Emily Heitman is President of Schneider Electric Canada, bringing more than two decades of experience across the energy and electrical industries.
Prior to joining Schneider Electric, she held senior leadership roles at ABB and Cooper Power Systems, where she built deep expertise in power systems, operations, and business leadership.
Emily joined Schneider Electric in 2017 as Vice President of Power Systems, leading the medium-voltage equipment and energy automation business. She was appointed Senior Vice President of Power Products in 2020, expanding her leadership responsibilities across the organization.
As President of Schneider Electric Canada, Emily sets the company’s strategic direction and drives growth across its energy management and automation businesses nationwide.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from Marquette University.
1. Are you excited to speak at the Women in Tech Global Conference, and what motivated you to join our community of 200,000 women in tech and allies?
I’m genuinely excited to join the Women in Tech Global Conference. This community represents exactly what our industry needs—women supporting women, sharing knowledge, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technology and leadership. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how powerful it is when diverse voices come together to solve complex challenges, especially in the energy and technology space.
The energy transition requires bold ideas, cross-sector collaboration, and inclusive leadership. Being part of a global network of 200,000 women and allies who are driving innovation is both inspiring and energizing. I’m looking forward to learning from others, exchanging perspectives, and hopefully encouraging more women to see themselves as leaders in this critical transformation.
2. Share with us your background, your journey in tech, and what inspired you to develop your career in this direction.
My journey began in industrial engineering, where I discovered early on that I was drawn to solving real-world problems. That curiosity led me to the energy sector—first through engineering and product roles, and eventually into leadership positions.
When I joined Schneider Electric in 2017, I found a place where technology, sustainability, and purpose intersect. I’ve had the privilege of leading teams across power systems, energy automation, and power products, and today I am pleased to serve as the President of Schneider Electric Canada.
What inspired me to stay in this field is the impact we make every day. Energy touches every part of society, and digital innovation is reshaping how we manage and decarbonize it. Being part of that transformation, while helping build more inclusive pathways for women in tech and engineering, has been incredibly meaningful. Every step of my career has reinforced the belief that when diverse teams lead, we create better, more resilient solutions for the future.
3. Why is the topic “Powering Progress: Women Leading the Energy Transition Through Innovation and Impact” important to you?
This topic matters deeply to me because the energy transition is one of the most significant challenges and opportunities of our time. Achieving net-zero requires innovation, collaboration, and diverse leadership across every sector.
Women are already driving much of this progress, and I believe that when women lead in technology, engineering, and sustainability, we accelerate both climate action and business performance. At Schneider Electric, we see firsthand the power of diverse perspectives. Digitalization, AI, and smart energy management can transform industries—but technology alone isn’t enough. We need diverse perspectives to guide how these solutions are designed, deployed, and scaled.
This talk is a chance to highlight the impact women are making, share practical insights from my own journey, and encourage more women to step into roles where they can shape the future of energy.
4. Who would you advise to attend the Women in Tech Global Conference, and why?
I would encourage anyone who is passionate about technology, leadership, and positive change to attend—whether you’re early in your career, a seasoned executive, or exploring new opportunities in the tech industry.
For emerging leaders, it’s an incredible space to learn and connect with seasoned players in the world of tech. For senior leaders, it’s a chance to engage with fresh thinking, discover new talent, and understand the trends shaping our industries. And for anyone working at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovation, the conference offers valuable insights into how we can collectively accelerate progress.
Ultimately, if you want to be part of shaping what comes next, rather than simply watching it unfold, this is where you should be.
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