At Avangrid, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace matters to us. We strive to build and sustain a diverse workforce with a rich mix of differences, inclusive workplaces where each of us feel valued and connected, and equitable opportunities to grow and develop – no matter where we work. As we celebrate Black History Month this month, we’re spotlighting employees who are members of The Avangrid African-American Council for Excellence (AAACE). Let’s meet Tumani Edwards.

What is your role at Avangrid and how did you find your way here?

I have been a People Business Partner for our corporate functions at the company for just over 1 year now. My role is to provide HR consultancy and execution to our business across a variety of different projects, processes, analytics and more. I started at the company as an intern back in the summer of 2019, and have since rotated through corporate communications, talent acquisition, employee experience and started full time with the company in June 2021 as an HR Consultant.

How do you celebrate Black History Month?

I celebrate Black History Month not only by remembering and learning about the incredible contributions the Black community has made to the world and the diaspora, but also by specifically supporting Black-owned businesses and ventures. It is a time to reconnect with who I am as a person and to remind myself of all that I can do just by believing in myself.

What is your favorite piece of media or art from a Black creator?

One of my favorite quotes is from Muhammad Ali, the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, when he said, “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” It is a testament to how strong one’s self-confidence can be and needs to be whenever faced with a challenge. Coming up against obstacles is as natural as breathing in life, but it is how we choose to deal with them that determines how they will ultimately affect us.

What do you like to do outside of work? Favorite hobby or passion?

I am a big foodie and like to explore different cultures’ cooking and flavors, as it gives me an introduction to the traditions and what is considered important to that specific heritage. Whether it is the way the food is prepared, the specific ingredients used or their source, or even the culturally specific medium of eating, I am fascinated with the unifying experience of exploring diversity through food. My favorite meal right now would have to be Jamaican Oxtails with mac and cheese and candied yams.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by the novelty of experience in life. Whether that is exploring new foods through different cultures, traveling to new places with friends, or forcing myself out of my comfort zone in new situations, I am driven by the thought of being able to do something today that I’ve never done, learn something new or even meeting someone who doesn’t think the same as me. Our sum of life experiences makes us who we are as people and allows us to learn about others on a much deeper level, so as someone who desires to explore the deepest parts of himself, I feel there is no better way than to turn that curiosity outwards and share it with the world.