WISE Serbia launches first mentorship program for women in energy

WISE Serbia women’s network in sustainable energy, green economy, and climate action has launched its first mentorship program for young network members in the early stages of their careers. Supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation GIZ, the program offers opportunities to gain knowledge, develop skills, and expand professional networks through collaboration with experienced mentors.

The six-month WISE Serbia mentorship program is designed for members starting or just beginning careers in energy, climate action, and environmental protection.

At the inaugural meeting held at the premises of the company CWP in Belgrade, professional mentorship trainer Nataša Vukmirović from the International Institute for Coaching and Mentoring conducted training for mentors and participants. Seven mentor-mentee pairs were formed:

1. Maja Adamović, Director of the Transmission System Maintenance Division at Serbia’s electricity transmission system operator Elektromreža Srbije (EMS), and Jelena Perović, ESG Consultant at Deloitte Advisory d.o.o.;
2. Ivona Milić, Senior ESG Specialist for Corporate Clients at Raiffeisen Bank, and Marija Rošulj, Credit and Environmental Risk Officer at ProCredit Bank;
3. Maja Turković, Executive Vice President at CWP Europe, and Marina Arsenijević, Project Manager at Voltiza Inc.;
4. Aleksandra Lukić, Chief Engineer in the thermal energy production department at municipal heating utility JKP Novosadska toplana in Novi Sad, and Bojana Petrović Raičević, Senior Specialist for Energy and Environmental Law at NIS a.d. Novi Sad;
5. Svetlana Cerović, Head of Specialized Financing at UniCredit Bank, and Ana Minić, Technical Consultant for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at MACS Energy & Water;
6. Ankica Barbulov, Director of Negawatt Solutions, and Milica Vujošević, Energy Efficiency Manager at Delta Holding;
7. Nataša Zdravković, Investment Manager at Ezpada Group, and Sara Ostojić, Lawyer at SOG a.o.d. in cooperation with Kinstellar.

“Developmental mentorship is the best way for accomplished leaders to support young professionals. By sharing knowledge and experiences, mentors not only aid their mentees but also positively impact the mentees’ broader professional environments,” said Vukmirović.

The training focused on preparing to build strong mentorship relationships, empathy, genuine support, and tools to provide mentees with valuable insights and learnings.

“I saw readiness, confidence, and much enthusiasm among the mentors, while the participants impressed me with their achievements, ambitions, and mature views on mentorship,” Vukmirović added.

Mentorship program allows young women to explore their potential

Maja Turković, one of the mentors and co-founder of WISE Serbia, pointed out that the program allows young women to explore their potential and recognize their role in shaping the energy sector’s future.

“With the support of experienced mentors, they will gain valuable knowledge, useful contacts, and the confidence to take the initiative and contribute to the development of a sector crucial for our shared future. I believe these young women bring new energy, fresh perspectives, and insights that can drive the changes we need,” said Turković.

All mentors have decades of experience in the energy sector. Maja Adamović, Director of the Transmission System Maintenance Division at Elektromreža Srbije, expressed her satisfaction at having the opportunity to share her 21 years of experience with young women at the start of their careers.

“My mentee is a lawyer, a mountain hiker, and a nature enthusiast, just like me. All the young women I have met are ambitious and determined to grow and advance,” she emphasized.

Adamović added that topics such as ESG – environmental, social, and governance criteria – are of great professional interest to both the mentors and participants.

The program enables participants to build confidence, acquire practical knowledge, and establish professional connections that will support their further development.

Milica Vujošević, Energy Efficiency Manager at Delta Holding and one of the participants, described her first meeting with her mentor as exceptionally inspiring and beneficial.

“My mentor is highly experienced and successful in the field I work in, which enabled a very constructive exchange of ideas and experiences. Together, we will focus on topics relevant to my development, further motivating me to improve my skills and achieve new goals. I am very grateful to the organizers for this excellent opportunity to learn from the best, and I look forward to continuing the training and future meetings,” said Vujošević.

Ana Minić, Technical Consultant for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at MACS Energy & Water and another participant, shared a similar sentiment. She emphasized that the training already gave her a sense of being part of a unique opportunity for personal and professional development in the energy sector.

“It was refreshing to see someone with experience recognize and understand my challenges and ideas, while also providing constructive advice, guidance, and support for improving my education, personal growth, and professional development,” Minić stated.