Meet the Women in Energy 2025 Woman of the Year

Women in Energy was founded in 2018, and since that time, the organization has taken strategic steps to create opportunities to boost mentorship and growth opportunities in the oil and energy industry. 

As part of this goal, Women in Energy features one woman each year as the recipient of its “Woman of the Year” award. Women in Energy named Pam Giordano, director at Cetane Associates, as its 2025 award honoree. BPN reached out to Giordano to learn more about her role in the energy industry and her perspective on the growing opportunities for women in propane. 

Congratulations on winning the Woman of the Year award from Women in Energy. Can you describe your journey in the energy industry and your current involvement in this sector? 

Giordano: I began my career as an accounts payable clerk for a heating company in New Hampshire. I will not tell you how many years ago! I did that for a period and then took a few years off to stay home with my children. I returned to the industry as a part-time customer service representative, and became office manager and later director of operations of a company in New Hampshire. I went on to run a heating company in Maine for a few years before joining Cetane Associates as director in 2023. I am currently a director with Cetane, a mergers and acquisitions firm focused on the home services industry. I also serve as vice president of Women in Energy. 

What achievement are you most proud of in your career? 

I have been honored several times throughout my career. I was the first female chairperson of the Oil Heat Council of New Hampshire (now the Energy Marketers of New Hampshire). I was named Marketer of the Year by them as well. I was also named a NEFI Legend and most recently honored as Woman of the Year by Woman in Energy. Recognition by my peers is nothing short of amazing, and while those awards mean a great deal to me, what matters most goes beyond trophies and plaques. The relationships I have built within the industry have been the most meaningful to me. To get a call from other women in the industry asking for career advice, or when former employees call to check in, that means I have made an impact, and it is a great feeling. I have a stack of cards from former employees and coworkers filled with such kind words that mean the world to me. I even had a former driver ask me to officiate his wedding. His fiancee later said that was the only thing he asked for when planning the wedding. How can you top that? 

Describe what Women in Energy means to you and the role it plays in the energy sector. 

First, I want to say that it is not just open to women. Men are more than welcome and are encouraged to not just join, but to participate. And we have several who do just that. There is no ‘man-bashing.’ I cannot say enough good things about Women in Energy. It is a wonderful opportunity for women to connect with others in the industry. We have an amazing conference every year in the fall. The energy generated is fantastic and unique from other conferences. Whether attendees go to network, teach, learn or all three, everyone attending truly wants to be there. The networking, friendship-building and camaraderie is inspiring. 

What would you say are the biggest obstacles facing women working in energy today? 

Women are still facing an uphill battle in certain sectors of this industry. While times are changing, it is still a male-dominated business. I recently saw a picture on LinkedIn of a company in the industry — nine men and one woman. So off balance. I have also talked to women who were asked to cover a higher-level position, while still doing their own job. That position was later filled by a male. Why are women good enough to fill in, but not get the job or even be asked to apply? Others have told me this is not an industry they would suggest women get into. Unfortunately, those are things that I still hear about. But it has improved over the years. As more and more intelligent, energetic, capable women enter the industry, it will continue to improve. There are so many amazing daughters running their parents’ companies and doing an incredible job. The industry has a great future as the number of women in it continues to grow. 

What kind of support has made the most difference in your own career? 

In my early days as a manager at a heating company, there were no more than a handful of women attending meetings of the Oil Heat Council of New Hampshire. With the exception of a few, I was accepted as an equal. I was fortunate to have an amazing mentor who took me under his wing, as well as others who were always just a phone call away, always willing to share insights. It was an exceptional group of people to work with. I’ve had, and continue to have, extraordinary bosses and coworkers who have taught me so much. I’m never afraid to pick up the phone and ask for help or admit to not knowing something. They always have my back. I also have been blessed with a sensational group of friends I have made in the industry over the years, and they are always there for me when I need them. They have all helped in my career development. 

Have there been any changes in the energy sector that have stood out to you regarding opportunities available to women? 

Over time, there has been a shift in education for women. While I was of the cooking and sewing education generation, a few years ago, schools began to push for girls to get more involved in math and science. And women have consistently proven their capability in every field and occupation. Training and education are not limited to men only, and as acceptance of women in these careers continues to grow, opportunities will continue to open. 

What advice would you give a woman just starting a career in the energy sector? 

The best piece of advice I can give a woman starting out in this industry is to join a group like Women in Energy or Women in Propane. These groups are excellent places to network. The women who are members bring a wealth of knowledge and are happy to share it. They also provide a terrific support system. These organizations offer webinars, conferences and networking events. I would also tell them that some days are hard. Depending on which area of the energy sector they work in, the days can be long. Most companies in this industry are still male dominated, but there are plenty of women who are happy to be a resource. Reach out! You are not alone; you are among friends. 

How do you expect workplace dynamics to shift as more women enter energy workforces? 

As the next generation of women and men enter this industry, the dynamics will continue to shift. Women are continuing to prove how valuable they are to a company, in all aspects: owner, manager, driver, service technician. And the younger generation of men have been raised by working mothers, so I think that will help. They are used to seeing women work and the ‘traditionally male industry’ will soon be a thing of the past. 

How does Women in Energy engage with other energy associations? 

Propane is a newer part of my career, and while I’m not directly involved with Women in Propane, I know there are women in the industry who are actively involved in both organizations. Women in Energy is currently in strategic planning discussions, and engaging with other organizations has been a focus of the conversation — so stay tuned. 

What actionable strategies can energy providers use to make their workplaces more inclusive of female employees? 

A few suggestions that I have for managers: Have more of your staff join a group like Women in Energy, and not just the women. Male owners, managers and staff should participate. Come to the conference, listen, ask questions. You may learn a few things. Talk to your female staff. Ask them how they feel, what they want or need, etc. Take a really good look at yourself, as well as at your company. How are the women treated within your organization? Are you walking or just talking? Follow through! Reach out for help and suggestions. 

What area of the energy sector are you most focused on right now? 

I wouldn’t say that I am focused on a specific sector of the energy industry. Instead, there are a few things that I like to focus on in broader terms. At Cetane, while we have a beautiful office in Houston, about 75% of the team works remotely across multiple states and time zones. I make a point to check in with everyone on a regular basis. While a Teams call is not the same as being there in person, you can see someone’s face and have a check-in call. I have been called the mother of the group, which I take as a compliment. That sense of connection is a positive, not only for me but for the entire team. I like to check in with several of the women in energy as well. I also enjoy that I have been able to help out with a few charitable endeavors. Cetane has been a big supporter of the Safe House Project. We created educational videos to help people in the energy industry, as well as other industries, recognize the signs of human trafficking and understand how to report it. It has been heartwarming to see how the industry has jumped on it and trained their staff. It is making a real impact — we are truly saving lives. How amazing is that! I have also been involved in several charitable activities through Women in Energy. We have donated work clothes to Dress for Success in Rhode Island, household items to support transitional housing, toys for Toys for Tots in New Hampshire, and several hundred feminine hygiene kits to HomeFront New Jersey. Those endeavors have been a major focus for me.