Celebrating Pride Month: Shea Kirwin & Chris Bush

During Pride Month in June, Avangrid is celebrating our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies! For the last week of Pride Month, let’s meet Pride@Avangrid’s Co-Chairs: Shea Kirwin and Chris Bush.

Shea Kirwin

Tell us about your role at Avangrid. What do you do?

I am an energy engineer in the conservation and load management department. I work on energy efficiency projects for commercial and industrial customers. I’m currently working on a large comprehensive project for a local manufacturer that is estimated to save over 855,000 kWh and 10,000 CCF annually. The carbon reduction and reduced load on the grid will not only help the business itself but everyone around them and I am so glad to be a part of the process.

What is a highlight of your career so far at Avangrid? Any special projects, achievements, etc.

The highlight of my career so far at Avangrid so far has been the ability to present my work at national conferences. I work in commercial and industrial energy efficiency, which I would say a niche profession, but I am very passionate about the work I do. Every kWh and CCF saved goes to creating a cleaner, greener future, so I relished the opportunity to share my work on a national level.

How has being a member of the Pride BRG impacted you, either personally or professionally?

Being the co-chair of the Pride BRG has brought me community and personal fulfillment that I never dreamed of finding in the workplace. At our weekly leadership meeting, I get to connect with amazing people in the company who I otherwise would not have the honor to work with because our jobs functions did not intersect. I know that I can lean on them and they will be there to help whenever I need, personally or professionally. Finding that community is not always easy so I’m very grateful for the BRG for bringing me to this group.

What is one way allies can better support the LGBTQ+ community?

Stand up when you see an injustice. Not only against the blatant, grand homophobia but the microaggressions as well. You cannot be a silent ally.

Chris Bush

Tell us about your role at Avangrid. What do you do?

As the Field Customer Service Supervisor for NYSEG; one of Avangrid’s NY Networks OPCOs, I have a multifaceted role.

I am responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our Field Service Representatives and Meter Reader Collectors in the Ithaca and Binghamton Divisions. This encompasses a wide range of tasks, including ensuring accurate meter readings, managing the installation and repair of meters, coordinating the departments storm response, and coordinating field collection activities.

As part of our company’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) implementation, I collaborate closely with various departments to assist in the deployment of this new technology. The AMI technology enhances service reliability by providing real-time data on energy consumption. It allows us to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and respond promptly to any issues. Our goal is to enhance the overall customer experience through this innovative system.

It is my pleasure to lead a dedicated team that ensures efficient customer service delivery, addressing inquiries promptly and resolving issues as they arise. Whether it’s handling billing inquiries, investigating meter discrepancies, or responding to emergencies, we prioritize customer satisfaction. By maintaining accurate meter readings, managing installations and repairs, and coordinating field collections, we contribute to a seamless experience for our valued customers.

How do you plan to celebrate Pride Month this year?

Pride Month is a time to celebrate our progress, honor our history, and continue advocating for equality and visibility. This year, I plan to celebrate Pride Month by actively participating in events, both within Avangrid and the broader community. I plan to attend parades, engage in educational workshops, and provide support to local organizations. By doing so, I aim to foster inclusivity, raise awareness, and promote acceptance. Pride Month is a time to celebrate our progress, honor our history, and continue advocating for equality and visibility.

I believe it’s crucial not only to demonstrate our support to the communities we serve but also to our employees. Simple gestures, such as flying a flag or offering a smile and a friendly hello, can make a significant impact on people’s lives, even when we’re not consciously aware of it.

Name a role model you admire in the LGBTQ+ community. How do they inspire you?

I am sure that many would expect one to say Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, or Pete Buttigieg. While all these individuals exemplify resilience, leadership, and the power of representation, my truest admiration belongs to individuals in my life that I see making a difference every day. Individuals like my Pride@Avangird co-chair Shea Kirwin. She reminds me daily that progress is possible when individuals stand tall and champion authenticity in every aspect of their lives.

Shea’s dedication to excellence and her unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers resonate with me. Her journey as a lesbian woman in the engineering field reflects the challenges faced by many queer individuals. Her refusal to settle for mediocrity, despite societal pressures, inspires me. Shea recognizes that her success isn’t just about her individual achievements; it represents progress for the entire LGBTQ+ community.

Moreover, Shea’s admiration for hardworking women around her demonstrates her appreciation for a collective effort in breaking barriers while remaining true to one’s self. These women, rising to the top in male-dominated fields, exemplify resilience, compassion, and professional excellence.

Shea’s focus on sustainability and decarbonization aligns with my own passion for environmental protection. Her work reminds us that every effort matters in creating a cleaner, more inclusive future.

Shea’s determination, community spirit, and commitment to positive change inspire me to strive for excellence and uplift others along the way.