Empowering Leadership & Innovation: The Women in Propane Council

Founded in 2012 as a business council of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), the Women in Propane (WIP) Council has made tremendous strides in fostering diversity, mentorship and leadership development in the industry.

At the heart of the council’s success is its dedicated leadership team, consisting of an executive board and committee chairs made up of industry experts from across the country. The board and committees are dedicated to top-tier professional development resources while expanding its reach across the propane industry.

“Women in Propane offers a solid networking opportunity and a great way to meet different people in the propane industry. Women in Propane supports and elevates women’s accomplishments in the industry while providing astute executive development resources, such as training and leadership courses,” said Chelsea Uphaus, director of marketing at ROUSH CleanTech and co-chair of the WIP Communications and Marketing committee.

With membership open to all industry professionals, WIP fosters collaboration, innovation and support through a variety of signature programs, networking events and professional development opportunities tailored to help members enhance their skills and advance their careers in the industry.

Women in Propane at the Southeastern Expo

The Women in Propane Council is readying for another impactful show at the 2025 NPGA Southeastern & International Propane Expo, taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 4-6.

Staying true to the mission of empowering and advancing professionals in the propane industry, Women in Propane will deliver educational sessions, leadership development opportunities and networking events to this year’s highly anticipated show.

WIP Leadership Forum: Leading With Energy

Kicking off the expo weekend is the WIP Leadership Forum on Friday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. This year’s forum will focus on creating masters of leadership and life by helping attendees develop their personal brand and tap into their full potential as a leader.

Leading the session is Angela Morrill, PPC, an executive coach, leadership trainer and workshop facilitator with over 20 years of experience across global industries. During the forum, Morrill will teach participants how to look at the world and their surroundings differently, dive into their CORE energy and how to advocate for themselves and others with confidence and impact.

Paula Summers, the council’s immediate past chair and founder of Summers Engineered Capital, recalls her own transformative experience at a previous WIP Leadership Forum: “When I first joined the propane industry, I attended my first NPGA Southeast Expo and participated in the annual WIP Leadership Forum, where I gained valuable insights into my personality profile, learning how to leverage my strengths and recognize areas for growth in business,” said Summers. “The group’s welcoming environment inspired me to engage in every WIP program available over the years, which played a significant role in shaping the leadership skills I have today.”

WIP Educational Session: Social Media

For those looking to grow their business through social media platforms and are searching for where to begin, the council will host an educational session called “Propane & Social Media: Best Practices You Can Utilize for Your Business” on Saturday, April 5, at 9 a.m. in the Charlotte Convention Center.

A panel of industry experts will share strategies on getting started, free tools and how to maximize your digital presence. This session is key for those looking to engage their customers and prospective customers and build engagement in their communities.

WIP Roundtable Event

Later that day, the council will host a live broadcast of the “Through the Leadership Lens” podcast starting at 3 p.m. Attendees will hear from a panel of the podcast’s most popular guests and engage with hosts Bridget Kidd and Freddie Ridler as they field questions from the live audience. Following the roundtable, there will be a networking reception where attendees will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the industry and learn more about the council’s upcoming events and programming.

WIP’s Expo Sneak Peak Webinar

To help attendees make the most of their expo experience, WIP has reintroduced its webinar series, kicking off with an episode geared toward the Southeastern Expo. The webinar series will include insider tips on navigating the event, uncovering the best networking opportunities and which educational sessions are a must-attend. The latest episode of the “Through the Leadership Lens” webinar is available at womeninpropane.org/webinars.

Signature Programs & Membership Benefits

In addition to learning and development opportunities at the Southeastern Expo, Women in Propane also offers opportunities and programs year-round for members, including:

Knowledge Exchange — A mentorship program that pairs experienced industry professionals with those seeking guidance, career advice and leadership insights.

DiSC Program — A personal assessment tool that helps members understand workplace personalities, improve communication and foster stronger professional relationships.

Webinars and training — Regularly scheduled webinars, workshops and leadership courses that provide members with valuable insights on industry trends, leadership skills and career advancement strategies.