Women’s Equality Day celebrates the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. While full voting rights for women of color were not secured until several decades later, August 26 remains a key date for recognizing a changing of the tides for women’s rights and celebrating the achievements of women. This Women’s Equality Day, several leaders across the Sempra family of companies reflect on the impact of their work, the communities they serve and their vision of the future for women and other stakeholders.
Malia Hodges
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Oncor
Malia Hodges leads Oncor’s information technology function including strategy and operations, technology investment management and cybersecurity operations.
As one of the executive sponsors of OWN, the Oncor Women’s Network employee resource group, Hodges has had the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues across departments who share the same dedication to empowering and elevating themselves, their teams and Oncor as a whole. “While I am proud of the work being done at Oncor to create a culture that equally empowers all our colleagues, I’m also focused on doing my part to advocate for and prepare our next generation of female leaders,” said Hodges.
Just this month, OWN announced the launch of their new leadership development program, EmpowerHER, which will offer leaders the opportunity to gain cross-functional exposure, build strategic networks and develop skills essential for excelling in increasingly complex leadership roles. “By continuing to support these kinds of intentional and inclusive programs, we can help build a future that appreciates and supports our female team members, which in turn lifts us all up,” said Hodges.
Emily Shults
Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer — Low Carbon Solutions at Sempra Infrastructure
Emily Shults is the SVP and chief business officer at Sempra Infrastructure. Her team is working hard toward more sustainable, lower carbon-energy solutions and collaborating with industry and government stakeholders in critical areas such as renewable energy projects and next-generation technologies. “We are passionate about using innovative technology to succeed in achieving lower-carbon, secure and safe energy,” Shults said. “Our work directly impacts generations to come, and this perspective shapes our strategic vision and decision-making priorities.”
Sempra Infrastructure is setting a strong example for supporting women’s equality in the workplace, and Shults has a front-row seat to this important work. The company established an employee resource group called Growing Responsibilities and Opportunities for Women (GROW) in the United States and Mexico to help create networking opportunities, provide leadership training to women at all levels of the organization and to raise awareness of issues impacting women’s career development in the energy industry.
“My goal is to strive to be an example for future generations in the company and industry and for my two daughters — showing them they can achieve anything. I envision a world where every woman can reach her full potential and make a lasting impact,” Shults said.
Outside of work, Shults serves on the board of directors of Walden Family Services, a nationally recognized foster care, adoption and youth services agency. As the next generation embarks on their professional careers, Shults encourages them to embrace challenges and be willing to step outside of their comfort zone. “Trying new things and considering fresh perspectives can propel you forward; even uncomfortable situations offer valuable learning opportunities,” Shults said.
Tashonda Taylor
Vice President of Gas Operations at SDGE
Tashonda Taylor, vice president of gas operations at SDGE, oversees all gas distribution operations, transmission pipeline integrity, as well as execution and construction of capital programs to enhance the safety, reliability and integrity of the gas pipeline system at SDGE. This includes oversight of the Line 1600 project which modernized a 50-mile pipeline, one of the two main arteries that supply nearly all the natural gas used in San Diego County for heating, cooking, generating electricity and other essential needs.
Taylor began her career at SDGE more than 25 years ago as an electrical engineering intern and came back as a full-time engineer on the engineering rotation program. She currently serves as the co-chair for Lean In, SDGE’s women’s employee resource group, and Black Employee Business Resource group (BEBRG). She also sits on the board of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
Taylor feels fortunate to work for a company that is cultivating an environment where women’s contributions are pivotal to our collective innovation and success. “My vision for the future is one of inclusivity and leadership, where women are not just participants but pioneers, setting new benchmarks across every facet of our organization,” Taylor said. “I see a future where the aspirations of every woman are nurtured — where women in professional settings and those on construction sites alike are equipped with the support and opportunities needed to excel.”
Sara Mijares
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, Assistant Treasurer and Controller at SoCalGas
Sara Mijares is the vice president, chief accounting officer, assistant treasurer and controller at SoCalGas, the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility. The Accounting and Finance team she leads aspires to deliver outstanding results for stakeholders, helping to advance SoCalGas’ mission to be the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in America.
To Mijares, Sempra’s family of companies have a rich history of supporting women throughout their career development, from leadership opportunities to C-suite roles, which sets Sempra apart from peers in the utility sector or in Mijares’ accounting industry. “We need to continue to create additional opportunities for development and allyship, including recruiting and retaining working moms and caretakers,” Mijares said. At SoCalGas, the company has supported the recruitment and retainment of women in the field through panels, supervisor training programs and new uniforms for expectant mothers.
“My vision is that each of us is able to foster and work in an environment free of stigma with pregnancy or parenthood that empowers everyone to navigate special or difficult milestones in their lives and professions with pride instead of guilt,” Mijares said.
Mijares proudly serves on the board of directors at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) and Children’s Hospital of LA Foundation.
