Trudie Wang, Ph.D., is VP of Innovation at Heila Technologies. She is a mission-driven engineer with almost two decades of experience in developing algorithms around optimization and control methodologies for distributed energy resources. Upon completing her doctorate on the forefront of these technologies, she helped build innovative products with Growing Energy Labs, SolarCity, SunPower and the Electric Power Research Institute. Through these experiences, she gained additional domain expertise in product management and architecture, software development, and energy markets. Her experience now translates and connects the domains of algorithm creation, product development, and market design, helping reimagine a distributed energy system that is built up of microgrids and virtual power plants (VPPs) which empower edge resources to play more proactive roles at the distribution level of our networks. She has a keen bent towards design of optimal strategies and control policies that allow us to utilize our resources through a do more with less mindset.