In the dynamic realm of energy, few figures embody the fusion of determination, assertiveness, and empathy as profoundly as InterEnergy Jamaica Wind’s (formerly BMR Jamaica Wind) Manager of Operations Ava Tomlin.

With a career spanning more than two decades across aviation, construction, and utilities, Tomlin’s journey reflects resilience and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Jamaicans.

Her initial aspiration was to pursue medicine. However, an aversion to blood led to her changing her mind.

Excelling in the sciences, the counsel of a friend’s father — an engineer — illuminated the path of engineering. This decision was driven by a desire to make tangible improvements in people’s lives, such as providing potable water, ensuring reliable electricity, or maintaining airport systems crucial for emergency responses after natural disasters.

“Over the years, I have chosen assignments where I can positively impact people’s quality of life,” Tomlin pointed out.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an uncanny ability to revitalise underperforming departments across diverse industries, which she credits as one of her most proud achievements.

“In one instance, I restructured a department’s framework — aligning core competencies with assigned roles — leading to heightened motivation and exemplary achievements. In another, my advocacy provided the necessary support to elevate a team’s performance,” said Tomlin.

These experiences not only honed her problem-solving skills in technical arenas but also underscored her passion for tackling multifaceted challenges.

“Both cases allowed me to grow and to recognise and develop ‘hidden’ talents while allowing me to do what I love,” she explained.

As in life, these achievements were accompanied by a fair share of challenges, especially working in predominantly male-dominated industries.

“It is just now that I am associating that some of the challenges I faced were due to me being a woman. As a young, petite woman entering the field of substation construction, it was often assumed that I was the daughter of the older, more senior male engineers. I had to build credibility through my knowledge and actions to be seen as equivalent to my male counterparts,” Tomlin said.

She also noted that she has had to confront and address assumptions head-on, from clarifying roles with male colleagues to setting boundaries in workplace conversations.

“I have had male direct reports assume that I would perform purely administrative roles to support them. This required a very direct conversation on roles and responsibilities. As a lone woman hanging out with men who would want to have me participate in inappropriate conversations, I have had to put my foot down and point out that such conversations made me uncomfortable, only to be brushed off, being told that I need to grow up,” Tomlin said.

Yet, she also acknowledges the mentorship and support she received from male colleagues, many of whom remain her mentors today.

Recognising the pivotal role mentorship played later in her career, she founded the ‘Women on a Mission’ series at Holmwood Technical High School.

“Honestly, I did not have many mentors in my younger years. It was not until I was at the management level that I had persons at the executive level perform that role, which helped me with stress and people management. After doing my master’s [degree] in the USA, I realised how disadvantaged I was in this regard and that my male peers were ahead of me in terms of networking, promotions, and salary negotiation,” she expounded.

Thus, Women on a Mission was born.

The aim is to give young women access to women from vast socio-economic backgrounds who would offer guidance, share lessons learned, and instil the importance of networking from an early age.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Tomlin finds fulfilment and challenges in her personal life, particularly as a mother of twins.

“The truth is I juggle, which means I do not always balance. Having good caregivers is a must and I have learned to ask for help. Also, supportive supervisors and flexible work arrangements have been instrumental in my journey. There are days for sheer joy and those of just tears and trying to find the energy to keep up with them,” she admitted.

Tomlin recently received the ‘Woman in Energy’ award from the Canadian High Commission.

According to the commission, the award reflects Canada’s feminist foreign policy and its commitment to human rights, gender equality, and inclusion while empowering women and girls to meaningfully contribute to and ultimately play a leading role in their nation’s development.

It also seeks to honour remarkable women who have transcended traditional boundaries, demonstrating resilience and determination to overcome various obstacles to excel in their respective fields.

Expressing her gratitude, Tomlin said it was an honour to receive the award and appreciated the recognition of her contributions to Jamaica’s energy landscape. She acknowledged her usual preference for working behind the scenes.

Reflecting on the evolution of gender diversity in the energy sector, she recalls being the sole woman among 16 engineers in her early career. Today, such a scenario is increasingly uncommon.

However, she believes there is a prevailing misconception that all roles in energy are technical and is advocating for broader awareness of the diverse opportunities within the sector to enhance inclusivity further.

Her motivation stems from witnessing the transformative strides in diversifying Jamaica’s fuel mix over the past 12 years and the resultant economic benefits. Her active participation in the review of national energy plans and policies underscores her dedication to creating a resilient energy sector.

Looking ahead to 2035, Tomlin envisions a diversified energy mix for Jamaica, integrating grid-scale and residential intermittent renewables. She emphasises the importance of a structured approach that combines thermal energy to enhance reliability, resilience, and affordability, ultimately bolstering Jamaica’s competitiveness on the global stage.

She would like to see reduced electricity costs, thereby elevating the quality of life for all Jamaicans.

Eager to continue her impactful work, Tomlin is enthusiastic about leading the development of renewable energy projects. Her vision aligns with a sustainable future, harnessing innovation to propel Jamaica towards energy independence and environmental stewardship.

Tomlin’s journey is a beacon of inspiration, illustrating that with determination, adaptability, and a heart committed to service, one can drive meaningful change in their community and beyond.

InterEnergy Jamaica Wind’s Manager of Operations Ava Tomlin, who recently received the ‘Woman in Energy’ award from the Canadian High Commission, has a career spanning more than two decades across aviation, construction, and utilities.