Women in Energy Institute

Marissa Nehlsen is the founder and CEO of an eight-figure, debt- free financial firm, managing over $1 billion in assets across forty- six
states.

Marissa’s journey began on a North Dakota farm where she learned the value of hard work and resilience. For the past thirty years, she has founded five self-managing companies and coached thousands of entrepreneurs, helping them make money their best employee. Marissa is the author of the book Live Life Rich and a dynamic keynote speaker, using her special blend of practical, tactical, and Intentional 30+ years of experience to help people move forward from where they are to where they want to be. Beyond business, Marissa is a global impact leader. She cofoundedThe Foundation of Latin America, which mobilizes entrepreneurship with the purpose of eliminating poverty through the building of sewing schools for women in Costa Rica, developing sustainable energy projects, forestry, and organic farms.

A mother, grandmother, and visionary leader, Marissa lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, raising her family while continuing to inspire, educate, and lead. Marissa is most excited about the launch of her healing and retreat center on her mountain in Costa Rica, set to open January 2026.

Technical expertise can open doors, but executive presence helps leaders advance and influence. Industry association leaders will share practical insights on building confidence, communicating with impact, strengthening professional visibility, and positioning yourself for long-term career growth.

Energy development increasingly spans jurisdictions, cultures, and regulatory frameworks. This panel will examine key considerations in cross-border transactions, including legal, commercial, and operational challenges, while highlighting opportunities created by a more interconnected global energy market.

As renewable energy projects continue to expand, collaboration between land, legal, and business teams has become increasingly critical. This panel will explore strategies for integrating these functions to manage risk, streamline development, and support successful project outcomes.

From shifting geopolitical dynamics to evolving energy demand, global markets continue to shape business decisions across the industry. Panelists will discuss the forces influencing today's energy markets and examine how organizations can adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities.

In an industry built on relationships, trust, and resilience, authentic leadership has never been more important. This conversation will explore how leaders can stay true to their values, build credibility, and inspire others while navigating the unique challenges of today's energy landscape.

Energy companies are balancing growing demand with changing expectations around sustainability, reliability, and affordability. This panel will explore how organizations are building diverse energy portfolios and navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by the ongoing energy transition.

Capital allocation decisions are reshaping the future of the energy sector. This discussion will examine current investment trends, emerging sources of energy capital, and the factors influencing how investors evaluate opportunities across traditional and evolving energy markets.