During Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the women helping shape the future of energy and economic opportunity across the communities we serve.

For members of Entergy Mississippi’s business and economic development team, powering progress means supporting investments that strengthen communities, create jobs and position the state for long-term growth.

Supporting investment that strengthens communities

As a project manager on the business and economic development team, Lauren Gurtowski works with companies considering new facilities or expansions across the company’s 45-county service territory. Her role focuses on assessing electrical needs and working to deliver reliable, efficient solutions that meet project timelines.

Because companies often evaluate multiple states when deciding where to invest, responsiveness can play a critical role.

“Our ability to respond quickly and provide cost-effective options can directly influence whether companies choose to invest within our service territory,” Gurtowski said.

Large-scale energy projects such as data centers can bring huge benefits to communities, including capital investment, tax revenue and new opportunities for local businesses.

“When a project selects one of our communities, it means new jobs, stronger local businesses and long-term economic growth,” she added.

For Gurtowski, the work is also personal.

“Building the future means helping Mississippi grow community by community,” she said. “I want to help create a Mississippi where future generations — including my daughter — have every opportunity to succeed.”

Strengthening the foundation for growth

Christine Pate, director of industrial accounts, focuses on supporting major industrial customers like Amazon Web Services while helping communities remain competitive for future investment.

“The core mission of economic development is to improve the quality of life in every community we serve,” Pate said. “When companies choose Mississippi, they’re not just creating jobs — they’re driving local growth and strengthening the communities around them.”

Reliable infrastructure is key to that success.

“Strong infrastructure sets the stage for competitiveness and steady, sustainable growth,” she said.

Supporting innovation and collaboration

The growth of large-scale data center development has created new opportunities for innovation and collaboration across the company.

As an industrial account executive, Katie Robertson works closely with customers and internal teams to support complex projects and evolving industry needs.

“Supporting these projects allow us to think outside the box and find new, better and more efficient ways to serve our customers,” Robertson said.

For Roberston, building the future means strengthening partnerships and helping stakeholders understand the long-term benefits these investments bring.

“We have the responsibility to remain customer focused and help communities see how projects like data centers can benefit them for years to come,” she said.

Powering progress for Mississippi’s future

Through strategic partnerships, infrastructure planning and support for transformative investments, women across Entergy Mississippi’s economic development team are helping position the state for long-term success — powering progress for the communities they serve.