Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Karen Jones
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 Karen Jones.
What is your role at Avangrid and how did you find your way here?
I’m an IT Manager under Contract Services Management within the IT Department. I manage a dynamic team of individuals within the IT Shared Services/Governance group. They facilitate the processes associated with ensuring materials/goods and services are procured through external resources.
Before coming to Avangrid, I lived in Philadelphia. I was recruited by the Urban League to work at Eastman Kodak (Rochester NY), where I started as a computer programmer in their IT department. Over the next several years, I moved between IT and Supply Chain. In 2006, I was hired by Energy East in the Supply Chain Department (Procurement) as a Senior Contract Administrator. In 2012, I transferred to the Avangrid IT department as the IT Manager under Contract Services Management (also known as IT Contracts).
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I plan to celebrate Black History month in several ways:
- Watch Genius: MLK/X, the dual philosophies of Martin Luther King and Malcom X
- Facilitate an educational experience with the AKA’s YLI Program (Youth Leadership Initiative) about the origins of black music
- Support Black-owned businesses (restaurants, clothing, etc.)
- Participate in Black Movie Day (February 17) by rewatching The Color Purple
- Volunteer at my daughters’ job (Rochester City School #19) and read the students books written by Black Authors: Hair Love ( Matthew Cherry) and I Am Enough (Grace Byers).
What is your favorite piece of media or art from a Black creator?
My favorite type of media is music. I listen to all genres, but my favorite is R&B Soul, including artists like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Whitney Houston.
What do you like to do outside of work? Favorite hobby or passion?
Outside of work I am an avid volunteer. I serve as the correspondence secretary within my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s local Chapter – Delta Nu Omega. I also sit on the Empower Family Committee working alongside young people (12-14) and I support the Judicial Process Commission (JPC) outreach programs.
I love to line dance and stroll (dancing in a line while performing choreographed moves). I also love to write poetry and short stories, and I enjoy monthly game night with my family (I’m VERY competitive).
Who or what inspires you?
Much of my passion for social justice was inspired by my parents – William and Dr. Maryanne Jones. They instilled in my five siblings and me the desire to always do what’s right for all people. Justice ensures all individuals are granted the same freedoms in all areas of life. It’s a lifelong commitment.
