Goal 5: Overcoming gender bias by studying renewables for a green future

Changing the world and following your aspirations, all within the same story. This is the path of Kaylie Tippit, who studies at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), a public technical college in Waco that prepares technicians specializing in various fields, including renewable energy. The luggage for this journey includes determination, and a desire to work every day in transforming the world into a better, cleaner and more sustainable place through renewable energy. Enel North America has also been part of her journey, contributing a scholarship through our community engagement program that aims to generate value in the surrounding communities where our renewables projects operate. This program promotes STEM careers, support women in energy and foster a just job energy transition so we can create job opportunities for local community members. Kaylie was selected to be the recipient of an Enel scholarship as part of this program and continue her studies this semester. Energy, a long-standing passion Kaylie Tippit has nurtured her passion for energy since she was in high school, when she decided to take a course in "Electrical Technology." This is a subject that is still male-dominated, so much so that Kaylie says: "I was the only girl taking that course, which actually included other subjects, such as plumbing and carpentry. One semester we took electricity, and it was love at first sight. Well-made wiring is both necessary and an art form: it won over my heart. "So, some teachers spoke to Kaylie about Texas State Technical College. This unique university offers what is known in the Waco campus as the “Triple Crown” program: an Associate of Applied Science degree in Solar Energy Technology and certificates in Electrical Construction and Energy Efficiency Specialist. A scholarship to nurture dreams And so today Kaylie Tippit is in the second year of a three-year course, but getting this far hasn’t been easy. Indeed, when she enrolled in college, she did not have many financial resources and at one point she feared she would not be able to continue her studies. "In the first semester I gave it my all but I had no more money to continue so I sought help. I didn't want the financial problem to prevent me from achieving my dreams. My teachers saw that I was working hard and they helped me look for solutions. So, I applied for a scholarship from Enel and I couldn't believe it when I heard that I had got it. That scholarship changed my life and it will enable me to become the woman I want to be." The true grit and determination of all young women In this journey Kaylie Tippit found support and inspiration in other women: "At my high school, a girl had won a scholarship to play college football. Knowing that I was not alone, knowing that someone else had made it, inspired me and gave me the strength not to give up. Even when I got into energy, the boys were very hard on me at first, they either they didn't respect me or they were intimidated, but still they thought I didn't fit in." If inspiration has been so important to Kaylie, then she hopes that other girls can follow in her footsteps by breaking gender stereotypes. This is already happening at TSTC. "There are girls out there who have potential, have passions but are afraid to follow them. I tell them not to let anything or anyone (money, prejudice, or obstacles) stand between them and their dreams. We need their grit and determination. I hope they too can get on the field and get their hands dirty to make the world a better and safer place."

{{ currentMenugamenu.label }}

{{ currentSubMenugamenu.label }}

{{ card.title }}

{{ currentSubMenugamenu.numbers.title }}

Goal 5: Overcoming gender bias by studying renewables for a green future

Goal 5: Overcoming gender bias by studying renewables for a green future