Lilian García Berg’s career started in electrical engineering, but her work in the energy sector quickly led her to an unavoidable conclusion: technical expertise alone doesn’t drive change—policy does.
With over a decade of experience in energy transmission, regulatory affairs, and renewable energy, Lilian saw firsthand how government decisions shape investment, sustainability, and accessibility. “Policy dictates the pace of energy transition,” she says. “Without it, progress stalls.”
Now an MPP student at Max Bell and one of the recipients of the Scholarship for New Voices in Public Policy, she’s focused on the intersection of energy systems and social equity—two areas she believes are inseparable.
Energy policy as a driver of social change
The energy sector isn’t just about infrastructure and regulation; it’s also about who benefits from these systems. While working in regulatory affairs, Lilian became increasingly aware of
the structural barriers that reinforce economic and gender disparities.
“Globally, roughly 20% of the energy workforce is women. And even within renewables, the number only make up to 32%,” she explains. “The problem isn’t just representation—it’s influence. Who gets to be in the rooms where the decisions are made?”
Her studies at Max Bell have given her a deeper understanding of these disparities, particularly how policy can either reinforce or dismantle systemic inequality.
The decision to pivot from industry to policy
Leaving an established career for an MPP wasn’t a simple decision. But for Lilian, the shift wasn’t about abandoning energy—it was about gaining the tools to change it.
“I had a stable job and a clear path forward, but I wanted more than just career growth,” she says. “I wanted to understand the broader forces shaping the industry—and to be part of shifting them.”
Her time in the program has challenged her to think beyond technical solutions and consider the social and political dimensions of energy policy. From climate change to economic accessibility, she sees a need for cross-sector collaboration to create policies that serve more than just industry leaders.
Post-graduation, Lilian wants to work at the intersection of energy, climate, and equity. She envisions a role where she can push for policies that support both a sustainable energy transition and a more inclusive workforce.
“Increasing the number of women in the industry isn’t enough if they’re not in leadership,” she says. “Diversity has to be part of the decision-making process, not just a statistic.”
Advice for the next generation of policymakers
For those looking to make an impact in energy and climate policy, Lilian offers a piece of hard-earned advice: expect resistance.
“Anytime you challenge existing power structures—whether it’s in the energy sector, government, or finance—you’re going to get pushback,” she says. “But change doesn’t happen without persistence.”
She encourages aspiring policymakers to think beyond immediate technical solutions and consider the long-term political and economic forces at play. “Energy policy isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. If we don’t center equity in the transition, we’re not really changing the system.”
As the world navigates one of the most significant energy transitions in modern history, Lilian is determined to make sure it’s not just effective, but equitable.
Balancing family, education, and a new country
For many students, pursuing a Master of Public Policy is a rigorous academic challenge. But for Lilian, the transition to graduate school was about more than just coursework—it was about uprooting her life, moving to a new country, and balancing her studies with family responsibilities.
Lilian moved to Canada with her family—partner and 2 years old daughter—navigating not only a demanding academic program but also the challenges of settling in a new environment. “He came here without knowing any language, and he's learning French now,” she says of her partner. “He has been an invaluable support throughout this process” Meanwhile, her daughter, Adela, has embraced the change with remarkable resilience. “She loves to go to daycare. She enjoys spending time with other toddlers and the educators. Without this support, I wouldn’t be able to study the MPP program.”
Finding support has been essential, and Lilian credits her classmates—especially one fellow parent—for helping her manage the dual responsibilities of school and family. “Adrienne, one of my classmates, is also a mom. She’s a good friend here,” she explains. “We talk about how we can deal with the program and our families at the same time. It’s a challenge, but we support each other.”
That sense of solidarity extends beyond just the parents in the program. “We are lucky to have a very friendly and generous cohort,” Lilian notes. “Everybody is very willing to help and support each other, and that has made the process easier.”
While the journey has been exhausting at times, Lilian remains focused on the future. “It’s not easy, but we do it because we believe in living in a society rooted in diversity and collective care like Canada’s,” she says. “For me that’s what policy is ultimately about shaping a more just, inclusive and prosperous future.”
