Additional contributors: Laurie Stone, Laura Diez
Top image: Melissa Le Blanc (right) with fellow WIRE members Anaitee Mills (left) and Rochelle Johnson (center)

In a world where success is often shaped by the connections we make and the guidance we receive, mentorship and strong networks serve as powerful catalysts for personal and professional growth. From career-defining advice to life-changing introductions, the influence of mentorship and networking extends far beyond immediate benefits, creating a ripple effect that fosters confidence, resilience, and long-term success.

For Melissa Le Blanc, the journey into renewable energy was not a straight path — it was a series of opportunities shaped by strong connections, supportive mentors, and a bit of courage. From her early academic endeavors to her current leadership role at the Turks and Caicos Islands utility company, FortisTCI, each pivotal moment in her career was made possible by a network of women in energy who encouraged, guided, and inspired her.

One of these key influential communities is the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network, a professional development platform designed to support and elevate women in the energy sector throughout the Caribbean. Through the WIRE Network, Le Blanc gained transformative career opportunities and built relationships that grew beyond the professional realm into lasting friendships. Her story is a testament to the power of networks in career development — how a single recommendation, a shared job posting, or an encouraging word can open doors to remarkable possibilities.

Le Blanc addressing the room at a recent WIRE convening in Barbados.

Le Blanc’s path began with a curiosity around energy, when she discovered a renewable energy program in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies. After being accepted into multiple programs, she ultimately decided to pursue the path of renewables. This decision laid the groundwork for her future in stainable technology and innovation.

Upon completing her degree, Le Blanc was left at a crossroads. She had just spent three years studying renewable energy and its vast potential, but this form of energy was rare in the Caribbean and jobs weren’t readily available. She asked for advice from a teaching assistant at her University, Cherri-Ann Farquharson. Farquharson recommended that she reach out to a professor at the University for guidance, Dr. Indra Haraksingh. Professor Haraksingh was well known and well connected in the region, and many considered her a pioneer in the solar energy field throughout the Caribbean. During this conversation, the idea of pursuing an advanced degree emerged. Le Blanc had never considered this, but Haraksingh’s strong recommendation made her realize its value. Advancing her education in such a rapidly evolving field could deepen her expertise, expand her career opportunities, and connect her with key figures in the renewable energy sector.

Fast forward three years, and Le Blanc received her master’s degree in Renewable Energy Technology from the Physics Department at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. Once again, she was in search of the next step. She stumbled upon a post from the Virtual Island Summit for an internship opportunity at the Department of Environment in Antigua and Barbuda. She applied, had a successful interview, and was admitted into the internship. During this time, she learned about the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network.

The WIRE Network, coordinated by RMI, fosters mentorship, technical training, and peer learning to support women’s leadership in clean energy. Its flagship two-year mentorship program connects senior leaders with early- and mid-career women, promoting career growth and breaking barriers in sustainable energy.

Le Blanc took a chance and applied, earned her acceptance, and set her career in motion.

The WIRE Network at the 2024 Barbados Convening

At the first in-person WIRE convening at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF), Le Blanc met her cohort for the first time, along with a number of WIRE alumni and advocates. One of the guest speakers that year, Rachell Salao-Roullet, was a WIRE alumnus from the second cohort of energy professionals. Shortly after CREF, Salao-Roullet reached out to the WIRE alumni group chat and posted a job opening at her company, FortisTCI. Although the job seemed like a longshot, Le Blanc found the confidence to apply. After another successful interview, Le Blanc was hired on the FortisTCI team.

Shortly after being hired, Le Blanc found herself in Barbados for the next WIRE annual convening. This three-day event featured guest speakers, networking activities, and site visits across the island. One particular event stood out — an alumni dinner with current and former WIRE members. Present at this dinner, alongside Le Blanc and her entire WIRE cohort, was Cherri-Ann Farquharson and Indra Haraksingh, her two contacts who served as the initial catalysts that propelled her from a curious undergraduate student to the energy professional that she is today. All part of the same network, continually supporting and uplifting one another.

The WIRE alumni dinner in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Through a series of recommendations, thoughtful guidance, and moments of courage, Le Blanc now finds herself working a job she loves, overseeing renewable energy projects. Through her company, Le Blanc is part of the team that is installing the first utility-scale solar and battery microgrid in the country. This 1.2 MW solar field powers 30 percent of the electricity demand in North and Middle Caicos. The introduction of utility-scale microgrids marks a major advancement for the country, bringing benefits to consumers, the economy, and the environment.

Le Blanc is now a second-year mentor in the WIRE program. She meets regularly with her mentee, Chrystal Rhone of the Jamaica Public Service, to share stories, experiences, and back-and-forth advice on how to advance renewable energy within their regions. Le Blanc’s journey in networking and career growth has come full circle — once seeking guidance, she now provides it, proving the enduring strength of strong networks.

Le Blanc at the Saint Lucy Solar PV Park in Barbados

Although Le Blanc’s journey into renewable energy began with uncertainty, the support and guidance of mentors and peers helped her carve out a career that she not only excels in but also deeply enjoys. Each step along the way — whether it was a recommendation, a shared opportunity, or a connection made at just the right time — was fueled by the power of networking. What started as a leap into the unknown became a fulfilling path, shaped by those who believed in her potential. Now, as both a leader in her field and a mentor herself, she continues the cycle, proving that strong networks don’t just open doors — they create lasting impact.