Enabling the Next Generation: Plug supports Dream It, Be It
At Plug, clean energy development is about investing in people and communities. Long-term progress depends not only on innovation, but on creating access to opportunity. In March, in honor of International Women's Month, the Plug supported Soroptimist International of Saratoga County's Dream It, Be It program, a campaign designed to help young women build confidence, explore career paths, and take meaningful steps toward their future.
Held on March 25 and 26, the 2026 program brought together nearly 40 students from across the region for two days of guided interviews, self-reflection, and career exploration. At its core, Dream It, Be It emphasizes a simple but powerful concept: there is no single path to success. Through activities focused on personal strengths and goal setting, participants began to define what success looks like for them, setting the stage for real-world insights from the career experts they joined..
Connect Action: Supporting Work Evaluation
As part of the program, Plug offered two leaders as career advisors: Jennifer Smith and Jennifer Senich.
Through small group discussions, they shared both their roles and the experiences that shaped their careers. Discussions focused on active reflection rather than static results.
Participants were first asked to consider the characteristics they identified and how those characteristics related to potential career paths. This approach helped make job evaluation more realistic and based on personal strengths.
The students had a variety of interests. Others were drawn to helping others or working with animals. Others have defined more defined goals, including careers in health care, education, and technical fields.
By combining traits and interests, the interviews emphasized that personal qualities can translate into many different careers.
Important Discussions
Roundtable discussions create a space for meaningful and honest discussion. A consistent theme emerged. Career paths are not always sequential and often evolve over time.
Participants explored how interests can change and how unexpected opportunities can lead to meaningful outcomes. The discussions emphasized the importance of staying curious, continuing to learn, and approaching decisions with effort and openness.
There was also a strong focus on informed risk-taking and social engagement. These ideas helped shift the discussion from finding a single “right” path to creating a mindset that supports long-term growth.
Meet the Leaders
Jennifer Smith, Director of Engineering Programs and Research at Plug, has over 25 years of experience in hydrogen and fuel technology. His work supports the development of clean energy solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, majoring in Environmental Science and a minor in Law and Technology. He actively supports STEM access and youth development through training and community programs.
“Programs like Dream It, Be It create a space for conversations that many of us didn't have early in our careers. If one participant walks away with a clear sense of possibility, that makes sense.”
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Senich, Senior Director of Shared Services at Plug, has over 20 years of experience in program operations and management. Leads business program management, change management, and compliance programs, with a focus on compliance and execution. Honored for under 40 years, she also founded Plug's Women's Impact Network and contributed to promoting inclusion in the organization.
“There is no single definition of success. Work grows over time, and you have to show what is important to you and how you choose to grow.”
Jennifer Senich
Building Next
Supporting programs such as Dream It, Be It reflect a broader commitment to Plug. Developing a hydrogen economy requires both technological progress and continued investment in people.
Through education, training, and community engagement, Plug supports the development of tomorrow's leaders across industries.
Progress in energy and progress in people are closely linked. Both require sustained effort, practical action, and a clear sense of purpose.