The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ President and CEO Antonio R. Flores was among the panelists at the Hispanics in Energy 2023 Energy Legislative Summit “Defining Energy Transition Equity for Hispanic Americans,” on Feb. 15, 2023, in Washington, D.C. The focus of the event was to address equity and inclusion of Hispanics in STEM education and all segments of the energy transition.

Flores was among the speakers on the panel titled “Why the Energy Industry Must Embrace Hispanic-Serving Institutions.” Other panelists included Maria Pia Tamburri, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and employee engagement, Dominion Energy; Christy Jackiwiecz, chief of minority educational institutions, Department of Energy; Daniel Cardenas, co-founder & director, National Tribal Energy Association; and Frank Reyes, board member, San Bernardino Community College District. The session was moderated by J. Michael Treviño, Treviño Consulting Group.

The event also highlighted presentations from the U.S. Secretary of Energy and Department of Energy leaders, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and leaders from energy companies, state utility commissions, and public regulators.

Through collective efforts, HACU and HIE are developing pathways for Hispanic Americans to become energy STEM leaders and professionals through education, workforce preparation, internships, and grant opportunities.