In celebration of Black History Month, AVANGRID is sharing employees’ stories in our We are AVANGRID series.

What is your role at AVANGRID and how long have you been with the company?

I am a Human Resource administrator and advisor for AVANGRID. I began with the company as a contractor in March 2020. I really love my HR role with AVANGRID and my team because we are on the frontline to provide coaching to employees on interpretation or application of policies, procedures and union contracts, resources; and as well as resolve issues and ease concerns of our employees.

How long have you been in the HR field?

I have been in the HR field for a little over 20 years and have served in a variety of HR-related roles within Fortune 1000 companies, such as GE, where I worked from 2000 to 2017. Actually, I did not begin in HR. I got my BA in Business Administration and Marketing from American Intercontinental University in Schaumburg, Illinois. But it was my love for connecting with people that really led me to the HR field and has given me great fulfillment ever since.

Why is Black History Month so important to you?

I was raised not to see color, but to just see people as they are. I think that is because I grew up in a very diverse family and neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. We took great pride in who we were and the importance of our history, particularly that of being African American. Black History Month is a reminder to me of everything our ancestors endured and overcame. It is a time to rejoice and reflect on how far we’ve come. My husband, Irving and I continue to instill the importance of our history into our children -–  Brett (an engineer), Minuette (an HR recruiter),Tyrell (a driver), ZaQuan (an entrepreneur) and grandchildren, AJ, Avry, Rodsir and Amyiah.

What do you do in your spare time?

I have facilitated events that have supported children, the elderly and really anyone in need throughout the years. I also really enjoy my music ministry at my church, Mt. Aery Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut and have sung with several Gospel music tours around the country. Basketball is a spare time favorite as well.

What do you enjoy most about working at AVANGRID?

There are so many great and inspiring reasons why I like working at AVANGRID and the one close to my heart would be the care and concern that is shown from our executive leadership team members, managers and employees.  Within the 11 months, I have witnessed the respect and care we all have for each other and the customers we serve.  The leadership team showed such care, concern and empathy for the employees during the COVID Pandemic.

During my very first week of employment in March 2020, I witnessed such swift and responsiveness with communications and a resourceful website that was valuable during the pandemic. The value and concern for employees allowed me to witness that I made a wise choice when I said yes to my role at Avangrid and I will never look back.