Culture and Climate Converge at U.S. WIN

Every year since 1999, folks from all over the nuclear energy industry converge for the U.S. Women in Nuclear (WIN) National Conference. It’s one of the best weeks of the year, and that’s not even because it’s where folks from all over the country end up singing karaoke together. It’s because it is where we highlight the important work being done by women in this industry as well as bring together the industry’s leaders, thinkers, and doers to accelerate careers, expand networks, and shape the future of nuclear energy. The conference is put on every year by U.S. WIN, whose mission is to position the United States for the future of nuclear energy and technology. 

This year the conference was in Seattle, WA! While Seattle is thought of as always cloudy and rainy, it was sunny all week. The smell of wildfire smoke lingering in the air outside was an interesting backdrop for this conference as it set the constant reminder that we are in the middle of a climate crisis. With the global temperature on the rise and longer dry periods in many parts of the world, forest fires have become significantly more common and more dangerous across the globe. That’s why nuclear energy and its place in the clean energy transition are so important—which makes the work of Women in Nuclear all the more necessary.  

If you’re wondering about what happened at the conference itself, the answer is: A LOT! The opening plenary discussed the strategic partnership behind the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility. This was important scene setting, as we learned about how the host state was moving towards their clean energy future. From there, sessions covered anything and everything. There were culture tracks, professional development tracks, and so much more. 

An important part of the culture tracks was a session exploring how Indigenous values can shape a more just and sustainable energy future. Centered on the principles of reciprocity, Tribal sovereignty, and Seven Generation thinking, the discussion highlighted the intentional role that nuclear energy can play in supporting resilient communities while honoring cultural stewardship of the land. Native Nuclear partnered with WIN to bring local Indigenous elders, students, and artisans into the conference to share their knowledge and inspire connections. 

Ironically, the timing of this conference dovetailed nicely with recent conversations around nuclear energy in the Pacific Northwest. First Nations in British Columbia have been studying nuclear technologies as they think about the best ways to provide clean and reliable energy to their lands.  

WIN isn’t just a fun acronym or an opportunity to hang out with fun folks for a week, it’s a way for us to learn and grow. Hope to see even more folks at the conference next year. And if you want to learn more about U.S. WIN the organization, you should check out their website!