CROWN POINT – The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA) is pleased to announce that Aida Abuelizam, Director of Customer Experience and Technology Engagement at NiSource, has been elected as Chair of the NWIIWA Board of Directors.
Abuelizam has been an active NWIIWA member, currently serving as co-chair of the organization’s Mentorship Program, an initiative that brings together seasoned women leaders as mentors and pairs them with rising stars, who will receive guidance, perspective and encouragement to move their careers forward with purpose.
“At NWIIWA, we don’t just celebrate influential women — we cultivate them. We are building a community where women support one another, challenge boundaries, and redefine what leadership looks like in Northwest Indiana,” said Abuelizam. “Empowering women is not just a mission; it’s a responsibility we proudly embrace. Together, we are creating opportunities that shape today’s leaders and inspire the next generation watching us.”
In her current position with NiSource, she drives enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen customer-centricity and accelerate digital transformation. She leads cross-functional teams focused on elevating the customer journey, advancing technology adoption, and aligning operational execution with strategic business priorities.
Previously, Abuelizam served as Director of Strategy, where she shaped long-term strategic direction and partnered with senior leaders to translate complex business planning into actionable plans. Prior to that, she was Manager of Strategy and Risk Operations for NiSource Corporate Services within the Organization of Strategy and Risk. In that capacity, she led the development and execution of cross-functional projects that enhanced NiSource’s strategic positioning and risk mitigation capabilities. She oversaw business market analysis and enterprise reporting, delivering insights that informed executive decision-making and strengthened organizational alignment.
Throughout her more than 10-year tenure at NiSource, Aida has held diverse roles spanning optimization of NIPSCO’s gas and electric portfolio, regulatory policy, enterprise strategy, and customer engagement. Her breadth of experience enables her to bridge technical, operational, and strategic domains — bringing a holistic perspective to complex business problems and fostering strong partnerships across the company.
Abuelizam is also a committed advocate for advancing women in the workplace. She previously served as Chair of DAWN — Developing and Advancing the Women of NiSource — where she championed programs that supported professional growth, visibility, and community among women across the organization. Beyond NiSource, she contributes her leadership to several community boards, reinforcing her dedication to service and impact beyond the workplace.
Known for her ability to build collaborative relationships, integrate business needs with strategic objectives, and lead teams through change with clarity and purpose, Abuelizam is passionate about creating value for customers and communities while advancing NiSource’s long-term vision.
She holds an MBA from Indiana University Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Outside of work, Aida is a proud mother to a teenage daughter who keeps her inspired and deeply connected to the next generation.
Andrea Pearman, Executive Director of NWIIWA, said that she is confident that Abuelizam’s leadership will further elevate the organization’s impact across the region.
“Our board and members are energized by Aida’s vision, integrity, and proven ability to turn strategy into meaningful action,” said Pearman. “Under her leadership, NWIIWA will continue expanding mentorship, strengthening community partnerships, and creating intentional pathways for women.”
