AVANGRID is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Meet Toan Nguyen, Deputy General Counsel at Avangrid Renewables.

What do you like about working at AVANGRID?                       

I work with very smart and knowledgeable people every day who are striving towards solutions for our customers and stakeholders.  This was true when I joined the company in 2003 and is true today.  I appreciate that I am given many opportunities to participate, contribute and provide leadership for many of the projects at Renewables; from developing, constructing and operating onshore wind and solar facilities, to being at the forefront of policy and regulatory discussions.  I am proud of the AVANGRID legal team and our consistent display of competence, proficiency, collegiality and focus on ensuring that the legal risks are identified and addressed to mitigate the company’s risk exposure.

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

I am proud to give back and train the next generation of law students and attorneys. With AVANGRID’s college and graduate level intern program open to currently enrolled students, I’m able to provide mentorship opportunities so students can gain legal experience.  One of the best initiatives that I’m proud of is being able to advocate for our summer law clerk program. Since 2008, it has been the cornerstone of success, so much that former law clerk interns like Jasmine Hites and Jimmy Hulett are now a part of the AVANGRID legal team as in-house attorneys.  I am also very excited about the issuance of the Record of Decision for Vineyard Wind. This decision will lead to the first major offshore wind project in federal waters here in the U.S. and has very interesting legal and commercial issues that I and many other individuals will have a hand in navigating.  Finally, I appreciate the company’s willingness to identify, train, and develop future leaders through programs like the Purpose Driven Leadership cohorts that I just completed through the AVANGRID/Yale partnership.

What does AAPI month mean to you?

The AAPI stereotype is that we are model minorities, expected to remain invisible, keep our heads down and just get the work done without making any waves.  This mentality is the genesis of the “bamboo ceiling” and contributes the lack of AAPI representation in the C-suite, serving on boards and in decision-making roles.  To me, AAPI month is highlighting and celebrating the accomplishments and personalities within the AAPI community so we’re not invisible and silent.  It is also a time of reflection, looking at past practices with a new understanding and making corrective changes as needed to grow and improve.  This year’s AAPI month is even more critical given the recent increase in hate crimes against the AAPI community throughout the country. It’s time we begin challenging ourselves on what we need to do differently to ensure an inclusive environment.

Who or what inspires you?

My parents inspire me.  My father was a South Vietnamese officer and at the end of the Vietnam War and was forced into a reeducation camp.  My family had no future in Vietnam, so my parents risked themselves and their two small children, under the age of 5, from possible torture, piracy and death to become boat people in the hopes of a brighter future for their kids.  My parents came to the Bay Area in 1980 as refugees with no knowledge of the language or any money.  They worked two jobs each for many years, endured countless sacrifices, and through their strength, perseverance and sheer determination, were able to raise five kids through college to ensure that their children had opportunities.  They are now enjoying retirement with 11 grandkids to dote on.

My mentors such as Andy Haller, Paul Kaufman, Scott Mahoney and Ben Lackey also inspire me.  These past and current general counsels have given me unimaginable opportunities to develop myself as an individual and as a professional.  My colleagues in the legal and compliance teams and the work that they take on is inspirational as well.  They are hardworking, solution-oriented, and talented professionals dedicated to the work of the company.

What do you hope to accomplish in the years ahead?

My career goal is to be the General Counsel of AVANGRID, Inc. I want to continue to support AVANGRID in its efforts to increase renewable energy penetration while operating and maintaining our electric grid and natural gas pipelines while serving our customers and contributing to the communities that we are in.  My wife and I also hope to raise two beautiful, inquisitive and caring daughters to be thoughtful and critical thinkers as well as global citizens.