Tell us about your role at AVANGRID.

I am responsible for supporting, raising awareness, and growing our existing Supplier Diversity program to the next level. Supplier diversity is part of our mission to ensure a diverse supplier base in procuring goods and services for our organization. It emphasizes the creation of a diverse supply chain that works to secure the inclusion of diverse groups in our purchasing plans. In this role, I get to work with multiple stakeholders across AVANGRID to build productive relationships, maximize successful outcomes for the program, and support other Purchasing team members in identifying potential new diverse suppliers.

What does your job role mean to you?

I am very passionate about Supplier Diversity; there is something about working with a supplier, navigating our sourcing process, and seeing them win a tender that makes you feel like you’re making a significant impact. Supplier Diversity doesn’t just help that company grow; they help shape, grow, and develop our local communities by creating economic and employment opportunities.

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

Since joining AVANGRID, we have made considerable progress in setting a solid foundation for our program. We have developed our Mission Statement, enhanced the metrics we are tracking, developed a communications plan to increase awareness, and monitoring our spending, the inclusion of diverse suppliers in tenders, and awarding of new business. And this has only be the beginning. Now we are working on additional initiatives to ensure we meet and exceed all our ambitious goals for 2023-25 to become one of the best in our industry.

What is most important for people to understand about you?

I take pride in my work and love working with others and building great relationships with everyone I meet. I consider myself resourceful; if I do not know the answer, I will work to ensure I can get you an answer.

What do you look forward to accomplishing over the next year?

AVANGRID has shown to be invested in growing Supplier Diversity. One action item I look forward to accomplishing this year is our Supplier Diversity Summit in partnership with the DEI team, BRGs, and Diversity Week. We will welcome diverse suppliers into our facility to educate suppliers on AVANGRID and the investments we are making in Purchasing, Sustainability, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Additionally, we are developing a commodity strategy to help further increase our spend.

What was the best professional advice you’ve received, and how do you apply it to your work?

The best career advice I have received is to be persistent. You may not always be great at a new role from the beginning but keep going. We are lifelong learners, and with persistence and work, we can reach any goal.

In the supplier diversity world. finding a supplier to meet our needs or one that can handle the scope of work can be challenging. Still, by continuing to work with our internal teams and external partners, building relationships, and being out in the community, we eventually meet a supplier that is the right fit.

Anything you want to share or people to know about your personal life, family, upbringing, work history, and experiences?

I was born in El Salvador but have spent most of my life in Connecticut. My family is very culturally mixed; we represent many areas of the world. We spend much time walking the trails.

I’ve worked for nonprofits, healthcare, and manufacturing, and now I am embracing the utility industry. Professionally, I received two 40 under Forty awards, one for the Hartford Business Journal and one for CT Magazine. When I worked in healthcare. I was featured on the cover of one of the Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) magazines. I’ve been honored to collaborate with many other colleagues on articles and research papers, sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through my many years working in Supplier Diversity.