International Women’s Day Gives Us the Opportunity To Recognise and Celebrate Our Female Colleagues.

“Building a diverse and inclusive team”

We’re profiling some of the women that are making waves in the offshore wind industry by leading the journey to net-zero.

View a day in the life of Dr. Selin Yildiz Nielsen our US Project Executive Co-Ordinator

Dr.Selin Yildiz Nielsen

Selin has extensive experience in both corporate and governmental processes. With a Ph.D. in Institutional Leaders and Policy Studies from the University of California, she has dedicated over two decades to the field of international education, serving in various capacities including director, professor, and consultant. Throughout her career, Selin has taught at institutions in California, Iowa, Washington D.C., New York, and Turkey. She is also a published author and has been an invited speaker at global forums, such as the United Nations and Capitol Hill. Currently, Selin leverages her expertise in stakeholder engagement and policy research at Cierco Energy, where she plays a vital role in fostering strategic partnerships and advancing floating offshore wind initiatives. Her commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions positions her as a key contributor to the future of energy innovation.

What does your role involve?

I joined the team in 2021, my role involves a combination of strategic planning, stakeholder outreach, policy research and operational oversight to support initiatives during the development phase of our projects in the US.   I actively manage external stakeholder relationships, engaging with key stakeholders, regulatory agencies, industry leaders and community representatives to cultivate partnerships that drive the development of our floating offshore wind projects.  

A typical day would include tracking policy and regulatory updates, identifying funding opportunities and ensuring Cierco Energy remains at the forefront of industry trends.  Whether I’m networking at events, developing innovative engagement strategies, or ensuring our operations comply with regulations, my role is about balancing day-to-day operations with long-term strategic growth.

What experience did you have before joining the business?

Before joining Cierco Energy, I had extensive experience working with both non-profit and for-profit organizations. For over twenty years, I collaborated with international groups, universities, and government offices, focussing on strategic planning, building partnerships, and managing programs. I led global education projects, secured federal and local grants, and advised various institutions on policy matters.

My teaching and advisory roles took me to locations such as California, Iowa, Washington, DC, New York, and Turkey. This experience in navigating complex regulations and working with diverse groups enabled me to help shape policies that promote innovation and sustainability. Additionally, I have spoken at major global forums, including the United Nations headquarters and Capitol Hill, contributing insights on policy, migration, and economic development. This experience in global stakeholder engagement, research, and advocacy has provided me with a strong foundation for my role at Cierco Energy.

Tell us about your achievements to date

I founded the Human Migration Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to community building. As the leader of this organization, I have cultivated relationships with stakeholders, secured funding, and developed a strategic plan to ensure its sustainability, even in the face of a challenging political climate. I have had the honour of addressing the United Nations twice, presenting on behalf of refugee women and girls pursuing careers in science and securing scholarships from industry partners. In 2024, I received the Community Championship Award from Molina Healthcare. This award recognizes individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, and public advocacy exceed expectations in improving the health and well-being of vulnerable communities.

What are the challenges ahead? 

California has great opportunities for FOW, but they come with challenges.   Future FOW projects will be under immense pressure to reduce costs and simultaneously create jobs and investment in the US economy. Recent executive orders and policy changes under the new administration have halted offshore wind leasing in federal waters, this has introduced regulatory uncertainty, and prioritized fossil fuels, creating additional challenges for investment and project development.  

What advice do you have for others wanting to enter the industry?

Like most industries, passion and dedication are important factors. You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing. From apprenticeships through to senior leadership roles, there is an array of opportunity – engineers, scientists, communications and marketing specialists are just some of the jobs available for those starting out or transferring from other sectors. 

Come and talk to us – we’re always happy to chat with those interested in offshore floating wind.