The Lights on Women Scholarship will further enhance my knowledge, equipping me to drive impactful change in Africa’s energy landscape. 

Which course did you choose, and what do you expect to learn from it (have learned from it) and apply in your work or research? 

I chose the Regulation of the Power Sector course to deepen my understanding of energy policies, market structures, and regulatory frameworks. As an engineer and sustainability advocate, I recognize the critical role regulation plays in ensuring a just energy transition, particularly in Africa. Through this course, I aim to gain insights into best practices for market liberalization, grid modernization, and renewable energy integration. I plan to apply this knowledge in my work at Eko Electricity Distribution Company advocating for policies that promote clean energy access, sustainable urban development, and youth empowerment in the green economy. 

Are there any women in the energy or sustainability field who inspire you, and what have you learned from their work or journey? 

 I am deeply inspired by Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi and Ms. Anita Otubu, two trailblazing women in sustainable energy. Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and a champion for universal energy access, has shown the power of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration in shaping global energy policies and accelerating clean energy access in Africa. From her, I have learned the importance of integrating policy, finance, and technology for a just energy transition.  

Likewise Ms. Anita Otubu, a leader in sustainable energy and the driving force behind the Universal Energy Facility, which accelerates access to renewable energy in underserved regions. Universal Energy Facility has demonstrated how innovative financing can scale renewable energy projects. Her work highlights the need for strategic partnerships and inclusive policies. Their impact drives my commitment to sustainable energy solutions in Africa. 

Felicitas Ortlieb 

Felicitas Ortlieb is a research associate at the Institute for Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use at the University of Stuttgart and is pursuing a PhD on the topic of Incorporating Societal Change into Energy System Modeling. Previously, she gained professional experience at transmission system operator TransnetBW, where she has held various positions since 2018 and currently works as a senior advisor. Her focus is on the conceptual implementation of the German Renewable Energy Act. 

 What inspires you to pursue a career in the energy, climate, or sustainability sector, and how has your journey evolved?

I’ve always wanted to work in a field that creates positive change in people’s lives while bringing together different disciplines. My journey started with an internship in the energy team at the German-Argentinian Chamber of Commerce, an experience I truly enjoyed. Since then, I have remained focused on the topic, and what motivates me most is seeing the results of my work—whether in a glowing light bulb or a turning wind turbine. 

Which course did you choose, and what do you expect to learn from it (have learned from it) and apply in your work or research?

I choose Regulation of the Power Sector. By deepening my knowledge in this area, I hope to bridge the gap between practical implementation, scientific analysis and policy-making, ultimately enhancing my ability to contribute effectively to the sector’s development.

 Are there any women in the energy or sustainability field who inspire you, and what have you learned from their work or journey?

I wouldn’t say there is one single woman who inspires me. Rather, it’s the collective of women who are still underrepresented in the field—those who support and empower each other to take bold steps, explore new paths, and build careers in the energy sector.

Esraa Elmaddah 

Esraa Elmaddah is an energy engineer, obtained her master degree in renewable energy in 2019upon receiving Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships at Auckland University of Technology. After her masters’, she has been working in the consultancy field for many projects in Egypt and the African region including energy efficiency and management and renewable energy projects. In December 2022, she started the doctorate program in Sustainable Development and Climate Change on a collaboration project between Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia and politecnico di Milano. The project’s goal is to assess the impact of climate change on the Italian energy system. 

What inspires you to pursue a career in the energy, climate, or sustainability sector, and how has your journey evolved? 

It all started during my electrical engineering bachelor degree when I became interested in the energy field specifically renewables, then when I decided later to pursue my master’s abroad to fulfill my passion and study renewable energy , following the masters I started working on the energy filed and became an energy consultant working on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects while being part of “Climate and Energy Policies Advocacy of Youth in the Arab World program” by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Jordan for two years. 

Which course did you choose, and what do you expect to learn from it (have learned from it) and apply in your work or research? 

I chose the EU green deal for two main reasons, first as someone who has past consultancy  experience in the MENA region, I don’t posses similar level of knowledge in the European context which I wanted to achieve and attending the course will be the first step. Secondly as part of my PhD as I am studying the impact of climate change on future energy systems in Italy , it is important to know and understand the European future plan towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

Are there any women in the energy or sustainability field who inspire you, and what have you learned from their work or journey? 

During my work and studies so far I met many impressive women who I consider a role model, maybe not a specific one but in every time I was at conference or at work event I was always Impressed about the stories of achievements of many women in the energy and climate field. In Egypt I was surrounded by amazing network of women in energy field who I met during energy efficiency in industry training sessions , and we were always supporting each other and pushing each other forward which is something I appreciated a lot. 

Marta Schulte-Fischedick 

Marta works at the EU Green Deal Unit of the Energy Community Secretariat in Vienna, where she focuses on advancing Just Energy Transition goals across energy and climate policies in the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. Her work centres on addressing energy poverty, gender inequality, and the impacts of the energy transition—especially in coal regions—through effective policy and legislation. Marta actively enhances youth involvement and strengthens journalist engagement within the Energy Community’s initiatives and is passionate about effective science communication.

What inspires you to pursue a career in the energy, climate, or sustainability sector, and how has your journey evolved? 

Energy shapes every aspect of our daily lives, and secure, reliable, and affordable access to it is essential for health and well-being. Throughout history, energy systems have continuously evolved, and many modern forms of energy generation are still in their early stages. This ongoing transformation and need for greening the energy sector drives my passion for actively contributing to a green transition while ensuring that removing deeply rooted inequalities are removed along the way.

Which course did you choose, and what do you expect to learn from it (have learned from it) and apply in your work or research? 

My work on the EnC Decarbonisation Roadmap (e.g., legislations of Clean Energy Package) and Just Energy Transition will greatly benefit from the advanced knowledge and insights by the course “EU Green Deal”. I hope that the course will enhance the impact of my work and my ability to contribute effectively to Europe’s green transition, addressing energy poverty, gender equality and just energy transition for all. Also, I am constantly working on how EU Green Deal legislation can be improved to address gender and other inequalities. To provide targeted policy recommendations, a deep understanding of all key legislation is a prerequisite.

Are there any women in the energy or sustainability field who inspire you, and what have you learned from their work or journey? 

There are countless inspiring women in the energy and sustainability field. From them, I have learned to trust myself, be proactive, and never hesitate to seek support from other women. Bringing fresh ideas to the table, working collaboratively, and staying determined can drive meaningful change.

Paula Reyes Velásquez 

I am a regulatory expert with nine years of experience in environmental and energy regulation, as well as project development, specializing in energy transmission networks and market design across Latin America and Europe. Holding a Law degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at the Hertie School in Berlin, I focus on energy policy, market design, and regulatory frameworks to enhance system efficiency and reliability. With experience at Chile’s national transmission system operator, energy consultancy, and roles in Brussels and Berlin on the same topics, I explore auction mechanisms for transmission expansion, cross-border market integration, regulatory-infrastructure dynamics, and emerging energy sources and technologies to drive the energy transition and improving reliability of energy systems.  

What inspires you to pursue a career in the energy, climate, or sustainability sector, and how has your journey evolved? 

My passion for the energy sector stems from its crucial role in driving sustainable development and ensuring system resilience and reliability. Starting from the environmental development of energy projects, I have always been fascinated by the complexities of energy markets and the regulatory challenges that shape them, including their technical dimensions. Over time, my focus has evolved toward understanding how policy and market mechanisms can balance investment incentives with system reliability, particularly in transmission networks and emerging new energy sources. Having worked across Latin America and Europe, I have gained valuable insights into diverse regulatory environments. A firm believer in interdisciplinary collaboration, I am committed to designing effective frameworks that support the energy transition while ensuring market efficiency. 

Which course did you choose, and what do you expect to learn from it (or have learned from it) and apply in your work or research? 

I participated in the Evolution of Electricity Markets in Europe 2024 course at the Florence School of Regulation, thanks to this scholarship, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the European energy sector’s structure and evolution. This course deepened my expertise in market design, regulatory frameworks, and system integration, particularly regarding renewable energy expansion and cross-border electricity flows. The insights gained are highly relevant to my research on transmission network regulation and auction mechanisms, enabling me to apply best practices from European market development to broader policy and regulatory challenges in energy infrastructure and market design. 

Achenyo Alfa 

Achenyo Alfa is a lawyer with a keen interest in the intersection of energy, regulation, and sustainability. She began her career in the oil and gas sector and later transitioned to renewable energy, serving as a Strategic Adviser and Head of Regulatory Compliance at a hydropower company. She recently joined Husk Power Systems as a Program Coordinator on the DARES program, advancing energy access in un(der)served communities.

What inspires you to pursue a career in the energy, climate, or sustainability sector, and how has your journey evolved? 

My interest in the energy sector stems from a desire to contribute to sustainable development in Africa. As a lawyer, I was initially drawn to the regulatory frameworks governing energy markets, but working in hydropower deepened my understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities and I am eager to learn on how law, policy, and innovation intersect to shape a more sustainable energy future. I am also passionate about the SDG goals and education and/oraccess to information plays an important role in advancing sustainability. 

Which course did you choose, and what do you expect to learn from it (have learned from it) and apply in your work or research?

I chose the Regulation of the Power Sector course to develop a solid foundation in energy system economics, regulatory frameworks, and market structures. I expect to gain insights into the restructuring of power markets, the regulation of transmission and distribution networks, and the challenges of integrating competitive and regulated activities. These learnings will be instrumental in my work in the energy space, where I navigate regulatory landscapes to promote decentralised renewable energy solutions in underserved communities. 

Are there any women in the energy or sustainability field who inspire you, and what have you learned from their work or journey? 

I am inspired by Damilola Ogunbiyi, Judith Weise, Helen Clarkson, and KofoOlokun-Olawoyin for their transformative leadership in sustainable energy and climate action. Damilola’s work advancing off-grid solutions aligns with my transition into decentralised renewables. Judith’s expertise in corporate sustainability informs my approach to integrating sustainability into business models. Helen’s climate advocacy highlights policy engagement’s role in sustainability. Kofo’s book on the Nigerian energy industry reinforce my commitment to bridging legal frameworks with energy solutions. Their journeys teach me persistence, collaboration, and strategic reforms as key drivers of clean energy adoption and climate resilience. 

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