Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Shanon Adams
At Avangrid, equal opportunity 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, Shanon Adams, Senior Analyst, Renewable Origination, Avangrid.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to work at Avangrid?
I was born and brought up in the Dallas area (Richardson, Garland, Carrolton, Milford, Lancaster and Plano). I moved a lot and have quite an extended family. I’ve lived with my dad, paternal grandma, aunt through marriage on my mom’s side and my brother’s mom. I have half-siblings, step-siblings, and cousin-siblings. I left for Georgetown in Washington D.C. to play football and study finance and accounting. All but a year of my career I worked in the energy space in environmental commodity brokerage and then retail power. In between those opportunities I applied for Avangrid. Three years later I got a call from a recruiter and I applied. The role I applied for ended up to not work out. Fortunately, Avangrid found a great fit for me in Origination! So here I am.
What is a particular accomplishment in your career here at Avangrid that you’re proud of?
I built and manage a tool to visualize pricing we collect from brokers and other contacts our team have using Excel and Tableau, having not had much experience with the latter. It has been something that has provided a window into pricing to inform our team’s conversations and management decisions.
Who has had a significant influence on your life?
My father is probably the most influencial person in my life. My mother passed away very early in my life and my father was forced to raise me by himself, while also mourning a spouse. He had to learn how to be there for me in so many more ways than I’m sure he expected. Although he had help along the way, I applaud him for making it a point to guide me in life and being the best example he could be and putting me in a position to succeed. Not to mention, he’s probably one of the flyest people I know.
As we commemorate Black History Month, what is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your life or that particularly resonates with you?
During the pandemic and Black Lives Matter Movement I learned more about Egypt, Carthage, Aksum, Kush, Nubia, Mali, Zimbabwe, the Moors of Spain, the Dahomey and Oyo. To learn that Africa had agency even in the very thing that led to the oppression of Black people allows me to see how the actions of people who look like me have more influence in my destiny than what I grew up believing. The same as any other culture they are not a monolith, but a people of many different bloodlines that shape who Black people are today. Africa itself I try to not see as a nation the way it is often suggested as, but the second largest continent holding a mix of people just as varied as any other with distinct cultures, histories and norms. The title “Black,” no different than “Negro,” is a misnomer, and one I hope we can replace with one that captures our distinct characteristics rather than how we’re depicted. However, it is progress. A huge step was to, and is to continue to, understand the distinct characteristics to capture.
What is a cherished food or tradition from your cultural background that you celebrate?
I love chitlins! At least I believe I still do. It is hard to get people to make it. If the stigma of eating pig intestines isn’t enough to steer you away I’m sure the smell will give you second thoughts. Other than the taste and texture that I love so much about it, I love the fact that it is a food that epitomizes resourcefulness and sustainability. There are also studies that show organ meats have health benefits that rival muscle meat. Much like spices, lobster, and fried chicken; maybe one day it will be adopted by the masses and become a dish I can order at a nearby restaurant.
Lastly, what is one thing about you that most people don’t know?
I love spoken word poetry. I like to write and listen to people express themselves and the world around them from their perspective. Write About Now in Houston, Texas is an organization that has highlighted really good talent I have had the pleasure of attending at Avant Garden. I take it as good omen now I’m at Avangrid.
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