What does it mean to lead, nurture, and protect—at home and in the workplace? This heartfelt Mother’s Day episode of SMECO Connects brings together Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro and SMECO CEO Sonja Cox for a powerful conversation about womanhood, leadership, and the evolving challenges facing families today. From raising daughters and managing billion-dollar organizations to tackling school safety and mental health, these inspiring women reflect on the resilience and responsibility of motherhood—both personal and professional.

Lezael Rorie, newly appointed VP of Distributed Energy and Sustainability at SMECO, joins us to unpack the surprising truths behind high energy bills, solar integration, EV adoption, and Maryland's bold push for greener buildings. From the real reason your winter bills spike to tools that reveal exactly when your kids are gaming past bedtime, this conversation offers practical insights and lesser-known programs that could save you serious money—and energy.

Think you know what it takes to keep the lights on? This conversation with Jason Atherton—SMECO’s longtime lineman-turned-trainer—might surprise you. From climbing poles to guiding the next generation, Jason shares what makes SMECO’s apprenticeship program more than just a training track—it’s a launchpad for real careers in Southern Maryland. With roots in farming, a passion for mentorship, and a program built to grow talent from the ground up (literally), this episode shines a light on the people behind the power, and the values SMECO is working to uphold in your community.

Ever wondered what it takes to bring the lights back on after a major storm? From Air Force discipline to leading storm operations for an electric co-op, Brian Lazarchick shares the intense coordination, safety-first mindset, and evolving technology behind large-scale outage restoration. You’ll hear how tree-trimming cycles, outage maps, and a committed team help reduce downtime—and why preparation starts long before the first raindrop falls. This conversation might just change how you see every utility pole on your street.

What if you could inspire the next generation, support struggling families, and uplift your entire community—just by showing up every day with purpose? That’s exactly what Natalie Cotton has done. In this conversation, we dive into Natalie’s unexpected rise through SMECO, from a job-hunting newcomer to the powerhouse behind its community engagement efforts. Learn how her team supports teachers, invests in students, and turns donations into real change. Trust us—you won’t look at your local utility the same way again.

When Sonja Cox stepped into the CEO role at SMECO, she had big plans—then COVID hit. In this compelling conversation, Sonja shares what it was like to lead through an unprecedented crisis, from ensuring employee safety to keeping the lights on for thousands of customers. She reflects on the challenges of running a top-tier electric cooperative, the lessons she’s learned, and the passion that keeps her going. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead in uncertain times, this episode is for you.

Think power outages are just an inconvenience? For the linemen who restore electricity, it's a high-stakes mission. In this episode, we sit down with seasoned lineworkers to uncover the grit, danger, and teamwork behind the job. From grueling storm recoveries to the unbreakable brotherhood that keeps them safe, this conversation sheds light on the unsung heroes of our power grid. Whether you're curious about the life of a lineman or just want to appreciate the next time your lights flicker back on, you won’t want to miss this.

This episode features interviews in celebration of National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18th. Lineman Day honors the men and women who work around the clock to keep the power going. If the power is on where you are, you likely have a lineman to thank.

In this episode, we dive into Maryland’s evolving energy landscape with a focus on the state's generation deficit, growing demand for electricity, and the complex debate surrounding energy generation solutions. From the impact of data centers and electric vehicles to the push for nuclear and renewable energy, we explore how Maryland is addressing these challenges. Join us as we discuss the capacity auction, the role of small modular reactors, and the regulatory hurdles in bringing new generation online. Get a glimpse into how the state is working to balance energy needs, environmental goals, and economic growth.