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Duquesne Light's Erin Henley Recognized Among Pittsburgh's Top Innovators
One of 15 innovators in the region named to "RealLIST"
Duquesne Light Company's (DLC) Erin Henley, innovation associate III, has been recognized as one of Technical.ly's 2026 RealLIST Innovators.
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.
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.
summit in March, where she shared insights about safety and efficiency
measures when deploying robots near electrical infrastructure.
Henley also founded DLC’s “Innovators Circle,” 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.
“Innovation starts with people, not technology,” Henley said. “When 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.”
Through both her technical expertise and commitment to developing others, Henley has become a leader both within and beyond DLC’s innovation efforts.
"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."
Henley serves as chair of UServe, DLC's employee resource group supporting veterans, first responders and their allies. She’s also an all-source intelligence analyst in the Pennsylvania National Guard and is preparing for an upcoming overseas deployment.
receives an award for her performance during a successful June 2025 military training exercise.
“The people who create the greatest impact aren’t always those with the highest rank, title or position,” she said. “Positive change doesn’t require authority, and you don’t have to wait for someone else to create it. You can be a part of creating it yourself.”
Henley's recognition underscores DLC’s 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.
