Current Women | An interview with Anna Vujovic, Strategic Advisor at Regen Resource

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, is a reminder that we can’t slow down when it comes to breaking barriers and challenging biases. That’s why we have introduced our newest Energy series: Current Women. As a recruiter in Clean Energy, Jasmine Crane has seen how many women struggle to find role models who inspire them to pursue leadership and engineering roles. They often wonder if there’s a clear path forward. The truth is, there is—but we need to shine a brighter light on it. Current Women celebrates, amplifies and connects the voices of women in clean energy.

In an industry where women hold just 14% of leadership roles, it’s clear we need to do more to highlight the incredible women already leading, innovating, and driving change. Through Current Women, we aim to share interviews and features with female leaders, explore gender diversity in Clean Energy and create a space for peer nominations and recognition. In this episode, we interview Anna Vujovic, Strategic Advisor at Regen Resource, North America’s leader in clean, synthetic graphite.

Thank you for being a part of this series Anna. To start, can you share a bit about your journey into the clean energy sector?

“My path into clean energy was driven by both personal and professional motivations. I’ve always been drawn to industries that can make a real, lasting impact, but it was my work with Britishvolt that truly cemented my dedication. I was a pioneer in the effort to bring Britishvolt to Canada, helping lay the foundation for its establishment and the development of a 60GWh EV battery Gigafactory. Being part of this initiative reinforced my commitment to sustainable energy and the importance of driving real-world solutions in the energy transition. For me, it’s about connecting cutting-edge technology with real-world solutions to push sustainability forward and make a tangible impact on both the environment and the community.”

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in leadership?

“I see challenges as opportunities and one of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been shifting perceptions of women in leadership, especially in male-dominated industries. There were many instances when I was the only woman in the room, and that’s where I learned how to lead with confidence and communicate strategically. Along the way, I’ve developed an authentic leadership style, learning to embrace my strengths and lead in a way that’s true to who I am.”

You’ve sat in many boardrooms—how have you navigated those spaces, and have you seen progress for women at that level?

“Navigating boardrooms has always been a mix of preparation, and strategic thinking for me. I’ve always made sure to walk into those spaces well-prepared, with plenty of data and a clear vision of what needs to be achieved. 

As for progress, we’re seeing some movement, but it’s definitely slow. That said, true change will require deeper structural shifts, intentional efforts to put women into leadership pipelines. We still have a long way to go to ensure that diversity isn’t just a checkbox, but an essential part of how businesses operate.

 I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the support of strong global industry leaders and visionaries throughout my journey so far. From my early days at Britishvolt to my current role at ReGen Resource Recovery Corporation, a company focused on creating a circular economy by revitalizing some of the world’s most challenging brownfields, the guidance from my colleagues has played a huge role in shaping my path and helping me get to where I am today.”

What has your company done to support women in leadership, and why do you think that’s important?

“Today, at ReGen, we’re proud to create a truly balanced work environment, with women in leadership roles, on the board, and leading technical team. Our leadership style is highly collaborative, encouraging constructive conversations and open debates to ensure all ideas are considered before making decisions. The team is more creative, resilient, adaptable, and successful, driving stronger outcomes for the company.”

Have you had any strong female role models who influenced your career?

“Absolutely. My mother and grandmother were my first role models, showing me the power of persistence, hard work, and integrity. Professionally, I’ve been inspired by women who broke barriers in their industries, whether in tech, energy, or sustainability. Women like Mary Barra, who transformed General Motors, have demonstrated the strength and vision needed to succeed in male-dominated industries.”

What advice would you give to women aiming for senior leadership positions?

“First, own your expertise -confidence comes from knowledge, so invest in continuous learning and always be the most prepared person in the room. Second, build strong networks.  Third, take initiative, and seek out challenging opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you. And most importantly, persistence is key. Setbacks are inevitable for everyone, regardless of gender, but how you respond will shape your journey. 

Adapt, push forward, stay passionate, and don’t forget to advocate for yourself as strongly as you do for others.”

How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue careers in clean energy?

“The transition to clean energy is one of the most crucial industries of the future, and we need diverse talent to drive innovation and create lasting impact. I encourage young women to reflect on how important it is for them to contribute to a greener, more sustainable world. Mother Earth thrives on balance, much like the concept of Yin and Yang, where both elements are essential for harmony. Similarly, this industry benefits from diverse perspectives, blending analytical and creative approaches to drive progress. 

I’d urge young women to explore opportunities in this space, where their unique skills and insights can play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Advancing sustainability isn’t just about technology; it’s about combining innovation, practicality, and vision to create real change. Women have an incredible opportunity to contribute, lead, and shape this transformation. We are witnessing one of the most significant industrial shifts of modern times -how fortunate we are to be part of it!”

What’s the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you early in your career?

“I wish someone had told me earlier that isn’t about being perfect -it’s about being bold and authentic. Early in my career, I sometimes held back, afraid of making mistakes or not having all the answers. Even today, as someone who speaks four languages fluently, my insecurities sometimes hide behind my accent. True story. But I’ve learned that growth comes from taking risks, pushing boundaries, and trusting yourself even when things feel uncertain. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell her to embrace the unknown, trust her instincts, and never underestimate her own potential.”

Can you nominate or shout out a woman in the industry who has inspired you?

“There are so many incredible women making a difference in clean energy, and I’m constantly inspired by leaders like Halla Hrund Logadottir, Iceland’s head of the National Energy Authority, Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors, Dubravka Djedovic, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, and Sonia St-Arnaud, president and CEO of EVLO Energy Storage. Each of them has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainability, breaking barriers in leadership, and shaping the future of the energy and transportation sectors. Their dedication and impact not only drive meaningful change but also serve as an inspiration to many, including myself.”

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