Celebrating Women’s History Month: Meet Kimberly Cullen
At Avangrid, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace matters to us. During Women’s History Month, we honor women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. Throughout this month, we’re spotlighting some of the women on our team who make Avangrid and the world a better place. Meet Kimberly Cullen.
Tell us about your life before Avangrid. What’s your career journey been like? Your education?
Before Avangrid, I worked at a small utility in Myrtle Beach, SC for nearly 15 years. I was in numerous roles there, including Distribution Planning, Design, Relay, and Metering. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. I also have a Bachelor’s in Physics from the College of Charleston and my Master of Business Administration from Webster University. I’m also a registered Professional Engineer in both the States of South Carolina and Maine.
Now, your life at Avangrid: What are your main responsibilities in your role, and what is your favorite part of the work you do?
I’m currently the Manager of CMP’s Distribution Planning department. In this role, I mentor, develop, and support the Distribution Planning team (both internal and external employees). I provide technical leadership for high-profile and complex Distribution Projects at CMP. I represent Avangrid on technical committees, as well as provide technical input and testimony for regulatory proceedings.
My favorite part of the work I do is helping others. Whether it’s a phone call from a customer thanking me for something I helped them with or providing support to an employee and watching them grow in their careers, to me that is the most rewarding part of my job.
What are your passions, hobbies, favorite pastimes?
My family and I love the Maine outdoors. We enjoy activities in all four seasons, including boating, fishing, hunting, ATVing and snowmobiling!
Who’s a woman who inspires you? Why?
Professionally – one of my previous managers. She was a role model to me, and still is to this day. She taught me how to be a great leader, and how to handle high stress situations. I’m still very grateful for her leadership to this day!
Personally – my mom. As a single mom, she taught me strength and resilience at a very early age. I’m now able to use a lot of those same skills while raising my own family, thanks Mom!
What advice would you give to a young woman looking to follow in your footsteps?
Do it! Being a female in a male-dominated role, like engineering, can be intimidating at first, but don’t let that deter you from following your passion. My best advice is to find a role model/mentor in the field. Shadow them and talk to them about their experience. Having that knowledge will give you the boost you need to pursue your dreams in engineering!
