Bolingbrook's LaPorte Plays Critical Role In Leading Women In Business

BOLINGBROOK, IL — For Bolingbrook resident Marie LaPorte, the director of customer solutions at Nicor Gas, knowing that mentoring, influencing, and developing women in the natural gas and energy field all goes beyond the typical day to day work.

Seven years ago, female leaders from Nicor Gas, ComEd, and the Illinois Commerce Commission collaborated to launch a Chicago chapter of Women’s Energy Network – an organization that fosters personal and professional development for women transforming the energy industry, Nicor Gas said in a news release on Monday.

LaPorte, who has been with Nicor Gas for 25 years, began serving in the organization as part of the events committee before moving into the role of director of professional development. She is in the midst of serving a three-year term as president of the Chicago chapter. In this role, LaPorte recently represented the chapter at the 2022 WEN Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

“As a chapter, we develop programming to educate members on technical topics and industry trends, as well as events that focus on the importance of mental health and wellbeing,” LaPorte said in the release. “We are also focused on our members’ professional and personal growth through our mentorship program and networking events. Regardless of where you are in your career, there is so much value to building relationships.”

During her term as president, LaPorte has set goals with her local board to continue to add programming that engages members in meaningful ways, as well as seeking out corporate and community partnerships to continue to grow the chapter and to give back to the communities we all serve.

As the world enters a post-pandemic way of living, LaPorte and the WEN Chicago chapter board remain committed to being a more resilient organization, Nicor Gas said in the release.

The Chicago chapter will continue to offer virtual programming but is also looking forward to getting back to in-person events. To learn more about WEN and to become a member, visit www.womensenergynetwork.org.