As a nation, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. AVANGRID is introducing you to members of our team who are reflecting on their Hispanic and Latinx heritage. Join us in saying “hola,” or in this case “howdy,” to Josh Mabasa- a third-generation Texan whose family traces their roots back to the Mexican Revolution.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

It is an acknowledged time in USA to reflect upon, and remind ourselves of, the vibrant heritage and positive contributions of the Hispanic community to American culture and society.

I am a third-generation Texan, born and raised in Houston, TX. I have benefitted from an earlier generation of family’s difficult decision to immigrate during the Mexican Revolution and settle in a foreign land. It is important to recognize and celebrate as a country Hispanics as one of the many sources of American Exceptionalism (fun fact: I also have French and Filipino heritage).

How do you feel about AVANGRID’s commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)?

I feel encouraged by AVANGRID’s commitment to DEI. It is fundamental to achieving the most talented workforce and to creating an inviting and welcoming environment that encourages everyone to bring their genuine and best selves to work. This is all necessary if we are to be a differentiated global company that prides itself as an industry leader who dares to be different.

Who or what inspires you? 

My family inspires me, and traveling abroad inspires me. It is easy to take for granted how fortunate and blessed Americans are relative to the rest of the world. Traveling abroad widens your view and changes your perspective.  These two things motivate me to take every opportunity, to stay resolute, and to persevere through challenges that seem daunting at the time.

What do you like about working at AVANGRID? (Please include some personal/professional background information.)

The people! I appreciate the opportunity to work with teammates from other countries – Spain, UK, Denmark, Germany, etc. I also appreciate AVANGRID’s commitment to ethics and DEI. I believe this all makes for a strong and interesting company culture that employees can be proud of and own.

The majority of my post-university career was in the upstream Oil & Gas industry, so the pivot to working at AVANGRID Renewables has been like a breath of fresh air! After graduating from Vanderbilt University with an engineering degree, I committed to a career in O&G via recruitment into a Field Engineer Leadership Development Program. Offshore exploration field operations was a very demanding, high-stress environment, but the experiences, wisdom, and confidence gained during that time prepared me for a career in this new US offshore wind industry. Also, not many people can say they have flown to work on helicopters, had an office on drill-ships, and worked in remote corners of the world!

What’s a recent project or initiative you’ve been proud to be a part of?

As a Project Manager within Offshore Operations, our team is focused on ensuring requirements are met and everything is in place for efficient Operations & Maintenance once the Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) is commissioned. I am currently working on AVANGRID’s second offshore wind farm project, Park City Wind, that is planned to be commissioned and delivering power to Connecticut by 2026. It is planned to be one of the first to utilize an offshore logistics strategy with a Service Operations Vessel (SOV) that will stay offshore for extended durations, and our team has been working to make sure we get this right!

What do you hope to accomplish in the years ahead?

I too hope to leave a positive impact on society and the lives of others. For personal growth, I would still like to learn to sail and become trilingual!