Women Shaping the Energy Future: Ms Natalia Maksymenko

The energy sector is often described as one of the most dynamic and transformative fields of our time. For Natalia Maksymenko, Chief Specialist at the Department of Retail Electricity Market of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission of Ukraine (NEURC), it also became an unexpected opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Natalia's professional journey did not begin in energy. A lawyer by education, she entered the sector in late 2020 while completing her postgraduate studies, just as Ukraine was undertaking major reforms of its electricity market. What initially seemed like unfamiliar territory quickly became a vocation. "I entered the energy sector by chance," she reflects. "But every new role is an opportunity to grow yourself and help others grow too."

Her legal expertise proved invaluable in a field where legislation, regulation and EU integration intersect daily. Today, Natalia contributes to developing the legal and regulatory framework governing Ukraine's retail electricity market, supporting reforms that bring the country's legislation closer to EU standards.

Working in energy regulation means operating in an environment of constant change. New legislation, evolving market rules and the ongoing implementation of European directives require continuous learning and adaptation. For Ukraine, these challenges are further intensified by the realities of war. "Maintaining a stable regulatory environment during wartime is no small task," Natalia says. "What keeps me moving forward is perseverance and confidence that our work truly matters."

Her motivation comes from understanding the tangible impact of regulation on people's everyday lives. Behind every legislative amendment and regulatory decision are households that depend on reliable electricity and businesses that rely on a functioning market. Despite the challenges, Natalia sees enormous potential in the future of the energy sector and an increasingly important role for women within it. She believes that although women are becoming more visible across technical, regulatory and leadership positions, society still often treats their presence in energy as something unusual. "The fact that we still ask what it means to be a woman in energy shows that it is not yet considered the norm," she says. "I hope the day comes when women working in this sector no longer surprise anyone it will simply be natural."

For Natalia, women bring resilience, determination and a strong sense of responsibility to the sector. At the same time, she acknowledges that balancing demanding professional careers with personal and family responsibilities remains a challenge for many women.

Looking ahead, she believes that creating a more inclusive energy sector requires systemic action. Mentorship programmes, visible female role models, equal career opportunities and supportive workplace policies can all encourage more women to pursue careers in energy and STEM disciplines. Equally important is inspiring girls from an early age to see technical and regulatory professions as realistic and rewarding career paths.

Natalia's own career demonstrates that there is no single route into energy. Coming from a legal background, she encourages young women not to fear unfamiliar fields or unexpected career turns. "Education is much more than earning a degree," she says. "It is a tool for changing reality. Do not be afraid to step into unfamiliar territory that is often where the greatest opportunities are found."

One of the achievements she values most is not only becoming part of Ukraine's electricity market reform, but also discovering confidence in her own abilities. "Professionally, I am proud to contribute to reforms that will shape my country's future," she says. "Personally, I am proud that I learned not to fear the unknown and to trust my professional competencies, even in unfamiliar circumstances."

Maintaining that confidence has not always been easy. Like many Ukrainians, Natalia has experienced the emotional weight of living and working during wartime. Yet she continues to find strength in her colleagues, her professional community and the knowledge that her work contributes directly to the resilience of her country.

Natalia's story is a reminder that careers do not always follow a planned path. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities emerge unexpectedly, and the courage to embrace change can lead to work that has a lasting impact-not only on one's own professional journey, but also on society as a whole.

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 among women and raise awareness about 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.