Washington, D.C. — The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) will convene some of the country’s most influential voices in innovation, policy, and energy leadership for “Powering Forward: Innovation, Leadership & the Future of National Energy Security” on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
The national symposium, held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., is positioned to be a marquee gathering for experts and emerging talent committed to shaping America’s energy future. A reception will close the event from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and virtual access will be available for online attendees.
A high-impact convening of thought leaders
This year’s symposium features a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Hon. Timothy Alan Simon (Chair, AABE LIPP Committee), Harry Godfrey (Managing Director, Advanced Energy United), Nicol Turner Lee (Senior Fellow and AI ethics expert at the Brookings Institution), and leaders representing Citibank, Google, Idaho National Laboratory, and Synergy Grid LLC.
Together, they will explore the rapidly shifting terrain of U.S. energy innovation, reflecting AABE’s mission to elevate diverse expertise and ensure that the next generation of innovators includes strong representation from communities historically excluded from the energy sector.
A full day of insight, exchange, and collaboration
The symposium opens with “Voices & Vibes: The Morning Warm-Up,” an interactive session inviting early-career professionals and innovators to reflect on the meaning of innovation in today’s energy landscape.
At the same time, an invite-only Champions Breakfast will gather HBCU students, rising professionals, and mentors for a leadership-focused conversation featuring remarks from Congresswoman Clarke and Greg Ellcott of ConEd.
Throughout the day, attendees will engage in forward-looking sessions, including:
• Building the Grid of the Future – An examination of the modernization needed to support a more resilient and equitable national energy infrastructure.
• Future of Security in the Energy Industry – A deep dive into the climate, cyber, and geopolitical vulnerabilities challenging America’s energy resilience.
• AI, Ethics & Regulation in Energy Law – Led by Nicol Turner Lee, this session will explore the ethical considerations surrounding AI, including bias, transparency, data privacy, and emerging legal frameworks.
• Sustaining America’s Golden Age of Innovation – A historical-to-modern walkthrough of the contributions of Black innovators who continue to drive the energy transition.
Participants will also take part in curated networking experiences such as the Networking Lunch & Energy Circles, designed to spark cross-sector collaboration, industry mentoring, and idea-sharing.
An evening of connection
The symposium will conclude with an evening reception at Boqueria Penn Quarter, offering a relaxed setting for reflection, networking, and continued dialogue among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators.
About AABE
Founded in 1977, the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the representation and influence of African Americans and other minorities across the energy sector. With more than 1,800 members in over 40 chapters nationwide, AABE champions diversity in energy policy, research, technology, and workforce development. Its work continues to shape a more inclusive and equitable energy future for all communities.
Join the conversation
Policymakers, energy professionals, students, and innovators are invited to be part of this national dialogue on the future of U.S. energy security and innovation.
Register now to secure your spot:
https://aabenationalevents.cventevents.com/event/b24668f4-1ae7-48e7-969f-29f2505f5e02/summary