Celebrating AANHPI Month: Meet Zoe Ling
Throughout May, Avangrid is celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. AANHPI identifies a diverse group of Americans representing over 50 ethnic groups, more than 30 countries, and hundreds of languages — a multi-faceted community.
Each week of the month, we’ll be meeting members of the AANHPI community. This week, meet Zoe Ling, a Global Graduate at Avangrid who’s currently working in Business Performance for Renewables.
Briefly describe your role. What is one way you’ve grown since starting at Avangrid?
I’d start off by saying I’m a part of the global graduate program at Avangrid. My first rotation has been in business performance and is comprised of reporting, benchmarking, and transactions. I am able to learn every day from my manager Mary Lou and those around me within the greater team. I’ll be rotating into the investment office next week.
There isn’t enough word count for me to describe the ways I’ve grown since starting at Avangrid (all things considered, I just finished my bachelors degree last May so the growing’s only just begun). I think if I could only pick one broad thing, it’d be learning to ask for help and actively seeking mentorship. Many people want to help you or teach you, it’s just about asking. Some of my best growth moments so far have involved getting coffee with a more knowledgeable colleague and having them share resources or give me advice. I’m also quite the chatty cat, so it’s great to have connections around the office to chat with!
What is your Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) heritage and how has it shaped the person you are today?
I’m Chinese American, born in Michigan to two Shanghainese immigrant parents.
I would say if I could only choose one trait that was deeply developed by my AANHPI heritage, it would be my attitude toward taking risks. Nothing could be riskier than flying to a new country where you barely know the language to start a new life at 19. Anything is possible! If you never try it will never actualize! Advice that I live by, even if I stumble and fail often.
What are some of your favorite traditions from your heritage?
One of my favorite traditions is making food with my grandparents and parents. Sitting at the dining table wrapping wontons, pinching siumai with my grandparents, even helping my dad make his famous lasagna (back in college this was one of the only things he knew how to cook). Growing up, sitting around a table and prepping different Chinese foods were a staple in the household. With a slight language barrier between the third and first generations, just giving us time to sit together and talk about food would lead to stories of their childhood and life story.
I think we made it into a Ling family tradition (a bit of a twist from Chinese heritage), but the passing down of stories through food are times I deeply cherish.
Who in the AAPI community has inspired you most?
This is a difficult question because there are so many people to choose from! But probably my older sister Audrey. She has been my biggest mentor throughout life, and a big part of my personality is inspired by her.
What is the project you’re working on, either personally or professionally, that most excites you?
I’d personally classify myself as a jack of all trades master of none, as I have a collection of hobbies and not nearly enough time to pursue every single one of them. That said, I minored in creative writing in college. Writing has been and always will be something that brings me a lot of joy and a level of deeper thinking that I wouldn’t have without it. So, to be continued! I’m not sure whether that would look like submitting some pieces to a magazine or building out my personal blog. Regardless, I’d love to continue to flex the creative side of my brain, continue reading, and maybe one day you’ll see my work!
