Have questions about SWE programs, events or resources? Try asking Enginuity!
MAL FY26 December Event: “Power Women Panel”
Event Date:
December 12, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Summary:
The “Power Women Panel” will feature two engineers in the power industry from both the product and utility perspective. They will highlight career experiences starting as electrical and mechanical engineers as a steppingstone to many interesting jobs and career opportunities. The idea for this topic came from the MAL virtual networking event in July, with additional participation from WE25 follow up. Participation is welcome from collegiate and affinity groups to include Early and Late Career and Retirees. Additional “power women” are welcome to join in interactive Q&A with the panel.
Panelist Bios:
Cheryl Kennedy
S&C Electric
Product Manager – Vista® and Vista® Green Underground Distribution Switchgear and C&I Strategy
Cheryl Kennedy is a mechanical engineer and MBA with 30 years of experience in the electrical industry working for equipment manufacturers. Prior to coming to S&C Electric, she worked exclusively with commercial and industrial customers. After completing her engineering degree, she supported low and medium voltage switchgear products in various roles at Eaton Corporation. While working for Schneider Electric, her focus was on smart building technology and datacenter low voltage electrical metering. She is now the Product Manager for a growing line of gas-insulated medium voltage switchgear.
Cara Smith, E.I, PMP
Consultant & FPL Retiree
Cara, an electrical engineer, has been employed in the electrical industry since 1978. She began her career as an apprentice electrician in the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program. She was employed as a Union commercial and industrial Journeyman Wireman and became a Florida State Certified Electrical Contractor before enrolling at the University of South Florida where she earned her BSEE degree. After graduation, she joined Florida Power & Light (FP&L) Company where she worked in Distribution then Substation Engineering. Cara moved into project management and worked up to the position of Manager Project Management in the Transmission & Substations Major Projects Group
In addition to her consulting work supporting the FPL Fiber Optic Planning & Engineering Group, Cara serves on the Board of Directors for PowerNet Credit Union, the North Florida Prescribed Burn Association, the Florida Women Landowners Association and her neighborhood’s property owners association. She is a Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and enjoys traveling with her husband and two dogs in their motorhome.
Cara has been a member of SWE since joining as a collegiate member in 1993.
Date & Time:
December 12, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Organizer
Members at Large (MALs)
Language:
English
Event Category:
Register/More Information:
Share this Event:
Add To Your Calendar
Summary:
The “Power Women Panel” will feature two engineers in the power industry from both the product and utility perspective. They will highlight career experiences starting as electrical and mechanical engineers as a steppingstone to many interesting jobs and career opportunities. The idea for this topic came from the MAL virtual networking event in July, with additional participation from WE25 follow up. Participation is welcome from collegiate and affinity groups to include Early and Late Career and Retirees. Additional “power women” are welcome to join in interactive Q&A with the panel.
Panelist Bios:
Cheryl Kennedy
S&C Electric
Product Manager – Vista® and Vista® Green Underground Distribution Switchgear and C&I Strategy
Cheryl Kennedy is a mechanical engineer and MBA with 30 years of experience in the electrical industry working for equipment manufacturers. Prior to coming to S&C Electric, she worked exclusively with commercial and industrial customers. After completing her engineering degree, she supported low and medium voltage switchgear products in various roles at Eaton Corporation. While working for Schneider Electric, her focus was on smart building technology and datacenter low voltage electrical metering. She is now the Product Manager for a growing line of gas-insulated medium voltage switchgear.
Cara Smith, E.I, PMP
Consultant & FPL Retiree
Cara, an electrical engineer, has been employed in the electrical industry since 1978. She began her career as an apprentice electrician in the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program. She was employed as a Union commercial and industrial Journeyman Wireman and became a Florida State Certified Electrical Contractor before enrolling at the University of South Florida where she earned her BSEE degree. After graduation, she joined Florida Power & Light (FP&L) Company where she worked in Distribution then Substation Engineering. Cara moved into project management and worked up to the position of Manager Project Management in the Transmission & Substations Major Projects Group
In addition to her consulting work supporting the FPL Fiber Optic Planning & Engineering Group, Cara serves on the Board of Directors for PowerNet Credit Union, the North Florida Prescribed Burn Association, the Florida Women Landowners Association and her neighborhood’s property owners association. She is a Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and enjoys traveling with her husband and two dogs in their motorhome.
Cara has been a member of SWE since joining as a collegiate member in 1993.