In celebration of Women’s History Month, our next few Economic Drivers are exclusively women business leaders, kicking off by elevating Meena Beyers, vice president of business & community development at Nicor Gas and Illinois EDC executive advisory council member. She’s a (nearly) lifelong resident of Illinois, with her family moving from Indiana when she was two years old. Although she attended college in Indiana, she reiterates: “Illinois has always been home.”
What inspired your career path and industry involvement?
My passion for affordable housing led me to urban planning and economic development. Working in local government for several years as a city planner, I saw first-hand how energy is the foundation for development, growth, job creation, and community prosperity. I made the leap from the public sector to the energy industry where I knew I could apply my interests and strengths to make an impact.
As a woman leader in your field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
The challenges I have faced have been lessons on the journey to being a better leader—whether it was learning how to get buy-in on a new idea or trying to solve a complex problem with many different viewpoints. Some of the most important lessons I have learned to overcome challenges include leaning into my strengths, being prepared, and communicating relentlessly.
Who are (or have been) some of your mentors, role models, or inspirations?
I have leaned into countless leaders, mentors, sponsors and friends in the Nicor Gas/Southern Company family; long-time mentor and friend, CEO, and founder of multiple companies, Lauren Casentini; and my mom, a first-generation immigrant who raised me and my sister as a single mom. I also draw inspiration from my family every day—my husband and two boys.
What does success look like to you—professionally and/or personally?
To me, success looks like setting goals and achieving them. And both professionally and personally, that also means removing barriers for others to be able to do the same—whether that’s at home or in the communities we serve.
How does being in Illinois contribute to your success as a woman leader (if it does)?
The economic development and innovation ecosystem in Illinois is the best in the world. Not only do we have some of the greatest assets—the universities, community colleges, innovation hubs, two national labs, etc.—but also some of the most wonderful people in this space. From our regional economic development leaders, to our leaders in business and industry associations, to local community leaders—Illinois is a place for collaboration, with people who truly want to partner and solve problems together.
What do you love most about living and working in Illinois?
I love our grit, hustle and Midwestern sensibility. There’s an energy in Illinois (no pun intended) that’s no-nonsense, roll up your sleeves, and get it done—and I think this spirit says a lot about our history, values and determination to make things happen. I also love that we have all four seasons here and enjoy all that each season has to offer—from the fall leaves at the arboretum, to a Cubs game in the summer, and everything in between!
How do you or your organization support your local community or underrepresented groups?
At Nicor Gas, supporting our 2.3 million customers in the 650+ communities we serve is a vital part of who we are. First and foremost, we believe that every family deserves reliable energy service at a price they can afford. The Nicor Gas Community Connection Center connects customers to bill payment assistance, energy efficiency programs and other services from our non-profit network. Since launching the Community Connection Center in 2022, we’ve connected more than 40,000 customers with $28 million in energy assistance; and with our support, more than 30,000 of those have participated in energy efficiency programs. We’re dedicated to helping the communities where we live and serve and providing opportunities for all.
Through charitable giving and volunteerism, we’re committed to strengthening our communities. In 2025, Nicor Gas provided $6 million in community support, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening the neighborhoods we call home. We partner with community and local business partners to support economic development and advance supplier inclusion to help grow the communities we serve for generations to come. And, we’re committed to supporting the growing demand for natural gas while continuing to drive sustainability—without compromising reliable and affordable energy for our customers. We demonstrate this through investments in innovation, including renewable natural gas, our support of the City of Harvey’s Community Hubs, and the Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood in Aurora.
How do you or your organization support your local community or underrepresented groups?
In addition to serving on the executive advisory council of Illinois EDC, I’m honored to serve on the board of directors of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Planning Council, and Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity; as well as serve on the President’s Council for the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
What inspires you to continue to affect change in your world?
Every day, I work alongside people who take immense pride in delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to the millions of homes and businesses that we serve. Each one takes their role to heart. It inspires me to work alongside so many people that care deeply about the customers and communities we serve. This is a historic moment in the energy industry, tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time—including energy demand and affordability. And we have to get it right. Millions of people are counting on us to make sure that energy is affordable, reliable and resilient. The dedicated people I work with inspire me to go the extra mile, even when it is hard to do—to show up, engage, educate, and help solve these challenges.
Why Illinois?
Illinois has it all—from nuclear, to renewables, to one of the most modern and robust natural gas systems in the country. With interconnection to more than 20 interstate natural gas pipelines throughout the state, and underground storage that keeps everyone warm through arctic blasts, saving customers hundreds of millions of dollars—natural gas is clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and abundant—and we are ready to serve!
What would you say to a young woman professional considering launching or relocating their career to Illinois?
I’d say—you have to “be in Illinois!” We have the greatest ecosystem of support and collaboration, world class research and education and incredible opportunities to take your career down any path you choose.
Favorite book of all time:
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Best business advice you’ve ever given (or received):
No one can read your mind.
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