This is a paid press release. Contact the press release distributor directly with any inquiries.

IDEA Announces Recipients of Annual Patti Wilson Leadership Program Awards

Business Wire

Thu, February 19, 2026 at 5:00 AM GMT+9 2 min read

Twenty-One Women Honored as Emerging Leaders in the District Energy Industry

WASHINGTON, February 18, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The International District Energy Association (IDEA) today announced the 21 recipients of the annual Patti Wilson Leadership Program Awards at CampusEnergy2026—IDEA’s annual conference for district energy professionals focused on sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon energy infrastructure for higher education and other campus environments.

Patti Wilson was a beloved colleague, board member, and friend of IDEA. Following her passing in 2024, her former employer, Affiliated Engineers, worked with IDEA to establish the program to advance and increase the participation of promising young women in the district energy industry.

Award recipients (in alphabetical order) are:

Isabella Amyx, Mechanical Engineer, EIT, Nline Energy

Ninabella Arlis, Senior & Green Transition Initiative Intern, Georgetown University

Karleigh Bubeck, Undergraduate and Co-op Program, University of Pittsburgh/Cordia

Selva Calixto, Ph.D., CEO & Founder, Sustainable Heating Consulting

Abby Diekmann, Senior Mechanical Engineer, University of Minnesota

Rachel Dybro, Assistant Mechanical Engineer, Burns & McDonnell

Taylor Mott Elton, Utility Construction Project Manager, University of Florida

Kaylee Esgar, Utility Management Engineering Intern and Master's Candidate, University of Wyoming

Ashley Falcon, Electrical Engineer, Burns & McDonnell

Nicole Lainez, Graduate Student, University of Minnesota

Zixuan Liu, Regulatory Affairs, Corix

Valeria Mera, Energy Innovator Fellow, U.S. Department of Energy/New York Department of Public Service

Colleen Murphy, Lead Engineer, Future of Heat Engineering Division, National Grid

Taran Narang, Director of Controllership, Enwave Energy Corporation

Alexis Omilion, Director, Business Development, Corix

Linnea Paton, Section Manager, Con Edison

Colleen Shea, Mechanical Engineer, CHA

Anoushka Tamhane, Sophomore, Climate Systems Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bea Tanada, Junior Project Manager, Corix

Marya Thawer, Building Performance Analyst, Introba

Ashley Wagner, Campus Engineer, Vanderbilt University

“Patti Wilson embodied the very best of IDEA, with collegiality, collaboration, and the courage to expand our industry’s comfort zone through advocacy and global engagement,” said Rob Thornton, president & CEO, IDEA. “This year, it was a privilege to recognize our esteemed class and celebrate the future of district energy. I am confident our industry’s future is in capable, mission-driven hands.”

Story continues  

IDEA thanks Affiliated Engineers for its sponsorship and partnership in this year’s Patti Wilson Awards program, with additional support from Bond, CenTrio, Ever-Green Energy, and Corix.

To learn more about the award recipients, visit: https://www.districtenergy.org/membership-services/awards-scholarships/patti-wilson-leadership/patti-wilson-leadership2025778.

About IDEA

The International District Energy Association (IDEA) is a 501©(6) nonprofit industry association founded in 1909 and based in Massachusetts, USA. Representing nearly 3,000 members across more than 30 countries, IDEA champions district heating, district cooling, thermal networks, and combined heat and power (CHP) as reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions. Its mission is to foster the success of its members as global leaders in advancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and building resilient, sustainable communities.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260218278240/en/

Contacts

Media Relations
Kayla Fedorowicz, Greenough Communications
kfedorowicz@greenoughagency.com

Terms and Privacy Policy

Privacy Dashboard

More Info