{"id":287343,"date":"2026-09-16T14:12:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T14:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/287343\/"},"modified":"2026-09-16T14:12:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T14:12:12","slug":"duquesne-lights-erin-henley-recognized-among-pittsburghs-top-innovators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/287343\/","title":{"rendered":"Duquesne Light’s Erin Henley Recognized Among Pittsburgh’s Top Innovators"},"content":{"rendered":"

Duquesne Light Company’s (DLC) Erin Henley, innovation associate III, has been recognized as one of Technical.ly’s 2026 RealLIST Innovators<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Published annually, the RealLIST celebrates engineers, developers, scientists, researchers, inventors and technologists who are helping strengthen Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem through leadership, creativity and impact. <\/p>\n

At DLC, Henley serves as the innovation team’s lead for safety and advanced drone capabilities, helping identify, evaluate and pilot emerging technologies that support the company’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy. Her work includes advancing drone-based solutions designed to enhance infrastructure inspections, damage assessment and operational efficiency. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Erin Henley (tan blazer) spoke at Pittsburgh Robotics Network’s utility robotics \u200b
\u200bsummit in March, where she shared insights about safety and efficiency \u200b
\u200bmeasures when deploying robots near electrical infrastructure. <\/p>\n

Henley also founded DLC\u2019s \u201cInnovators Circle,\u201d a program that brings employees together to develop creative problem-solving skills and explore new ways to address business challenges across the organization. Through the initiative, she has helped foster a culture of curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement. <\/p>\n

\u201cInnovation starts with people, not technology,\u201d Henley said. \u201cWhen innovation is grounded in the realities of the people doing the work, it becomes easier to identify and advance opportunities that create real, lasting improvements.\u201d <\/p>\n

Through both her technical expertise and commitment to developing others, Henley has become a leader both within and beyond DLC\u2019s innovation efforts. <\/p>\n

“Erin is the definition of an innovator,” said Velvet Gaston, manager of innovation. “She leverages her creativity, curiosity and empathy to provide service to her DLC team members wherever she can.”<\/p>\n

Henley serves as chair of UServe, DLC’s employee resource group supporting veterans, first responders and their allies. She\u2019s also an all-source intelligence analyst in the Pennsylvania National Guard and is preparing for an upcoming overseas deployment. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>All-Source Intelligence Analyst Erin Henley (center), U.S. Army National Guard, Pennsylvania, \u200b
\u200breceives an award for her performance during a successful June 2025 military training exercise. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe people who create the greatest impact aren\u2019t always those with the highest rank, title or position,\u201d she said. \u201cPositive change doesn\u2019t require authority, and you don\u2019t have to wait for someone else to create it. You can be a part of creating it yourself.\u201d \u200b \u200b <\/p>\n

Henley’s recognition underscores DLC\u2019s commitment to innovation, leadership and service, and reflects how employees across the company are helping shape the future of energy while strengthening the communities we serve. <\/p>\n

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