Karen Onaran
Vice President, Electricity Consumer Resource Council (ELCON)
Hometown: Roanoke, VA
Position: Co-Chair of the Energy, Environmental & Agriculture Task Force
About Karen: I have been in DC for 27 years and working in energy policy for over 15 years. I am an anglophile who tried unsuccessfully to move to the UK for several years until I discovered Palm Springs, CA and realized I could never
live in a cold damp place. I love music, travel, and food and am a great companion for any of those with similar tastes!
What attracted you to WGR and how has it helped you personally and professionally?
I was attracted to WGR because I found that groups representing women in policy has lead to many significant connections
and relationships. As my career took me deeper into policy and advocacy, relationships, learning opportunities, and professional development became very important to me.
What was your original career path and how did you end up in Gov. Relations?
My original career path was working as a paralegal in several large firms in DC. I stumbled upon energy work through my involvement in project financing
and became extremely interested in energy policy. I decided that energy policy was my passion professionally and landed my first post-paralegal job at EEI working on electric transmission and wholesale market policy with regular interactions
with the federal government.
What advice do you have for young women entering the field?
Join professional organizations and show up! The professional relationships with others in your field will prove to be invaluable. Secondly, take up space - be in the
room and in the discussions. I learned the hard way that others will not necessarily reward you for keeping your head down and doing the work.
What skills do you think are most important in government affairs and why?
Emotional intelligence. Know your audience and what is important to them. Treat everyone you meet as an important part of your day/work whether it is a
member of Congress, Commissioners, staff, the intern, the receptionist or the janitor. Sometimes it is more important how you made someone feel than what you said.
