How long have you been at AVANGRID?

I began working as a contractor with UIL in 1991 in the Call Center. It worked well for me because it gave me the flexibility I needed to have when my children were small. In 1997, I became a full-time employee.

In 2006, I was encouraged by another coworker, Azzalea Thigpen, who is now retired, to apply for a higher-level job. I was promoted to a Senior Technical Support Specialist in the Sales & Marketing Department. That position’s title eventually changed to Energy Analyst. I currently work in the Programs and Products Department.

What do you like about working with your team?

The respect I receive from them. We respect each other and most of us have been together for a while. I have been fortunate to work with a great group of people.

Why did you choose AVANGRID?

I really like working with people and providing stellar customer service to our callers.

I also get to work with people here from different walks of life and although we are different, we appreciate each other.

And why have you chosen to stay at AVANGRID?

Over the years, when I thought I might move, I would weigh the difference between AVANGRID and the possibility of leaving to go someplace else. Many times, what I found is that it boiled down to whether my needs were being addressed.

When my children were younger, my husband and I really wanted to be involved in our children’s lives and their extracurricular activities in school. My managers at that time were very supportive of me and understood the importance of my family to me.

Did you have sponsors or mentors along the way? Who were they and how did they encourage you?

Yes, I had a few mentors. Donna Rogers-Poole (retired)encouraged me to pursue my dreams at UIL. I remember her telling me that I shouldn’t allow my dreams to be hinder because I was a black woman.

My second mentor was Joseph Thomas, encouraged me to go back to school to complete my Bachelors. He shared that it took him many years while working to earn his degree.

Jane Lano, a manager of mine at the time, was always willing and open to  learn about others and their cultures. I greatly respected her for that and took her on as a mentor even though she is half my age. We encouraged each other by sharing and talking about our differences.

My spiritual mentor, friend and coworker, Cynthia Edwards, is always there to encourage and support me. We laugh, cry and pray together and are very supportive of each other. We need these types of support both professionally and personally.

Outside of AVANGRID, my mentor is Dr. Lovely A. Thornton, founder and CEO of Sensible Women Initiative. She taught me humility. She mentors me on how to embrace challenges and to believe in the power of common sense and unity.

How has your family played a part in the woman you are today?

My parents taught me from the time I was a child that I should always walk with my head up, stand firm and be proud of who I am.  They taught me to be independent, but not to be too proud to ask for help when needed. In my family, good manners counted for everything as well.

They lived their lives showing acts of kindness to others. They gave me a deep spiritual foundation and that is the reason why I learned that without God I could do nothing.

How do you feel about the current roles of women in society?

Society is recognizing that women are a very powerful force with which to contend. Somehow there are still those who want us to “stay in our lane”. I just wish more women would realize that they already have the power and to just go and live to their true potential.

How can women improve in their current roles?

Women must:

• • Believe in themselves
  • Take care of themselves
  • Stop thinking that they need to be perfect in all things. We need to cut ourselves a break.

What do you do in your spare time for fun?

I also volunteer for the Sensible Women Initiative, Inc. We mentor young girls from ages 5-25 in various regions of the United States. Currently, I’m devoting my time to develop a chapter in the New Haven County area and am looking for volunteers.

I also enjoy reading, watching mystery movies and spending time with my family, husband (Earl), my children (Earl Jr. and Leah) and my adorable grandson, Blake.

As for fun, I like to travel, but I still need to incorporate more fun and “me time” in my life to be more balanced.