Celebrating Pride Month: DJ Phillips
During Pride Month in June, Avangrid is celebrating our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies! Each week we’ll be highlighting a member of the Pride community at Avangrid.
This week, let’s meet David “DJ” Phillips, Technical Training Customer Service – CMP and Membership Coordinator for Pride@Avangrid.
Tell us about your role at Avangrid. What do you do?
I work as a Customer Service Trainer for Central Maine Power. My day-to-day typically never entails the same tasks unless I’m actively facilitating progression training. Tasks and responsibilities outside of facilitation include communications, developing and editing training materials and job aids, up-skilling representatives, and of course, personal development. There’s always something new to learn! Training is not without its challenges, but empowering and developing representatives is truly the best part of the job!
What is a highlight of your career so far at Avangrid? Any special projects, achievements, etc.
The highlight of my career is always helping someone overcome challenges or gaps in understanding. A large part of the type of customer service we do here involves educating customers and rephrasing communications as necessary to achieve clear understanding. In a way, I get to teach representatives to do what I have to do on a daily basis. There’s no better feeling than empowering minds and encouraging growth – then actually witnessing the fruits of your labor. As trainers, we rejoice in our reps’ successes and celebrate their achieved aspirations.
How do you plan to celebrate Pride Month this year?
This year, I have the opportunity to volunteer and participate with our Pride BRG’s Pride Celebration in Orange, CT. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to support this event. I also plan to travel a bit during the month of June to engage in celebrations in places where the culture may be different than what I’m accustomed to.
How has being a member of the Pride BRG impacted you, either personally or professionally?
Being a member of the Pride BRG and showing support to my colleagues has elevated my understanding of demonstrating authenticity. Being yourself unapologetically takes bravery and courage, but also promotes a certain self-satisfaction and confidence which are both key factors in prioritizing mental health. The past few years have shown me just how important mental health care is and I’m proud to be a part of such a diverse organization.
Name a role model you admire in the LGBTQ+ community. How do they inspire you?
I have a few… Mo’Nique, Janelle Monae and Laverne Cox are the first names that come to mind. All have such unique stories and find different ways to express themselves. I love the authenticity they all bring to the table and personally relate to some of the struggles Mo’Nique openly identified in her comedy special “I Am Mo’Nique”.
What is one way allies can better support the LGBTQ+ community?
As a trainer, I approach questions like this carefully. I’d highlight one way with multiple facets… Be curious, kind, and respectful. Get to know someone before passing judgements or making assumptions. It really can be difficult for some to feel comfortable in their skin. From personal experience, that’s a very unpleasant place to be. In a world where we are all trying to “figure it out”, why make it harder on someone? Encourage authenticity. Promote awareness. And be a friend.
