El Paso Electric (EPE) has announced that Lily Bustamante, Director of Transmission and Substation Engineering, has been named a 2025 Rising Star by the Women’s Energy Summit (WES). The award recognizes emerging women leaders in the energy sector for their technical expertise, leadership potential, and dedication to progress and innovation.
Bustamante began her career at EPE in 2008 as an intern in Substation Engineering. Over 17 years, she advanced through various engineering and leadership roles and now oversees multiple departments responsible for the company’s energy infrastructure and long-term planning.
“Engineering is my passion,” Bustamante said. “I love solving problems and finding creative solutions. That’s what drives me every day, taking on challenges that matter and delivering results that serve our community.”
She attributes her growth to mentorship, collaboration with colleagues, and support from her team. According to Bustamante, these factors have played a significant role in her development as a leader.
“Lily’s recognition as a Rising Star is a reflection of her leadership, expertise and commitment to excellence,” said Kelly Tomblin, President and CEO of EPE. “Her contributions to enhancing our grid infrastructure play a vital role in advancing our community and our industry. All of us at EPE are proud to support her continued growth and success.”
Bustamante participated in the Rising Star Forum on August 25 as well as the Women’s Energy Summit held in Chicago, Illinois. There she joined other women working toward transforming the energy sector.
The Women’s Energy Summit was established in 2014 as a forum for senior women leaders to discuss key issues facing the industry and ways to advance women within it. In 2015, WES introduced its Rising Stars program to highlight promising talent among up-and-coming women professionals; since then nearly 193 women have received this honor.
