We continue celebrating Black History Month by elevating Illinois’ incredible Black leaders in our new series, Economic Drivers. Meet Vice President of Government Affairs and Regulatory Compliance of Constellation (and Illinois EDC executive advisory council member) Dwayne Pickett, an Illinoisan of seven years.
What inspired your career path and industry involvement?
I wanted to get involved in creating policy that changed the world. I wanted to make the world more equitable through the political system. I wound up in energy because of the opportunities that presented themselves and a door that was opened by a mentor, but I loved energy and haven’t looked back. Now I work at the country’s largest clean energy company working on policies to promote clean, abundant, and reliable energy.
As a Black leader in your field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
I’ve worked in places where I’ve been the only Black person in the room, and there are times where folks question, ‘Why you are in the room? Do you deserve to be here? Are you competent enough?’ I’ve found that people underestimating my abilities has been a gift. Their low expectations create a gap in the armor that, with hard work and dedication, can lead to great success.
Can you share a key moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
Early in my career, I was working in government, and when politics shifted, all my colleagues at the energy department and I were going to be replaced. In that moment, my wife reminded me that my capabilities transcend politics, and that if I advocate for myself, I might be able to keep my job (until I find another one) and continue to make an impact. That’s exactly what I did, and I’m grateful to her for the push. Sometimes having someone in your corner believe in you can make all the difference.
Who are (or have been) some of your mentors, role models, or inspirations?
There was a guy at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio named Jade Davis. He was African American leader and he gave me my first opportunity in energy. Him opening that first door let me in, and it was my job as the mentee to prove him right about me and open doors for others behind me.
What does success look like to you — professionally and/or personally?
To me, success is seeing my family happy and healthy. At work, I feel fulfilled when I leave it all on the field. I know that I can’t control outcomes, but if I do everything I can towards my goals, I can live with that. Ultimately, I want to make an impact; I want to build clean energy projects that change lives, employ people, produce clean energy, and help our country win.
How does being in Illinois contribute to your success as a Black leader (if it does)?
I work in nuclear and not only is Illinois the birthplace of nuclear energy, it’s also the place with more nuclear reactors than any other state. There’s no better place to be in energy—white, Black, or other.
What do you love most about living and working in Illinois?
The people. The people in Illinois welcome outsiders. I’m relatively new to Illinois but people have made it feel like it’s been my home for decades.
What makes Illinois a strong place for Black business leaders?
There’s a strong network of Black leaders and business owners who support each other, and there’s a strong core of major businesses who know that accepting others is a business advantage.
What policies, programs, or networks in Illinois have supported your professional growth or your organization’s mission?
Recently, the state lifted the cap on new nuclear plants. This is a key first step in what I believe can be a nuclear revolution with a strong base here in Illinois that creates jobs and results in new, clean, and reliable energy generation for businesses and communities.
How do you or your organization support your local community or underrepresented groups?
Constellation and its employees contributed $24.5M to philanthropic causes in 2025 and volunteered over 129,000 hours supporting over 700 nonprofit organizations. However, I’m most proud of our Youth STEM Program, where we mentor teens interested in STEM. I’ve been part of the program for three years and have had the pleasure of mentoring brilliant young Black men and women. I’ve watched them grown and learn; we’ve built projects together and volunteered at nonprofits together. Kids of all ethnicities and genders participate but, as a Black man, it’s great to see and contribute to the growth of the young Black participants.
Are there any initiatives or organizations in Illinois that you’re proud to support?
I’m on the board of the Respiratory Health Association. I’m so proud of the work RHA does to fight for clean air and flight against lung disease. Black communities disproportionately fall victim to pollution and suffer high rates of asthma and lung disease. RHA’s mission for clean air and healthy lungs for all is important to me. I’m also on the board of HIRE360, which engages with people of all ages and ethnicities to get training and certifications to not just work in the new clean energy/tech economy, but also start their own businesses. It’s incredibly inspiring and import work.
What inspires you to continue to affect change in your world?
I want my kids to inherit this place in a better condition than it is now. I want to do my part.
What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
As a history nerd, I think history is everything. Every moment that passes becomes history, so it is always physically connected to the present. Just thinking about how connected people are to where they come from lets you know why history is important. We are all impacted by our environments, so understanding the foundations of our environments can help us understand each other. Maybe if we understand each other better, we can find ways to connect better. Right now, it feels like everything is designed to rip us apart.
What would you say to a young Black professional considering launching or relocating their career to Illinois?
Keep an open mind. Be okay with failing. If you fall, get back up. The game/fight/struggle is never over. You can win, you can do this.
Favorite Illinois historical figure:
Abraham Lincoln
Favorite book of all time:
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin or Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey
Best business advice you’ve ever given (or received):
Persist with purpose.
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