Celebrating AANHPI Month: David Moromisato
Throughout May, Avangrid is celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. AANHPI identifies a diverse group of Americans representing over 50 ethnic groups, more than 30 countries, and hundreds of languages — a multi-faceted community.
Each week of the month, we’ll be meeting members of the AANHPI community. This week, meet David Moromisato, Supervisor, Gas Sales & Products – CNG, SCG and Berkshire Gas Company.
Briefly describe your role. What is one way you’ve grown since starting at Avangrid?
I am the Supervisor for Gas Sales and Products working out of the East Hartford office. My role is to lead a team of Energy Specialists for Construction & Industrial new business for CNG, SCG, and Berkshire Gas, as well as new business for residential reps at BGC. I’ve been with the company about 17 months, so my breadth of knowledge has been expansive as I’ve gotten to learn the inner workings of Avangrid. Through constant communication with my manager and collaboration with my mentor through the Avangrid Mentoring program, I’ve gained valuable tools to become a more effective leader, and learned how to be more innovative in the way I navigate with other departments.
What is your Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) heritage and how has it shaped the person you are today?
I’m actually half Asian, as both of my grandfathers were Japanese. My grandmothers were Peruvian of Spanish and indigenous descent, but they all met in Peru. (I’m also part of the HOLA! business resource group). I’ve tried very hard to connect to my Japanese heritage after high school. University allowed me to follow my roots to a culture rich in tradition, respect, and honor. Those are characteristics I value and try to incorporate into my everyday life. Knowing I have the ability to add something positive to this world each day gives me a sense of usefulness and hope for the future.
What are some of your favorite traditions from your heritage?
I didn’t grow up following too many Japanese customs, but I’ve become increasingly fascinated by traditions that stem from Asian cultures. When I was younger, I practiced Judo for many years and found it important for my kids to also train in martial arts.
Eating sushi is a household favorite and starting each meal with the phrase ‘itadakimasu’ is something we like to incorporate before we eat. It’s a polite phrase meaning, ‘I have received this food’ and expresses thanks to whoever prepared the meal.
Who in the AAPI community has inspired you most?
When I was young, I had a love/hate relationship with Bruce Lee. I went to an elementary school in a very urban neighborhood where Asians were an extreme minority. Although I’m half Hispanic and fluent in Spanish, I got picked on a lot because I looked more Asian. Growing up in an era where kung fu theater was a constant on tv, many individuals would challenge me to see how good my ‘kung fu’ was. This was prior to me starting martial arts, so as much as I admired Bruce Lee, I didn’t appreciate the stereotype brought about by his physical prowess.
I did eventually use it as the inspiration to get into Judo and excel in a sport more closely tied to Japanese culture. I later gained much more respect for the icon of Bruce Lee as he was very outspoken on issues of racism and segregation. He also broke down many barriers that allowed Asians to elevate in American social stature. His philosophy of self-actualization allowed me to strive for a life of being true to myself and to always seek out enlightenment and wisdom.
What is the project you’re working on, either personally or professionally, that most excites you?
When I was in university, I took a few Japanese language classes in hopes of someday traveling to Japan. Unfortunately, it was hard to keep current and I’ve forgotten most of what I learned. My kids have become increasingly more interested in Japanese anime and manga so that has inspired me to get back into learning ‘Nihongo’ (Japanese language). The goal is to take my family on an extended vacation to Japan where we can connect with family and soak in as much of Japan as possible.
What is the project you’re working on, either personally or professionally, that most excites you?
I’ve joined a few other BRGs and encouraged others to join as well. I make it a point to reach out to those who seem intimidated, or on the outskirts of a work social setting to see how we can make a connection. Once that connection is made, I look for ways to incorporate others, so everyone has the ability to join a group dynamic. No one should ever feel left out or excluded among coworkers, but luckily Avangrid has an environment where DEI is embraced and encouraged, and that is a setting where I thrive most.
