Women in hydro |
Supporting women, strengthening hydro
The hydro industry has improved significantly, but there is still important work
to do to ensure women feel supported, included, and empowered to grow into leadership roles, says Kelly Schaeffer, Principal Consultant at Kleinschmidt Associates in the US, and Founding Member and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program. Speaking with IWP&DC, she gives an insight into what it means to be a woman in hydro
Kelly Schaeffer, Principal Consultant at Kleinschmidt Associates in the US, and Founding Member and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program
IWP&DC: Please give us an insight into your experience and expertise in
the industry. Kelly Schaeffer: I have worked in the hydropower industry for nearly 36 years and have spent the last 30 with Kleinschmidt Associates. My background includes regulatory and environmental compliance, stakeholder engagement, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing and relicensing, project management, and facilitating collaboration among utilities, agencies, tribes, NGOs, and community stakeholders. Before joining Kleinschmidt, I worked for a state natural resources agency in a law enforcement capacity, which gave me a strong foundation in communication, conflict resolution, and navigating complex public interactions. Those skills have proven invaluable throughout my career in hydropower, where technical excellence must often be paired with relationship-building and effective communication. I also spent five and a half years with the FERC, where I learnt about hydropower, and fell in love with this renewable energy source! Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects across the US and collaborate with incredibly talented engineers, scientists, regulatory specialists, and clients.
What attracted you to the profession? What initially attracted me was the combination
of environmental stewardship, problem solving, and people. Hydropower projects are technically complex, but they also require balancing environmental, operational, regulatory, and community interests.
I’ve always enjoyed work that is both intellectually challenging and meaningful. No two projects are exactly alike, and I still enjoy the fact that every project presents unique issues to solve and opportunities to learn. I also appreciate that hydropower plays such an important role in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.
Do you feel that as a woman in this industry, it is harder for you than your
male counterparts? There were certainly times early in my career when being a woman in a heavily male-dominated industry presented challenges. In many meetings, I was one of very few women at the table. At times, I felt I had to work harder to establish credibility or ensure my voice was heard. That said, I’ve also been fortunate to work with many supportive colleagues, mentors, and clients who valued expertise, professionalism, and collaboration. Over time, I learnt that confidence, preparation, communication, and relationship-
20 | June 2026 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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