The 2025 USHCC Energy Summit convened more than 250 energy leaders, small businesses, and partners in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to spotlight the critical role of small businesses in the future of the energy economy. Under the theme “Bridging the Energy Divide,” the Summit connected supplier-ready firms with industry leaders through panels, roundtables, and high-impact networking.

The event reaffirmed the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s role as a national convener at the intersection of energy and small business, advancing supplier readiness, inclusive procurement, and an all-of-the-above energy strategy that ensures small businesses remain central to an affordable, innovative, and resilient energy future.

Senior leaders from Williams Energy, Toyota, Oncor, Avangrid, Kairos Power, Xcel Energy, API, and Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future engaged directly with small businesses in curated panel discussions and procurement-focused roundtables. These sessions highlighted actionable strategies to strengthen partnerships and foster greater inclusion in the energy supply chain.

Throughout the Summit, the USHCC reaffirmed its support for an all-of-the-above energy strategy, embracing every energy source as part of a balanced and forward-looking approach. The organization continues to advocate for innovative, affordable, and inclusive policies that expand infrastructure, enable supplier access, and empower small businesses to participate fully in the evolving energy landscape.

The Summit proudly recognized the newest cohort of small business supplier graduates, now prepared to enter and compete within the energy value chain. Their success underscores the importance of targeted development programs that prepare small firms to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry. One of the event's most memorable moments was the inaugural Women in Energy celebration at the Santa Fe Opera.

The morning gathering honored women driving meaningful impact across the energy ecosystem. Cynthia Hansen, EVP & President, Gas Transmission & Midstream, Enbridge, delivered a powerful keynote message focused on advancing leadership, access, and opportunity for the next generation of changemakers.

Alfonso Arguindegui, CEO & President, Arguindegui Oil Company

"At Arguindegui Oil Company, we’ve built our legacy on hard work, innovation, and community. The energy future must reflect those same values, and that means creating space for Hispanic-owned businesses to lead. I commend the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for ensuring that family-owned companies like ours are part of the national energy conversation. When we invest in diverse suppliers and local talent, we don’t just fuel the economy, we power a stronger, more resilient America.”

The Honorable Mary Landrieu, Former U.S. Senator and Co-Chair, Leadership Council, Natural Allies

"The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is stepping into a leadership role at one of the most critical turning points in our energy future. As global demand intensifies and innovation accelerates, we must take a bold, unified approach, one that champions new technologies, protects affordability, and puts small and Hispanic-owned businesses at the center of the solution.

Energy may only account for 7% of our GDP, but it powers 100% of our economy. Every product made, every service delivered, every community connected—none of it happens without energy. That’s why this conversation matters. The energy transition isn’t just about cleaner fuels—it’s about economic empowerment, equity, and who gets to build the future. And it starts with the partnerships we forge here today.”

Vivek Chidambaram, Senior Managing Director, Accenture

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a future ambition; it’s a present necessity. But to unlock its true value in the energy transition, we must lead with strategy and value, not just use cases and implementation. That means focusing on measurable outcomes, like return on capital employed, workflows reinvented, partnerships executed, training and talent developed, and ensuring small and Hispanic-owned businesses are part of the transformation. At Accenture, we believe scaling digital innovation must be inclusive, strategic, and grounded in the real work of powering the next generation of energy systems.”