The District Heating Divas Heat Exchanger Mentoring Pilot Programme was launched at the Connecting Women in District Heat conference in London on 9 December 2019. The pilot ran for 10 months ending in December 2020. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 for successful matches.
This programme is open to anyone working in the heat networks sector, aiming to connect mentors and mentees to support their professional development. It serves as a platform for fostering growth and advancement throughout the UK heat network sector, benefiting both mentors and mentees.
The Working Group
The Heat Exchanger Mentoring Programme is managed by a working group that solely acts as facilitators in pairing mentors and mentees, and provides limited mentoring tips. The Heat Exchanger Mentoring working group are volunteers who dedicate time and resources to the continuity and success of the programme. You can contact the working group at anytime via email: working.group@heatexchangermentor.net
Soulla Paphitis | Sales Director, Guru Systems
Soulla is a seasoned Business Development Manager with extensive experience in the District Energy and HVAC sectors. Currently a Sales Director at Guru Systems, she leads efforts to advance low-carbon heating solutions through data-driven technology for heat networks. Her background includes key roles at Danfoss, where she spearheaded district energy initiatives across the UK and Ireland, and Wolseley, where she successfully managed teams and drove customer satisfaction. Soulla is highly skilled in negotiation, business planning, key account management, and strategic sales, making her a driving force for sustainable innovation in the energy sector.
Tala Baadarani | Marketing Manager, FairHeat
Tala is a seasoned Marketing & Advertising expert with over 10 years of experience in corporate and agency environments. She has successfully supervised and managed complex projects for top organizations across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. In 2020, Tala joined FairHeat as the Marketing Manager, attracted by the company’s vision of leading the transition to a fair, low carbon economy. Joining FairHeat has been an exciting opportunity to be part of the heat network industry, a vital industry that will majorly contribute to the decarbonisation of UK.
Rhea Marsden | Head of Connections, Hemiko
Rhea has worked in the energy industry over the past 13 years and has extensive experience within business development and customer experience. In 2021, Rhea joined Pinnacle Power now Hemiko, where she currently leads the Connections Team who play a crucial role in spearheading the development of city and town-wide heat networks and growing existing networks. Hemiko have £1 billion ringfenced to deploy into low-carbon between now and 2030. Rhea entered the industry without attending university or having a clear plan and credits much of her success to the support and mentorship she has received along the way. As an advocate for the industry, she is passionate about spreading the message that there are diverse paths and numerous untapped opportunities for individuals interested in joining the sector.
Amy Ritchie | Head of Sustainable Resources and Social Responsibility, University of Strathclyde
Amy has 7 years’ experience working on sustainability & energy projects across the private and public sectors. In 2019, she joined the Association for Decentralised Energy, working closely with the governments, industry, and local authorities to develop a supportive policy and regulation environment for the UK Heat Networks Sector. Now Head of Sustainable Resources & Social Responsibility at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Amy is involved in the development of low carbon energy projects to support the decarbonisation of the University’s estate and the wider city region.
Abi Chatfield | Head of Operations, Cleantech & Energy
With 10+ years of experience in the Renewable Energy sector, Abi specialises in business operations, administration, and people management. Abi is committed to creating efficient and engaging environments that foster success for employees and clients alike. Her significant achievements include establishing and optimising business operations at Gren Energy UK and Last Energy UK, where she developed robust administrative systems, & managed compliance and People processes. At Vattenfall Heat UK, she implemented essential operational frameworks, laying the groundwork for growth in a start-up environment. Abi’s dedication to excellence and extensive expertise make her a vital asset to Cleantech and Energy, driving strategic success across the organisation.
Sandra Šlihte | Founder & Director, Cleantech & Energy
As the Founder & Director of Cleantech & Energy, Sandra has driven innovative decarbonisation strategies and critical R&D efforts for multinational companies. Her portfolio includes delivering large-scale projects like Brent Cross Town and Bristol City Leap. A recognised leader in her field, with a unique skill set that integrates cutting-edge technology into clean energy solutions, Sandra excels in delivering complex projects from idea to investment decision. Engineering the future of clean energy, Sandra is on a mission to make zero-carbon solutions a reality.
The Heat Exchanger Mentor Programme is driven by a strong vision to expand its reach and provide ongoing support to the rapidly evolving heat networks industry through a dynamic network of mentors and nurturing environment.
If you or your company are interested in becoming a sponsor of HEMP, please don’t hesitate to contact us at working.group@heatexchangermentor.net.