THE STORY
Lean In Energy: Where Women in Energy Lead
Lean In Energy is an official Lean In Circle chapter — part of Sheryl Sandberg's global Lean In movement — dedicated to empowering women in the energy industry. Founded in 2017 by Katie Mehnert, Lean In Energy grew out of Pink Petro, the community she built for women in energy, and became a structured mentoring and leadership development organization.
In 2018, Katie commissioned the first Board of Directors and Global Community Council and formed a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Lean In Energy is powered by the annual Women in the Workplace report — produced by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org, the largest study of women in corporate America — and uses its findings to drive real, data-driven change in the energy sector.
With over 1,000 members in the mentoring community, spanning the full energy value chain worldwide, women and men in the sector are learning to lead, build resilience, and prepare for the energy transition. Lean In Energy circles meet regularly to support one another, share experiences, and develop the skills needed to advance.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
What We Built
THE MISSION
Closing the Gender Gap in Energy
Lean In Energy is the official energy sector network of Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In organization. Founded in 2017 by Katie Mehnert, it brought the Lean In Circles model to the energy industry — creating a global network of peer support circles, leadership development programs, and a community dedicated to advancing women in energy.
THE COMMUNITY
Women Leading the Way
RESEARCH
Women in the Workplace Report
Lean In Energy participates in the annual Women in the Workplace study — the largest study of the state of women in corporate America, conducted in partnership with McKinsey & Company. The data drives the programs, priorities, and advocacy work of Lean In Energy circles across the industry.
View ReportCOMMUNITY
Lean In Circles
Lean In Circles are small peer groups of women who meet regularly to support each other, share experiences, and develop skills. Lean In Energy brought the Circles model to the energy industry — creating safe spaces for women at every level of their careers to lean in, speak up, and rise together.
Learn About CirclesFEATURED OP-ED
Thought Leadership
Everyone Needs a Mentor
Katie Mehnert writes for the Houston Business Journal on the transformative power of mentorship — and why building a culture of mentoring is essential for advancing women in the energy industry and beyond.
Read the Op-EdWATCH
Sheryl Sandberg on Courage in Energy
"When women in energy lean in together, the whole industry moves forward."
— Katie Mehnert, Founder, Lean In Energy