On November 16, 2023 the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association announced their recipients of their annual clean energy leadership awards. These recipients were selected from more than 300 member organizations and individuals who are contributing to sustainable and accessible clean energy in the North Carolina economy. Awards were announced in the categories of Sustainable Energy Business of the Year, Individual Sustainable Energy Leader of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion in Sustainable Energy, Women in Clean Energy, Lifetime Achievement, and Legislator of the Year. Dr. Rita Joyner was awarded the Women in Clean Energy award.
Dr. Joyner led the Women in Clean Energy (WICE) over the past two years, and created a 800+ member community through it. She has empowered women in clean energy through mentorship, networking, and community events. She has led efforts to relaunch the WICE mentorship program and create the foundational pillars of WICE, which are Personal Development, Gender Equity and Equality, Mentorship, and Leadership. Her work in creating an inclusive community in the clean energy field has generated momentum towards diversifying the industry and field.
Dr. Joyner is currently a graduate professor in the Masters in Technology program in the STBE department. She is also the faculty liasion for the STBE advisory board, undergraduate honors advisor, and company outreach coordinator for the department.
