AVANGRID is more than a leading energy company, it’s a team of diverse and talented people. For us, diversity and inclusion are  multi-dimensional priorities that support the uniqueness and individuality of our employees. We believe innovation thrives in inclusive environments where our inherent worth is recognized, we can be authentic with one another and we know we belong to something bigger.

The best way to highlight our diverse and talented people is by introducing them to you. Hear from Joseph (Amanda) Bradley, a proud employee of Connecticut Natural Gas:

For the past six years, I have worked as a customer care representative and have grown to love my job and the company that I work for. This past February was a huge milestone for me as I decided to transition from Joseph to Amanda. I wasn’t sure how this decision was going to impact the people I work with nor was I sure how everyone was going to respond.

During this process, I spoke with my union president, Rob Eubanks, and chief steward, Brenda Carson-Brown. I confided in them about my transition and they suggested that I speak with our labor relations manager, Devon O’Nalty. I met with Devon and he was the most professional person I worked with – he made me feel so comfortable. This process was extremely difficult; however, I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate and ally.

In fact, the company took amazing steps in supporting my transition by hosting an educational employee group discussion about the LGBTQ+ community. I thought the company did a remarkable job in explaining what to expect and brought in a professional to answer questions that others might have about the LGBTQ+ community.

I have heard kind words from so many people I work with:

“I have always supported everyone to be the best that they can be in life and believe everyone should be happy. When I first met Joe, I came to know the most generous and caring individual; once I was introduced to Amanda she exuded a sense of calm and happiness that allowed the person to become whole,” Carson-Brown said. “I want to thank Amanda for allowing me to share in her journey of growth. As my mother instilled within me, ‘In order to be happy in life you must live your truth and be proud.’”

“As Joe began his transition to Amanda, I was in awe at how transparent the process was at AVANGRID.  The communication shared with all employees, the counseling from HR and union leadership and the encouragement from her coworkers made Amanda’s first workday uneventful due to everyone understanding and supporting the importance of diversity and inclusion here at AVANGRID,” said Joan Paglinco, manager of customer care and Bradley’s supervisor. “This support makes it easy for Amanda to come to work every day.”

I really cannot say enough of how proud I am that AVANGRID took the stance it did and support me the way it has. Every day, when I walk into work, now as Amanda, I feel incredibly proud that I work for a company that stands behind what they say. Diversity is the key to everything that we can accomplish, and I cannot thank Peter Church, chief human resources officer, enough for his leadership and commitment to making my transition seamless. From my co-workers to upper management, everyone has continued to be extremely supportive.

I look forward to seeing what AVANGRID has in store for the future.