Meet Prospera West Coast of Florida Regional Board Member Stefano Carnio
Stefano Carnio, PE, is Manager of Maintenance & Integrity in Asset Management – Distribution at Duke Energy. A results-driven engineering and operations leader with 15 years of experience in the electric utility industry, Stefano brings expertise in grid performance, risk prioritization, and strategic planning. As a proud son of Chilean immigrants and a Miami native, he understands the value of culturally informed support. Today, he volunteers on Prospera’s West Coast of Florida Regional Board, where he contributes to empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs across the region. Keep reading to learn more about Stefano and his role in strengthening the community.
What is your workplace’s mission and what services do you provide?
At Duke Energy, our mission is to power the lives of our customers and strengthen our communities through cleaner, smarter energy solutions. As we lead one of the nation’s largest clean energy transitions, we’re focused on achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining affordability and reliability. Our strategy centers on shaping the energy landscape, modernizing the grid, and delivering long-term value for customers and stakeholders—all supported by a strong culture of safety, operational excellence, and inclusion.
What motivated you to serve on Prospera’s Regional Board as a volunteer?
When I learned about Prospera’s mission to support Hispanic entrepreneurs and small business owners, I was instantly drawn in. As the son of Chilean immigrants and a Miami native, I’ve seen firsthand how important bilingual support and culturally informed guidance can be. I’m proud to contribute to an organization that empowers our community and creates lasting economic impact.
What have you enjoyed the most so far about serving on Prospera’s Regional Board?
What I’ve enjoyed most is seeing the direct impact Prospera makes in the community. Hearing the stories of entrepreneurs who’ve grown their businesses with Prospera’s support is incredibly inspiring. It’s rewarding to be part of a mission-driven organization that not only uplifts individuals but strengthens families and communities.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of listening—really listening. Whether you’re leading a team, partnering with a colleague, or supporting customers, taking the time to understand others’ perspectives builds trust, improves decisions, and drives better outcomes. It’s a simple but powerful habit that continues to shape how I lead and work with others.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
For me, it starts with setting clear priorities. Family and personal well-being come first, and I’ve been fortunate to work for leaders who truly support that. Achieving balance also means being intentional with your time and having a company culture that respects those boundaries. I believe that when you take care of your life outside of work, you show up stronger and more focused on the job.
What is one item still on your bucket list?
Flying a plane has been a lifelong dream of mine. Before I pursued engineering, I actually wanted to be a pilot. My mom was a travel agent, so I grew up flying often to visit family in Chile. I was fascinated by aviation—even getting to visit the cockpit as a kid a few times. I’ve tried all sorts of adventures, from kitesurfing to skydiving, but getting behind the controls of a plane is still high on my list.
Stefano’s commitment to operational excellence and his passion for community development make him an invaluable asset to Prospera’s Regional Board. We are grateful for his leadership, vision, and dedication to empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs across Florida.
