SIMAY of AKEC, a Sustainable Energy Transition & Environmental Consulting Firm

The topic ”Powering Progress: Women Driving the Future of Clean Energy and Digital Security will explore not only cybersecurity but also the crucial role of women in driving equitable access to technology, energy and sustainable innovation globally. Women involvement in Technology is of great importance at this point,  therefore this great Celebration will explore opportunities for women in using technology for Digital Security.

Biography:

Simay Akar Koehler is a multi-award-winning sustainable energy expert and entrepreneur. As the CEO and Founder of AKEC, a Sustainable Energy Transition & Environmental Consulting Firm, Simay works with clean energy manufacturers and startups. Simay has received highly acclaimed awards, including the 2022 Women in New Energy Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the 2024 IEEE Theodore W. Hissey Outstanding Young Professional Award.

With deep expertise in photovoltaic manufacturing, battery storage, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems, Simay has held leadership roles in multinational enterprises. Having lived in Türkiye, China, and Indiana, USA, and traveled to over 70 countries, she brings a rich multicultural perspective, a globally connected mindset, and an extensive network. She has built strong connections with global women STEM organizations, advocating for inclusion and empowerment to drive positive change.

Simay holds a degree from METU, Türkiye, and Energy Innovation and the Emerging Technologies Program at Stanford University.

In 2025, Simay serves in several volunteer roles, including:

•            IEEE USA Representative to the Women in Engineering Committee (WIEC)

•            Treasurer of the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB)

•            IEEE Awards Board Member

·               IEEE Finance Committee, HTB Liaison

•            IEEE Entrepreneurship MGA R1-7 Representative

•            IEEE Region 4 Outreach Chair

•            IEEE Central Indiana Section Chair

A dedicated IEEE WIE volunteer since 2007, Simay has served in numerous leadership roles at various levels. From leading a Student Branch AG to becoming the IEEE Turkey Section WIE Student Representative (2009), she later founded and chaired the IEEE Turkey Section WIE AG, significantly contributing to its growth and recognition. Her involvement extends across the IEEE China Council and Regions 8 & 10 WIE Committees (2014-2018), and she has continuously contributed to the MGA WIEC since 2014, also chaired multiple WIEC subcommittees. Simay has held several significant WIEC positions, including:

•            Region 8 WIE Chair (2015)

•            WIEC YP Representative (2016-2017)

•            Power& Energy Society Women in Power Liaison (2018-2020)

•            Founder& Chair, Women in IEEE Transportation Electrification Council (2021-2023)

Simay has played a key role in IEEE WIE's global outreach, contributing to the IEEE WIE International Leadership Conference (ILC) and Summit (ILS) Committees since 2015, and currently is part of the 2026 WIE ILC Steering Committee.

She has served on the Executive Committee of three IEEE Regions: 8, 10, and currently 4 and also IEEE Technical Activities Board Diversity & Inclusion Committee (2021-2022).

Her dedication has been recognized with numerous prestigious IEEE awards, including WIE-related honors such as:

•IEEE Region 8 Clementina Saduwa Award (2023)

• IEEE MGA Diversity & Inclusion Award (2022)

•IEEE WIE Inspiring Member of the Year(2020-hm)

*The IEEE Turkey Section WIE Affinity Group received this award under her leadership:

• IEEE Region 8 WIE Section AG of the Year Award (2021)

• IEEE WIE Affinity Group of the Year(2022-hm)

Email:

Address: IEEE USA Representative to the Women in Engineering Committee (WIEC), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, United States, +1