Norma Panetta and Dr. Katie Sampson - Leading Ladies

CU-WISE interviewed Norma Panetta and Dr. Katie Sampson, two women involved in the sustainable engineering sector, to learn about their unique experiences and advice to young women who are interested in this field.

Norma Panetta

Norma Panetta is the Membership and Communications Specialist at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA). Her role involves collaborating with individuals and companies to further Canada’s role as a leader in clean energy. Dr. Katie Sampson is a Research Associate at the National Research Council (NRC). Her research explores functional polymers, composites, and nanomaterials for 3D printing applications. Looking from different perspectives, Ms. Panetta, coming from a business and communications background, and Ms. Sampson, coming from a chemistry background, both affirm the impact women have on engineering. “The impact of women has always been there, but it has been overshadowed by their male counterparts,” says Ms. Panetta. “But women are slowly starting to receive more recognition,” says Ms. Sampson, “which is important in order to show younger women that they can go out there and contribute to this field too!”

Dr. Katie Sampson

When asked about the challenges that women face in renewable energy and STEM in general, both women agree that underrepresentation, especially in executive positions, can be discouraging. Norma adds that there is a double standard that expects women to be “nice and demure”. The key, she says, is to “know your worth. Believe that you are vital to the company and don’t accept nonsense from anyone.” She encourages women to speak up and make their presence known.

When asked about the most important lesson they have learned in their career thus far, Ms. Sampson reflects, “It’s okay to not know everything. Take every opportunity to learn but be confident in what you know.” Ms. Panetta agrees, “always be open to new ideas and keep an open mind.”

When asked about a “leading lady,” a woman who they look up to, both women named Joanna Osawe, President of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE). “Joanna is very driven to promote, advance and support other women in this field. Her commitment to expand WiRE nationally and globally is inspiring.” Both Ms. Sampson and Panetta credit WiRE for connecting them to other women of diverse backgrounds involved in sustainable energy. They both reaffirm the importance of joining organizations like WiRE, as well as outreach in elementary and high school, to encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM, and specifically in sustainable energy.