Like most industries, the utility fleet industry has experienced significant changes in recent years.

Advances in technology, shifts in consumer demand, and government regulations have all played a role in shaping the evolution of this industry.

From adopting alternative fuels to integrating smart technologies, the utility fleet industry has adapted to meet new challenges and seize growth opportunities.

Because of this, today's utility fleets are more efficient, sustainable, and connected than ever before.

As the industry continues to advance this year, it will also witness another first — a Women in Utility Fleet gathering.

The event will be a networking opportunity for women fleet professionals attending the utility equipment EUFMC conference.

Julie Gomez, EUFMC Director and T&D Supervisor, Fleet Services at Tucson Electric Power, who is spearheading the event, said it would help attendees “make new network connections with other women fleet professionals. EUFMC attendees find that the connections they make at the conference continue throughout the year, and I hope that will be the result of this new program as well.”

Breaking Barriers: The Woman Behind Women in Utility Fleet

Gomez has been working in fleet for Tucson Electric Power for almost 20 years. “I’ve enjoyed learning all the ins and outs of Fleet throughout my career. The EUFMC conference has been a great venue for gaining knowledge I use daily, she said.”

Gomez said one of her biggest challenges was “planning what the inaugural event was going to be and the logistics behind incorporating it into our already packed EUFMC schedule. Our women fleet representative attendance had increased by quite a bit in 2022 and this year seemed opportune to offer our first Women in Fleet Utility event.”

Overall, the goal of the Women in Utility Fleet gathering is to meet and network with other women in the industry. “We wanted to give women an opportunity to connect early in the conference before our general sessions kick off, Gomez added.

“I will open the event for introductions, and we will have conversation starters to encourage interaction. While this is the inaugural EUFMC Women in Utility Fleet event, those attending will be asked to help us shape future women’s networking programs.”

Gomez’s final advice to women in the industry is to “Keep at it. We all bring important skills and knowledge to our teams, companies, and the industry.”

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