Celebrating Women’s History Month: Desire LaCount
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. Meet Desiree LaCount, Wind Technician III.
Tell us about your life before Avangrid. What’s your career journey been like? Your education?
Life before Avangrid consisted of the western lifestyle as one would call it! Riding in the unsettling Wild West, pushing cattle to water and spending most of my time racing around three barrels as fast as my horse and I can go (barrel racing). This led me to join the rodeo ream at Mesalands Community College where the start of my career journey began. Initially, I had BIG dreams to become a large animal veterinarian but that soon changed as my curiosity took over and switched me to the Wind Energy Program, why not! What you don’t know about Mesalands Community College is that they teach class 300ft up in the air, and yes you read that right! Mesalands has a fully operational 1.5 GE wind turbine towering over the school where I have met mentors, concurred my fear of heights, and found potential in myself that I never knew was there in the first place! From there I won the “Wind at Our Backs” Scholarship with WRISE (Women or Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy) where I traveled to Chicago to attend the Wind Power 2018! I graduated with an associate degree in Wind Energy Technologies and from there I went wherever the “wind blew”.
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 have additional roles I attend to such as the site EHS Coordinator (Environmental, Health and Safety), site LOTO trainer, ISO Quality Coordinator, and Communications Lead here at WomENergy! I have a lot on my plate, which keeps me engaged throughout my time here at Avangrid. Making a positive impact by consistently sharing my knowledge to watch individuals grow and develop can be incredibly rewarding and my favorite part in what I do!
What are your passions, hobbies, favorite pastimes?
Some of my many favorite hobbies are back county horseback riding where you take the trail less traveled, well not traveled at all! Riding on the back side of a KLR 650 Adventure Bike seeing the beauty of nature in a different perspective while traveling the dirt roads. I also enjoy kayak fishing and fly fishing when my other hobbies and passions aren’t consuming my time!
Who’s a woman who inspires you? Why?
I know it sounds cheesy, but I am the woman who inspires me the most! The single most important lesson that I’ve learned is believing in myself and believing that I can do anything. I have given myself the strength and the encouragement to keep going, even though it may seem impossible. I always tell people I am my own HYPE man! I traveled alone during my college career, I never thought I would find myself 300ft up in the air in a wind turbine at Mesalands Community College. But I did! I never thought I would win the scholarship with WRISE (Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy) But guess what, I did! I inspired myself, created a vision, and pursued that vision.
What advice would you give to a young woman looking to follow in your footsteps?
Be confident! Believe in your abilities and value what you bring to the table. Don’t let imposter syndrome or self-doubt hold you back. Trust in yourself, showcase your skills, and make your voice heard! Don’t let stereotypes or societal expectations discourage you. Your passion and dedication will help you excel in the here in the field!
