LILA A. JABER

PRESIDENT & FOUNDER, JABER GROUP, TALLAHASSEE

The Jaber Group provides strategic advice to national utility clients on regulatory and economic development issues. The practice includes utility-specific matters in energy, water and telecommunications and extends to C-level business strategy development. Jaber also founded the Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum, which aims to inspire and motivate the next generation of energy leaders.

EDUCATION: Stetson University (BA, JD)

FIRST JOB: I grew up in my family’s small business — from flea markets selling AM/FM radios to our first brick-and-mortar retail store, the Sanford Music Center in Sanford, Florida.

NONPROFIT PASSION: Two years ago, my colleague Sarah Sims and I founded the Leadership Foundation for Women in Energy and Water to bring energy and water companies into the colleges and universities to further expose young people to industries that are currently looking to hire new talent. Not only does it create an economic opportunity for students, but it also fulfills workforce recruitment needs for some of the companies that want to participate.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I’m a proud first-generation American.