Consumers Energy Sponsors Women of Color Conference; Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Careers

DETROIT, Oct. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers are critical to the energy industry, Consumers Energy is again sponsoring the Women of Color STEM Conference today through Saturday in Detroit.

"Providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas to Michigan families and businesses has been the foundation of Consumers Energy for 130 years. While Consumers Energy has increased its hiring of minority employees year over year since 2012, we must do more to build our state's workforce of the future," said Angela Thompkins, Consumers Energy's director of talent acquisition and diversity.

"We are committed to the continued hiring of talented employees with a passion for STEM, while remaining committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to share information about the energy industry, promote STEM to students, and meet potential job candidates," Thompkins added.

The national conference provides a forum for STEM professionals in these fields to network, share ideas and help inspire the next generation.

Seven Consumers Energy employees will be recognized at the conference, at the Detroit Marriott, Renaissance Center. Five women will receive the Technology Rising Star award, one will receive the Corporate Promotion of Education award, and one will be recognized with a Community Service – Industry award.

Helping encourage future STEM employees is important for future success of the energy industry because the demand for STEM-related jobs is expected to increase by nearly 10 percent through 2024. Consumers Energy's Generation Genius Project promotes robotics to inspire students to be future engineers, scientists and workers in technology-related fields. Learn more at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/genius.

An inclusive workplace that welcomes diversity is also an integral part of Consumers Energy's philosophy. Employee resource groups include the Women's Advisory Panel, Women's Engineering Network, Minority Advisory Panel, Veterans Advisory Panel, Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy and Gen-Energy, which leverages the distinctive perspectives of employees to enhance multi-generational relationships.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media toolkit

LEARN MORE: 
www.ConsumersEnergy.com/genius 
www.ConsumersEnergy.com/careers  
www.stemisagirlthing.com  

TWITTER: Follow news and updates from the conference: #STEMisagirlthing

CAREER FAIR: Consumers Energy will participate in a free Women of Color STEM Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cobo Center in Detroit.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

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