International Women’s Day 2026: Celebrating the Women Powering the Battery Industry
On International Women’s Day 2026, WGBI members share what drives them — and what they’re building together.
March 8 is International Women’s Day — a global moment to recognize, celebrate, and recommit to the advancement of women in every field. For Women in the Global Battery Industry (WGBI), it is also an opportunity to pause and reflect on the extraordinary community that has taken shape across our industry: a growing network of professionals who are not just participating in the battery revolution, but leading it.
From research labs and manufacturing floors to boardrooms and marketing teams, women across the global battery value chain are driving innovation, building companies, mentoring the next generation, and expanding what leadership looks like. WGBI exists to connect and amplify these women — and today, we’re proud to let their voices take center stage.
This year, several WGBI members recorded short video messages sharing what makes them proud to work in this industry and what they’re most excited to be part of right now. Below, you’ll hear from those contributors alongside testimonials from WGBI members around the world — a chorus of perspectives that speaks to the depth and vibrancy of this community.
In Their Own Words
We asked WGBI members to tell us: What makes you proud to be a woman in the battery industry? What are you most excited to be part of right now? Here is what three of our members had to share.
Rebecca Conway, Clarios
“I’m excited to be part of the battery industry because of the growth that we are seeing. There’s never been more changes in vehicle and battery technology, which is giving us so many opportunities for growth. From a women’s perspective, I’m incredibly proud of the work that we’ve done to attract, retain and promote women. I joined this industry in 2010, and I can tell you that the industry looks much different right now, and the work of DBE and other organizations is really making a difference.”
Sayalee Abhison
“Hello, everyone. This is Sayalee Sawant and the director of Abhison Engineering LLP. What makes me proud about being a woman in the battery industry is contributing to the backbone of this group. That is by providing advanced manufacturing and technologically driven solutions, which are helping shape the future of energy. What excites me the most about being in the industry is building solutions that are technologically strong and also operationally sustainable. I believe that with wider representation and region leadership, more and more women will be encouraged to confidently pursue and grow within the industry.”
Melissa Oliveira
“Hi, I’m Melissa Oliveira and I’m proud to work in the battery industry, helping to power a more sustainable future. Being part of the WGBI and supporting collaboration across the industry means a lot to me.”
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
What WGBI Means to Our Members
The voices above are just a few among many. Across our membership — spanning technology leaders, manufacturers, researchers, and advocates from around the globe — WGBI has become a place of belonging, growth, and shared purpose. Here is what members are saying:
“By being a member of WGBI, I believe the connections and education we provide will help encourage and support more women as they rise to high-level positions in our industry. It is my responsibility, as a woman higher on the ladder, to reach back and help those behind me climb.”
— Julie McClure, WGBI Chairman, Mac Engineering & Equipment
“WGBI creates a great learning space for sharing ideas and knowledge. It gives women a forum to share professional insights and tips to help advance careers…Mentoring has provided me with countless personal and professional benefits. Celebrating the successes of my mentees is particularly rewarding.”
— Donna Snyder, Member, East Penn Manufacturing
“As a woman working in this field, I was of course excited to join a group of like-minded people who want to be there to help each other excel and thrive! As an outsider coming into the battery field, WGBI is the place where I first truly felt that I belonged.”
— Cora Lind-Kovacs, Member, The University of Toledo
“I wanted to help create a stronger network for women in this fast-growing industry and to promote diversity of thought and leadership. Through WGBI, I have expanded my global network and gained fresh insights that continue to shape my leadership style.”
— Melissa Oliveira, Member, Ahlstrom
“When the idea of WGBI was created, I was asked to be a charter member and jumped at the opportunity. I have been involved with BCI since 1997 and loved the idea of being able to engage women in the industry in a grander way. The whole idea of a Mentor program was one I brought to WGBI and I couldn’t be happier with its success!”
— Ellen Maxey, WGBI Member Education Subcommittee Chair, Clarios
“I joined the WGBI Latin America Chapter to connect with others who share my goals. Being part of a community that shares similar challenges and aspirations is very empowering. I believe mentorship is a powerful tool for growth. As a mentee, I hope to gain insights from experienced professionals and expand my leadership capabilities.”
— Paloma Barbieri, Member, Baterias Pioneiro
“I researched and joined immediately. I saw it as an inspiring opportunity to expand knowledge, foster connections, and collaborate with fellow women leaders in the sector. The events I have attended have lived up to that expectation — full of chemistry, connection, and shared purpose.”
— Marianella Cabanillas, Member, Enerjet
“WGBI Latin America Chapter provides a great environment for women to build important connections within the industry on a global scale. It has been the cherry on top. I feel very lucky and grateful to be a mentee of such an inspiring professional and person. This experience has had a real and lasting impact on my growth, both personally and professionally.”
— Eugenia Montes, Member, Grupo Moura
“The political landscape is increasingly polarized, and that has implications for global manufacturers. WGBI helps us navigate those complexities with broader perspectives and shared strategies, and helps me feel more connected to a supportive network.”
— Gwenn Barker, Member, Clarios
“WGBI plays a vital role in an industry still learning to unlock the full potential of its people. By connecting emerging female talent with seasoned leaders, sharing best practices across companies, and championing inclusive workplaces, WGBI helps ensure that women don’t just have a seat at the table — they help shape the future.”
— Margarita Munera, Member, LATAM Clarios
ABOUT WGBI
A Community Built for Women in Battery
Women in the Global Battery Industry (WGBI) is a professional community dedicated to connecting, advancing, and celebrating women across every segment of the battery industry — from research and manufacturing to marketing, policy, sales, and leadership. Founded in partnership with the Battery Council International (BCI), WGBI is home to members spanning companies of all sizes, geographies, and disciplines.
WGBI offers its members a global peer network, mentorship opportunities, professional development programming, and a platform for visibility and advocacy within the industry. With chapters in Latin America and a growing international footprint, WGBI is building the community that the battery industry needs — and that the women in it deserve.
We believe a more diverse battery industry is a stronger battery industry. And we’re building it, together.