Mini Thomas, a prominent figure in the power and energy sector, is dedicated to empowering women to take on leadership roles within the industry. As a senior member of the IEEE and a professor of electrical engineering at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, she has held significant positions, including being the first female president of the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. Her journey reflects the challenges and successes faced by women in academia and industry.
Raised in Kerala, India, Thomas attributes much of her success to strong family support. “For a woman to succeed, she needs a lot of family support,” she notes, acknowledging that many women face interruptions in their careers due to caregiving responsibilities. This understanding fuels her commitment to mentoring others and fostering a supportive environment for women in the power sector.
Academic and Professional Journey
Thomas’s academic path began at the University of Kerala, where she discovered her passion for teaching while assisting her peers with their studies. After completing her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1984, she pursued a master’s at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. Shortly after obtaining her degree in 1986, she started her teaching career at the National Institute of Technology, Calicut.
Her academic pursuits led her to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, by the age of 28. Thomas joined Delhi Technological University shortly thereafter and later transitioned to Jamia Millia Islamia, where she played a crucial role in establishing research labs and innovative programs.
In 2003, she launched a master’s program in electrical power system management and received the IEEE Educational Activities Board Meritorious Achievement Award in 2015 for her contributions to education. Her tenure as president of the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, from 2016 to 2021, marked a significant milestone as she became the first woman to hold that position among 90 presidents of national institutes in India.
Fostering Women’s Leadership in Power
Thomas is an advocate for increasing the representation of women in the power industry. She mentors doctoral students and mid-career professionals through the South Asia WePOWER network, which aims to enhance women’s participation in the energy sector. A striking 2020 World Bank study revealed that the percentage of women in technical roles in South Asia ranges from 0.1% to 21%.
The South Asia Region (SAR) 100 professional development program provides training and networking opportunities for women across several countries, including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Thomas contributes as one of 40 experts, teaching essential skills in areas like renewable energy and leadership.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Thomas emphasizes the importance of mentorship. “Mentorship is what changed my career trajectory,” she states, recalling her own initial reluctance to pursue leadership roles. Her participation in a leadership training program significantly boosted her confidence, prompting her to seek higher positions in academia.
Thomas’s commitment extends beyond teaching; she actively engages with IEEE, having joined as a graduate student member in 1990. Her involvement has included organizing events and serving on various committees, helping to create programs that benefit members and promote technological advancements.
Through her work, Thomas not only aims to inspire the next generation of women leaders but also strives to create a supportive community where women can thrive in the power sector. Her dedication to education, mentorship, and innovation exemplifies the positive impact one individual can have on the industry and society at large.
As she continues her teaching endeavors while mentoring aspiring leaders, Mini Thomas remains a pivotal figure in promoting women’s empowerment within the power and energy sectors. “You should always do what you enjoy. For me, that’s teaching and volunteering with IEEE,” she concludes, embodying the spirit of dedication and passion that drives her mission forward.
