Celebrating Pride Month: Meet Liz Ranney
During Pride Month in June, Avangrid is celebrating our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies! Today, meet Liz Ranney, Lead Analyst, Field Operations at New York State Electric & Gas.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and your current role at Avangrid?
I have been with Avangrid for nearly 9 years. During this time, I spent a little more than half of my tenure in customer service. In 2022, I transitioned to the electric operations side. Currently, I serve as the Work Planning Lead for the western region of New York State. My responsibilities include scheduling for the line department in the Lancaster and Lockport divisions, training new schedulers, and focusing on special projects.
What’s a recent project or initiative you’ve been proud to be a part of?
A recent project I’ve been involved in is our Field Force project, which has replaced our previous scheduling system. This program integrates our smart meter capabilities and will help automate many of our functions.
Why is being a member of the Avangrid Pride employee resource group important to you?
Being a member of the Avangrid Pride employee resource group is important to me because inclusivity and allyship are core values that I hold both personally and professionally. With several friends and family members who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, being an open door and an ally has always been extremely important to me. This group allows me to actively support and advocate for inclusivity within our workplace, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected.
What does Pride Month mean to you, and how do you plan to celebrate?
Pride Month is a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQAI community, recognizing their struggles, achievements, and contributions. Being a supportive ally is incredibly important to me. During Pride Month, I plan to celebrate by participating in local events, educating myself further on LGBTQAI issues, and showing my support through advocacy and allyship.
What issues facing the LGBTQ+ community would you like to increase awareness of?
One issue I would like to increase awareness of is the importance of mental health support for the LGBTQ+ community. Many individuals in this community face unique challenges, including discrimination and social stigma, which can significantly impact their mental well-being. By promoting understanding and providing resources, we can help create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. As a certified Mental Health First Aider, my door is always open to anyone who needs support or someone to talk to.
