Stories of Women Leaders in Energy: Ms Seda Shahinyan
In an era where the conversation about gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields is gaining momentum, Seda Shahinyan’s story stands out as an inspiration for young women at the early stage of their careers. As a Commissioner at the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) of the Republic of Armenia, she provides unique insights into her journey, the challenges she faces, and the hopes she has for future generations of women in the energy sector.
Seda's path into the energy sector began nearly two decades ago when she was advised by her friend to apply for a position at PSRC. The role seemed exciting and prestigious, and reflecting back, she recognises that this spontaneous choice was one of the defining moments of her career.
Over the years, she ascended into various leadership roles, ultimately becoming a Commissioner. “There were moments when I was the only woman in the room, which required resilience, confidence, and a continuous effort to prove my value through competence and dedication.” For Seda, true leadership embodies commitment, knowledge, and the ability to share and build trust among stakeholders.
In her role at PSRC, Ms Shahinyan faces several pressing challenges. “The most significant challenge has always been maintaining balance between the interests of consumers, regulated entities, and the state,” she explains. This delicate equilibrium is further complicated by the need to align long-term policy goals, like transitioning to green energy, with the immediate necessity of ensuring reliability and sustainability in the energy system. Moreover, Seda is focused on implementing reforms in line with EU standards, which requires a careful balance between ambitious objectives and the realities of Armenia’s domestic consumer needs.
Seda's journey offers vital lessons for young women exploring their career options. "Don’t be afraid to be the only woman in the room," she encourages. She emphasises the importance of self-confidence and urges: “Seek out mentors, stay curious, and be open to lifelong learning. Don’t hesitate to make your opinion heard—your voice matters.” The energy sector, she insists, needs diverse voices to tackle its complex challenges and build a sustainable future.
When it comes to addressing the gender gap in STEM, Ms Shahinyan advocates for a holistic, multifaceted approach. “We need early STEM education for girls, targeted scholarships, mentoring programs, and supportive workplace policies such as flexible schedules and leadership training for women,” she outlines.
Importantly, she points to the significance of visibility. “When young women see female role models in leadership, it inspires confidence. Currently, women make up 65% of the PSRC staff of which 35% hold leadership positions, showcasing our commitment to gender equality.”
Professionally, one of Seda's proudest accomplishments has been contributing to key reforms in Armenia’s regulated sectors, particularly in the liberalisation of the electricity market over the past five years. “It’s been a challenging but deeply rewarding journey,” she reflects.
On a personal level, she cherishes her ability to demonstrate that every voice matters, embodying the belief that creating value in work and fostering meaningful relationships contribute to true fulfilment and motivation.
As she looks ahead, Seda is committed to ensuring her positive influence continues to impact the energy sector and the broader community. “I strive to deepen my knowledge of international regulatory practices and participate actively in reform initiatives,” she notes,“ however, maintaining a healthy and sustainable work-life balance requires conscious prioritisation.” Following the principle of “first things first” helps her allocate time and energy meaningfully across both realms. She has learned the importance of setting clear boundaries and delegating responsibilities, ensuring she can uphold her personal values without compromising her professional standards.
Seda Shahinyan’s journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of equality in the energy sector. Her story not only inspires women considering careers in STEM but also highlights the importance of inclusive leadership in shaping a sustainable future.
EU4Energy promotes gender equality and encourages greater participation and visibility of women in the energy sector through a series of interviews on its Blog: Women in Energy. The aim of the Blog is to promote professions in the energy/power sector towards women and raise awareness about the women who contribute to its development, as well as about promising women who are taking their first steps in the profession. The Blog aims to encourage the young female generation to choose a profession in the energy/power sector and discover the advantages and adventures associated with it.
