We March On

24 Mar We March On

A blog by President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs

March is Women’s History Month. This month is significant to me not only as a woman but as a black woman. I have always believed in using the platform that I am privileged to stand on to highlight those that did not get the same opportunity. Throughout history, and even today, women are put through the wringer and held to a standard that their male counterparts don’t often or hardly ever experience.  It goes without being said, this is a huge problem. Not only is it discriminatory, but many companies are also missing out on qualified candidates by limiting their pools. We are already in a workforce crisis, why make matters worse? Although I could go on about the many ways women have faced adversity, I want to talk about how women, supporting each other and being supported, are making a difference. And how we all stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us and made things just a bit easier.

 Throughout my time at UTC, even before becoming President and CEO, I have met some amazing women with whom I have formed close professional and personal relationships. I am motivated and inspired by every one of these women, blazing the trails for those that follow. I am encouraged that my daughters will enter a workforce that includes more and more women in leadership roles. I also evangelize that we need more women in the energy sector.  They say you can always turn a crisis into an opportunity.  It is a great time for women to join the utility workforce like never before.  I extend an invitation for the UTC FEW – Future Energy Workforce to stand on my shoulders.  The UTC FEW Campaign is about to launch and we are looking for “A FEW good women to join the energy workforce.  Stay plugged into UTC and see how you can be a part of the campaign to increase awareness, participation, and service throughout our industry.  As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, we still have a very long way to go- but the progress is undeniable and I am happy to witness it, as well as be a part of it.

Now, every time a commemorative month passes by, we sometimes forget how to “celebrate” it. We also tend to feel as though we should only acknowledge these months when we’re in them and not 365 days a year. Speaking for myself, I celebrate Black History Month all year round and this month is no different. I would encourage you to celebrate by first, thanking the women in your life. Your wife, girlfriend, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, teacher, etc. I’ve always said, two of the most important words in the English language are “thank you” and thank you can go a long way, more than you know.

Another way you can acknowledge and celebrate this month is to do some research and educate yourself on women, past and present, within the industry you represent. What are some of your hobbies or favorite sports and how have women impacted those things? How about your favorite dessert? Did you know Nancy Johnson invented the ice cream maker in 1843? What about your favorite board game? Did you know Elizabeth Magie invented the first Monopoly game in 1904? Women were involved in so many things that we use just about every day and still are. Let us give them their flowers while we still can.

Happy Women’s History Month to all the heroes, past, present, and future. I see you, and I appreciate you.

For more information on Women’s History Month visit: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/