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As part of DTE Energy’s continued commitment to support employees in achieving their development plans and excelling in their work, we again partnered with organizations such as Consumers Energy, General Motors  and Quicken Loans to recognize the contributions of Women of Color in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.

Our company proudly submitted seventeen nominations earlier this year, spotlighting the significant achievements of DTE Women of Color in STEM, all of whom were awarded recognition.

National special recognition awardee, Frenae Smith, was first inspired to pursue a STEM career by her fourth-grade science teacher.

 

“I learned the laws of motion and physics by roller skating in the halls of my elementary school,” said Frenae. “From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be an engineer and that is what’s driven my ongoing work in underserved minority communities, exposing and engaging youth to the wonder of STEM study.”

Frenae manages Codes & Standards in DTE’s Gas Operations 

Women of Color 2021 Technology All-Star awardees Cornelia Butler, Stacie Reeves and Brandi Whack reflected on what this recognition means to them:

I am grateful for the recognition and acknowledgement this award signifies,” said Cornelia. “Receiving this honor spotlights the important work we’re doing in the diversity, equity and inclusion arena.”

Cornelia manages Group Performance and Continuous Improvement initiatives in DTE’s Distribution Operations

“For me, it feels surreal to be breaking the glass ceiling. I’m often the only woman and certainly the only woman of color in my field,” said Stacie. “When you’re the only one, it’s incumbent upon me to lift up my fellow women, to bring them along for the ride too.”

Stacie leads DTE Electric field teams and serves our communities as a Field Overhead supervisor 

“This is a humbling experience and the acknowledgement is appreciated,” said Brandi. “Having a seat at the table is important and I am hopeful that in some way this recognition helps blaze the path forward for women.”

Brandi supervises fuel forecasting and planning for DTE Energy Supply

Our 2021 Women of Color awardees, as well as our honorees from years past, are bringing about a diverse, equitable and inclusive work in the communities where they live and serve as role models to students and professionals alike.

Together, let’s congratulate our DTE 2021 Women of Color in STEM awardees and applaud their significant accomplishments that are leading DTE Energy into the future, by the work they’re advancing today.

2021 Special Recognition:

Frenae Smith, manager, Codes and Standards Gas Operations

2021 Technology All-Stars:

Padmajarani Alluri, Information Technology, Distribution Operations

Janet Brodnax, manager, Energy Supply

Cornelia Butler, manager, Distribution Operations

Joy Carter, manager, Information Technology

Rajashree Gangur, senior database engineer, Information Technology

Kimberly Marshall, supervisor, Electric Field Operations, Distribution Operations 

Sherri Moore, manager, Gas Operations

Katina Murry, IT project manager, Major Enterprise Projects

Stacie Reeves, Field Overhead supervisor, Distribution Operations

Kamilah Scott, project manager, Major Enterprise Projects

Kelli Skinner, manager, Major Enterprise Projects

Brandi Whack, supervisor, Energy Supply

2021 Technology Rising Star:

Sofia Antony, manager, Distribution Operations

Kelli Ellison, manager, Capital Project Implementation, Distribution Operations

Priti Patel, supervisor, engineering, Distribution Operations

Shawne Walthall, general supervisor, Distribution Operations

 

Interested in exploring DTE’s exciting STEM-related career opportunities? Learn more here

Read more about DTE’s 2020 Women of Color honorees.