Women’s History Month: Meet Jerica Nolte

March 3, 2021

Throughout March, we’re celebrating the women of EnBW North America and sharing their advice for building a successful career in clean energy and how to support each other along the way.

Jerica Nolte is an innovation driven renewable energy engineer reviewing floating offshore wind projects as EnBW North America’s Floating Technology Manager. Her experience has spanned the titles of Senior Naval Architect, Ballast Engineer, Project Manager, and Engineering Management in roles where she has worked hands-on with floating platform designs on projects internationally. Throughout her career, Jerica has specialized in load transfer and was entrusted with multiyear international assignments.

Jerica graduated with a B.S. in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University and a M.S. in Ocean and Resource Engineering from University of Hawai’i at Manoa. In addition to a renewable engineer, she is a beach volleyball player, hiker, and warm water only scuba diver.

What do you love most about what you do?
There is excitement in working in a groundbreaking field and doing something every day that many people don’t see possible. I love people’s expressions when I say my projects are to make something about 3 times the height of the Statue of Liberty float and produce renewable energy.

Any advice to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
Don’t be afraid. Embrace the nerves and excitement that come with facing the unknown. It keeps life interesting.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
”Learn from each opportunity that you have. Let no opportunity be too small for your time. And let no opportunity be too big for your possibilities.”
-Jon Stewart

Which woman most inspires you and why?
Short answer is my mom. She became a Mechanical Engineer even when she was the only woman in her class and had professors tell her engineering wasn’t for girls. She proved them wrong. If you want something, you have to work hard for it and not let others’ opinions stop you. I was one of 3 women in my undergrad class.

What do you think is the key for success in a role like yours?
Determination, not being afraid to ask questions, and learning from anyone around you.