Kim, supervisor, Gas Operations. "Working with men all day was somewhat difficult in the beginning, but once you know the job and understand it, it's like working for any other department, although at times you do have to be more aggressive. I've learned not to take anything too personally.
	Katie, business development director in a non-utility affiliate. "At work, one of my overall goals is to get the respect and trust of my co-workers so we can be an effective team. I think the same principles of hard work and respect drive those communications - not gender issues."
	Linda, supervising operator at a power plant. "I just happened to be at the right place at the right time when Edison put in a call for recruits and gave me an opportunity to learn a trade. Turns out I like this kind of work because it represents a challenge every day. I go home every day with the knowledge that what I do matters. I help provide a vital product and am part of a great team."
	Sharon, director of downriver power plants, Fossil Generation. "I like the plant environment. I don't mind the dirt, and I don't have a haircut that can't handle a hardhat. I love my job, and I think this is a great career for women. You just have to know which battles to take on. You can't fight them all. And find a mentor."
	Kyra, assistant general counsel. "I am used to being the only woman in the conference room. But I don't expect or want any special treatment because I'm a woman. My belief is that if there are goals you want to achieve, it's largely up to you. You can't make excuses, be lazy or blame anyone else."
	Lynette, MichCon chief of staff. "For a woman to succeed in a predominantly male environment, she needs to be confident and sure of herself. Women at DTE Energy are an integral and dynamic force in the company. Our voice - either individually or in aggregate - is one of the keys to leading DTE Energy forward. The minute you forget that or question that, you've lost your confidence and, in turn, lost your power and influence. That goes for women and men."
	Summer, senior auditor. “There are many challenges and opportunities facing women in the workplace today. Ensuring that my voice gets heard in meetings and other professional encounters is one of my biggest challenges. Thankfully, I learned early in my career the importance of networking to strengthen my professional foundation. The networks of men and women that I've formed, help whether I need advice on my next career move, input on how to handle a difficult situation at work, or insights into what is changing and evolving within my own discipline. Women who have the right skills, the right drive and who work hard, get opportunities.”

The Women's Leadership Forum

The Women's Leadership Forum was created to help female leaders network with each other, to provide a support base for their particular concerns, and to provide knowledge and skill-building to help increase leadership skills.

Women of Finance

Women of Finance is an Employee Resource Network Group, founded in August 2008 to create a membership structure for women in finance organizations that fosters employee growth and development through networking, community service and informal support groups.

At its core is an active membership of approximately 400 DTE Energy women, who work in a finance position or provide support to the finance organization in some way.  Women who participate are given meaningful opportunities to network, to learn and grow and to be of service; all building blocks for employee engagement.

Other Women's Groups

DTE Energy also has several other women's groups including: Women in Nuclear, Women in Power Generation and Women of IT. These groups hold meetings year-round and work in the community to promote women's issues.

DTE Energy is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.