Uplifting Women's Voices: What Women's Equality Day Means to the Women of the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF)
Each year, Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on August 26— a day to recognize the achievements of women and the impact they make in their communities, workplaces, and beyond. The National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) is commemorating the 2026 holiday by highlighting the voices, experiences, and perspectives of women who help drive NEIF’s mission forward and make impact every day.
Through an employee survey shared by NEIF’s Human Resources Business Partner, Jennifer Tornetta, women across the company were asked to reflect on their career journeys and the impact they make through their work, as well as share what workplace equality means to them.
Their responses highlight different paths to career success and the importance of feeling supported and safe in their respective roles.
Making An Impact At NEIF
When asked which part of their work has made the biggest difference for their team, customers, or NEIF as a whole, many shared a common theme: helping others.
To Chrissy Brenner, Senior Lead – Program Development & Commercial, based out of NEIF’s Colorado office, that impact comes from getting to live out the organization’s mission every day.
“Helping people and businesses reduce their climate impact by making energy efficiency more accessible feels like the greatest impact of my work,” said Brenner. “This means a lot to me, especially as the world continues to evolve and priorities shift.”
That same sense of purpose is felt across NEIF’s offices. At the Allentown, PA headquarters, Senior Energy Lending Specialist, Jahneze Ross, described how supporting customers is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
“Knowing that our work makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives is what makes it so important,” she said.
Different Paths Leading to Success
No two career journeys look the same— and the path to success is not always linear. The women of NEIF bring a range of experiences, backgrounds, and outlooks to their jobs today.
“I started at community college straight out of high school, transferred to Kutztown [University] for three semesters, took a year off, then to Penn State Mont Alto, moved to Montana, went back to school, and now I’m an accountant,” said NEIF Accounting Analyst, Kayla Knauss.
Looking back, Knauss views each experience as an important part of her journey.
“I don’t regret anything that I have done to get to where I am today,” she said.
NEIF’s Chief Operating Officer, Laura Nelson, also emphasized the importance of embracing new opportunities— even the unexpected ones.
“I think it’s important to realize that your path may twist and turn in ways that you had not planned…Accept every opportunity (or make your own opportunity) to continually learn. Knowledge is key!”
Creating a Workplace Where Everyone Belongs
For Jennifer Tornetta, NEIF HR Business Partner, she knew from a young age that she wanted to one day play a role in creating better workplace experiences for others.
“I’ve always been drawn to organizations with a strong sense of purpose…I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Tornetta. “That’s what ultimately led me to NEIF.”
After having initially met with NEIF’s Executive Management Team (Peter Krajsa, Matthew Brown, and Laura Nelson), she knew it was going to be an opportunity for her to focus on helping others grow in meaningful and impactful ways.
“Workplace equality means ensuring everyone has a seat at the table, a voice that is heard, and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said. “That environment starts with strong support systems, both within the workplace and in the relationships built outside of it.”
Nelson, COO, echoed that sentiment, adding that an important part of her job is clearly defining roles and policies within the NEIF team— and that by doing so, it supports a fair work environment for all.
“Everyone’s role is a different piece to the puzzle, and everyone should be held accountable to meet the responsibilities of their role,” she said. “By implementing clear policies, we also support our belief that we do not tolerate harassment or bias, creating a safe place for everyone to work and grow.”
Advice for the Journey Ahead
Women’s Equality Day highlights that every voice, experience, and perspective contributes to a stronger and more inclusive workplace.
Through their stories and insights, the women of NEIF demonstrate the many ways that women make an impact— by supporting others, embracing new challenges, staying curious, and having confidence in the value they bring to the workplace.
When asked what advice she would offer to other women pursuing professional growth, Brenner encouraged them to have confidence in their abilities, to speak up, and to ensure their voices are head.
“Do not fall into the background,” she shared.
Knauss also emphasized the importance of finding purpose in your work, encouraging others to identify what they’re passionate about and then pursuing a career that brings them fulfillment while making a positive impact on the world around them.