Washington Gas Celebrates Women’s History Month

March 26, 2026

Melissa Reidy

Senior Manager Resource Management and Dispatch

“For me, Women’s History Month is about recognizing the women who showed up, did the work, and made space for themselves when it wasn’t easily given. They challenged assumptions, pushed through barriers, and kept going even when it was uncomfortable.”

I see this all the time in the people I work with. I’m fortunate to work alongside a group of women on my team who I learn from every day—through their leadership, problem-solving, and the way they support each other and the work. I see women leading teams, tackling hard problems, mentoring others, and balancing work with life outside the office. A lot of progress doesn’t come from big moments—it comes from steady effort and everyday decisions.

Taking time in March to reflect is important, but progress really comes from how contributions are valued throughout the year.

When I think about the future, I think about my daughter. I want her to grow up in a world where she doesn’t question whether she belongs and where ambition and leadership are just part of who she is.

The legacy I hope to leave is pretty simple: confidence, opportunity, and visibility. I want the next generation to see more women leading, making tough calls, and tackling complex challenges.

If future generations step into rooms with confidence, knowing their perspectives matter, then we’re moving in the right direction.

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Valeria Homez Sanchez

Construction Support Data Specialist

“For me, Women’s History Month is a time to pause and recognize the strength, courage, and resilience of women; especially those who had to work twice as hard to be seen and heard.”

Being a Latina living and growing professionally in the United States has shaped the way I see opportunity, leadership, and perseverance. I carry both cultures with pride, and that has taught me to stay grounded in my values while also pushing myself to grow and adapt.

My journey has shaped the woman I am today. Moving through different challenges, learning to trust my voice, and building confidence in spaces where sometimes you feel different has taught me resilience. Those experiences reminded me that no one has the power to define a woman’s potential except herself.

I celebrate Women’s History Month by lifting up the women around me, whether that means supporting colleagues, learning from strong female leaders, or pausing to appreciate both the progress women have made and the work that still remains.

When women support each other and stand confidently in who we are, there is truly no limit to what we can accomplish.

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Dr. Opeoluwa Olawale

Manager Climate and Energy Analytics

“I am Dr. Opeoluwa Wonuola Olawale— a Nigerian woman shaped by faith, family, and a childhood marked by resilience.”

Growing up in a low-income household in Lagos, I experienced daily challenges with food, water, energy, and waste services. These experiences, including losing my father to pneumonia at 62, grounded my values of integrity, shared learning, empathy, and inclusion, and inspired my commitment to building systems that help households and businesses meet essential needs.

Through scholarships, I earned a petroleum engineering degree as top of my class at the University of Ibadan, followed by a Chevening Scholarship and a distinction from Imperial College London. I served as an energy delegate at the United Nations Youth Assembly and began shaping human-centered, technically sound innovations early in my career.

My work has spanned sectors and continents. I founded the 1MAfrica initiative through Wonuideas LTD, raising over ₦75 million to support agricultural and tech enterprises. At Sixters Energy, I helped secure funding for off-grid energy access for low-income communities. At the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly NREL), I negotiated $200,000 in multi-project awards for research on occupancy behavior and energy modeling ,and collaborated with Xcel Energy on virtual power plant and demand response strategies. I also contributed to multi-billion-dollar clean energy proposals, including the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub application to the U.S. Department of Energy. Along the way, I have produced over twenty publications, reviewed four academic journals, and served in sustainability leadership roles.

Today, as Manager of Climate and Energy Analytics at WGL, I integrate technical modeling, regulatory insights, and cross-functional collaboration to advance affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy strategy for the DMV—supporting natural gas within an all-of-the-above energy approach while exploring emerging technologies such as hydrogen and renewable natural gas.

My journey continues, guided by a constant purpose to use knowledge, collaboration, and compassion to make essential resources more accessible and open doors for others.