Celebrating Women’s History Month: Christine Pariseau
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. Christine Pariseau, Senior Manager of Regional Operations at United Illuminating.
Tell us about your life before Avangrid. What’s your career journey been like? Your education?
Before Avangrid, I started my career at CES in Middletown, CT (MEP firm) working as an electrical engineer designing power systems and emergency generator systems for businesses and large houses. I joined UI as a Customer Engineer working on new service connections (residential and commercial). I then moved to Operations Engineering to fix issues on the distribution system and manage residential service connections, as well as develop plans for repairs to worst-performing circuits. After that, I became an Overhead Line Supervisor and remained in that position for a few years. I’m now Senior Manager of Regional Operations.
I graduated from Norwich University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. I also have MBA’s from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and Comillas Pontifical University in Spain.
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 manage a team of 200+ employees. My team builds and repairs the underground and overhead distribution systems. As a team, we work to make consistent improvements to processes, safety, and construction, while continuously maintaining and improving reliability. My favorite part of my role is the storm work, and helping people get their lights back on as quickly as possible. Another favorite part is seeing the consistent improvement and learning from my entire team.
What are your passions, hobbies, favorite pastimes?
One of my greatest passions is helping others. I also love going to the beach and paddleboarding, dancing, painting, and lifting weights!
Who’s a woman who inspires you? Why?
Maya Angelou inspires me because of the many things inspiring things that she has said and talked about. I really like how she inspires people tough situations and helps you work through them.
A few of my favorite quotes from her:
- “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
- “Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.”
- “I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.”
- “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.”
What advice would you give to a young woman looking to follow in your footsteps?
Hard work always pays off! Always do what you love and you will never feel like you are working a day in your life. The path isn’t always easy to succeed but keep learning along the way and you will get to where you want to be!
