Celebrating Women’s History Month: Meet Laura Huizinga
At Avangrid, equal opportunity in the workplace matters to us. During Women’s History Month, we honor women’s contributions to our company and our history, culture, and society. Today, meet Laura Huizinga, Business Relations Manager at New York State Electric & Gas.
Can you tell us about your career journey, what inspired you to pursue your current field and some of the your biggest milestones or achievements?
Prior to coming to Avangrid, my work history was primarily in volunteer and event management. I enjoyed what I did but knew I wanted more. Nine years into that career path, I had the dream of owning my own event venue as a “side hustle.” My goals were ambitious and took a lot of work but next thing I knew I was acting as a general contractor and managing my biggest team yet. The experience was incredibly challenging and I learned way more than I had bargained for – in a good way. I realized project management may be that “something more” I was looking for. Mid-construction, the pandemic hit. I was now working from home with 2-year-old twins and praying my large gathering business would make it to opening day. To top it off, all of my events I was currently managing were getting cancelled or going virtual. The writing on the wall was becoming evident and this was the push I needed to look at other opportunities for what may be next.
A job was posted locally for NYSEG’s Field Customer Service Supervisor. The job description combined my favorite aspects of my past positions. I applied, interviewed and was thankfully awarded the job. Starting a new job, in a new field, during a national pandemic was not on my bingo card yet here I was. I was incredibly nervous but I am delighted to say I loved that position and it was such a great springboard into the company and my current position. It did not come without it’s challenges but with some gumption, dedication, creative thinking and teamwork, we were better at the end of the day because of those obstacles.
I was the FCS supervisor for 2.5 years before the position in Key Accounts (now Business Relations) opened up. The knowledge and confidence I gained in my first position was vital to my success in this new role. No two days are the same and the days I feel most accomplished are when I can problem solve for our key customers. It takes the entire team and I am so incredibly grateful to be apart of the NYSEG team
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry today?
Stay humble, but be confident. Ask questions & take time to learn from others.
Which women in your life have served as important mentors or role models, and what did you learn from them?
First and foremost, my mom. She has been my biggest cheerleader encouraging me to always chase my dreams no matter how wild or farfetched they seemed. Next I would have to say my first manager at NYSEG. She is a trailblazer and a go-getter. Incredibly smart in all things utility and an incredible advocate of mine.
What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially with the demands of a professional career?
I’m grateful that Avangrid as a whole promotes work-life balance. It makes a difference. Personally for me, it is a combination of time with my family and staying active. I also have a personal training certification which taught me the value of self care. I can’t help others if I’m neglecting myself.
Sometimes this is a quick walk at lunchtime other days, it’s a long run on the weekend while my kids bike next to me. Having a supportive team is a huge asset. When I’m not on call, I try to be off of my phone as much as possible. Certainly, emergencies arise and we spring into action but blue sky days are meant to be celebrated — in every way.
What do you hope future generations of women will achieve or experience in their careers?
I hope when my daughter starts her career she isn’t faced with the challenges I encountered simply because of my gender. I hope she is automatically offered a “seat at the table” simply because of professionalism and expertise.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally?
Celebrating the strides that have been made by those who came before us and a reminder to keep pressing on no matter how tough it can be somedays.
