Meet Katherine Gomez, a project manager on Timmons Group’s Energy & Renewables team in Dallas, Texas, who is dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future. A Texas A&M graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Katherine began her career in civil engineering, focusing on natural gas infrastructure for municipalities and utility companies with the goal of making change from the inside. However, when a Timmons Group recruiter introduced her to an opportunity in renewable energy, she saw the perfect chance to align her expertise with her passion.
Katherine’s drive to work in renewables is rooted in her upbringing. “Growing up, my mom was very ‘go green’ and world-conscious,” she says. “I always wanted to work in sustainability and take care of our world. Renewables is where I can make a tangible difference.”
Now, she manages solar site development projects, overseeing technical aspects such as road design, stormwater management, flood analysis, and environmental assessments. She ensures that the geotechnical and environmental reports are carefully reviewed to support smart and responsible development.
She is currently working on two major projects: Blackford Solar and Hoosier Line in Indiana. Both are 200-megawatt direct current (DC) projects that have been approved for construction and will soon be under development.
As she navigates her role in the renewable energy sector, Katherine has also been mindful of the industry’s gender dynamics. According to a study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), women comprise about 32% of the renewable energy workforce, with the solar energy field having the highest representation at 40%. Wanting to connect with others in the field and build a strong professional network, Katherine sought out a professional community that could offer mentorship, education, and networking. That’s when she discovered Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE).
WRISE is a national nonprofit organization that supports women and other underrepresented groups in the renewable energy industry with the purpose of changing our energy future through the collective power of community. Soon after learning about WRISE, Katherine quickly realized that the Dallas chapter had become inactive after COVID. Instead of seeing this as a setback, she saw it as an opportunity.
“I had the mindset that if nobody else was going to do it, I’m going to do it because I want to create community and an organization, especially for women in more male-dominated fields.”
While still learning the industry, she took on the challenge of reviving the chapter and was later named President of WRISE Dallas. As President, her goal is to rebuild that community, providing a place for people to network and learn from one another.
Katherine plans to create a mentorship program to connect experienced professionals with newcomers to share knowledge and provide guidance. She is also organizing networking events to create opportunities for industry peers to meet, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships. Additionally, she aims to establish educational initiatives by partnering with local organizations to raise awareness about careers in renewable energy.
Currently, Katherine is working to partner with the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) to introduce students to renewable energy careers. “I want to help aspiring professionals understand what this field offers and what the future holds,” she explains. Her goal is to connect students with industry leaders who can provide insights into real-world applications of renewable energy.
If you’re interested in joining WRISE Dallas or learning more about upcoming events, reach out to Katherine Gomez at katherine.gomez@timmons.com or email dallas@wriseenergy.org. You can also follow WRISE Dallas on LinkedIn to stay updated on networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and industry insights.
