Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Victor Hernandez
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and all month long we’re celebrating across our organization and with our employee resource group HOLA, the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Awareness. Today, Meet Victor Hernandez, Sr. Manager, CORE SCADA, Remote Operations & Control, based in Vancouver, Washington.
Tell us a little about your role at Avangrid. How long have you been with the company, and what does your work involve?
With more than 18 years in the Iberdrola Group, and the last 15 years in Avangrid in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, my career has been dedicated to a single mission: developing and supporting the CORE SCADA platform for the National Control Center in Avangrid Power.
What has been one of the most meaningful professional challenges you’ve faced, and what helped you overcome it?
Working with real-time data presents new challenges every day. In this fast-paced environment, the ability to multitask and adapt quickly to shifting priorities is essential. Every reported incident must be promptly triaged, assessed, and addressed to ensure reliable operations. Having a strong and collaborative team makes these challenges much more manageable and allows us to work efficiently. This teamwork is key to maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
This month is an opportunity to reflect on my roots and remember where I come from, as well as the experiences and traditions I left behind when I migrated to the United States. It brings back memories of the festivals and celebrations taking place in my home country, which I honor by sharing their significance with coworkers, friends, and family.
Can you share a tradition, value, or lesson from your Hispanic/Latino heritage that has shaped who you are today?
Family is one of the values from my Hispanic heritage that has shaped me the most. My father’s work ethic, perseverance, and dedication taught me the importance of responsibility and resilience. His example continues to inspire me every day and motivates me to be a positive role model for my own children, just as he was for me.
Is there a family story, cultural experience, or influential person that has had a significant impact on your life?
Soccer is a significant part of Spanish culture and has always been one of my greatest passions. Over time, my involvement in the sport evolved from playing on the field to refereeing youth matches, allowing me to stay connected to the game while giving back to the next generation.
How has your cultural background influenced the way you approach your career, relationships, or leadership style?
Work is an important part of our lives, but when you genuinely enjoy what you do, look forward to coming to the office, and find purpose in your daily responsibilities, it stops feeling like a job and becomes a meaningful part of who you are.
What is one aspect of your heritage that you are especially proud to share with others?
I am especially proud to share the rich traditions and celebrations of my Spanish heritage. They reflect our strong sense of community, history, and family. Whether it’s sharing stories, cultural customs, or the significance of traditional festivals, I enjoy helping others understand the experiences and values that shaped me and continue to connect me to my roots.
Throughout your life or career, were there any obstacles or stereotypes you had to overcome? What helped you persevere?
One of the main obstacles I faced was adapting to a new culture and work environment after immigrating to the United States. Learning to navigate different communication styles and expectations was challenging, but it also helped me grow. What kept me going was the strong work ethic and perseverance instilled in me by my coworkers, friends and family.
If you could share one message about the Hispanic/Latino community with your colleagues, what would you want them to know?
To take advantage of Avangrid’s inclusive culture, which encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work. As someone from another country, I have always felt comfortable sharing my cultural background and perspectives, and I have never felt misunderstood or unwelcome.
As you think about the future, what hopes or aspirations do you have for yourself, your family, or future generations?
Family is a cornerstone of Hispanic culture, and my father has always been one of my greatest inspirations. Seeing everything he accomplished through hard work, dedication, and perseverance continues to motivate me every day and inspires me to set the same example for my own children.
