Name: Iffie Jennings

Title: Area Manager, Community and Local Government Affairs

Education: I hold a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University and an MBA from Regis University.

Company Description:

Xcel Energy stands as a committed energy provider dedicated to keeping our customers and communities at the forefront of our work. We strive to enhance quality of life and support prosperity by delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy. Recognizing our vital role in the cities and towns we serve, we see our energy as a key driver for their operation, development, and prosperity. Our commitment extends beyond energy provision; it's about actively contributing to the growth and success of our communities, which in turn fuels our own success and drives our mission for sustainable and responsible energy solutions.

Tell us more about your job.

In my role at Xcel Energy, within the Community and Local Government Affairs team, the heart of my work lies in fostering and managing relationships. It's about bridging connections between our company and the various communities we serve, ensuring that we're not just a provider but a partner in every sense. My personal approach to this work is to always lead with empathy and kindness, recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact.

A key aspect of my job is advocating for both our company and our customers. This involves understanding and balancing diverse needs, ensuring that our services not only meet but exceed expectations. It's about being the voice for our customers, making sure their needs and concerns are heard and addressed. In every aspect of advocacy, I bring a mindset of empathy, ensuring that our responses and solutions are not only effective but also compassionate.Another crucial part of my role is how we present ourselves in the community. It's essential that Xcel Energy is seen not just as an energy provider, but as a responsible and engaged member of the community. Whether it's through community projects, partnerships, or customer service initiatives, every action is aimed at building trust and demonstrating our commitment to the people and places we serve. Leading with kindness in these efforts helps to establish and strengthen these community bonds.

Overall, my position is all about nurturing these key relationships and maintaining a strong, positive presence in the community. It's a role I approach not just with a sense of responsibility, but with a genuine passion for making a real difference in people's lives, guided always by a spirit of empathy and kindness.

Why is STEM important within your industry?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is essential for Xcel Energy in the utility industry, including in roles like Community and Local Government Affairs, for the following reasons:

1. Innovation: STEM drives the development of sustainable energy solutions, including renewable energy and smart grid technologies.
2. Infrastructure Management: Essential for building and maintaining energy distribution infrastructure.
3. Data Analytics: Critical for analyzing large datasets to optimize energy distribution and improve customer service.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Helps in integrating renewable energy sources and achieving sustainability goals.
5. Safety and Compliance: Fundamental for maintaining safety standards in electricity and natural gas management.
6. Customer-focused Services: Enables the development of user-friendly services such as energy management tools.
7. Future Workforce Development: Ensures a skilled workforce for the evolving energy sector.

Additionally, in my role in Community and Local Government Affairs, STEM skills are invaluable in fostering problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. These skills are crucial when navigating complex community issues, strategizing solutions, and making informed decisions that benefit both the company and the community. The analytical and methodical approach fostered by STEM education is key to effectively managing and advocating in diverse community interactions and government affairs.

In summary, STEM not only underpins the operational and innovative aspects of Xcel Energy but also enhances essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking in roles focused on community engagement and local government relations.

Was there a specific moment when you decided you wanted to pursue STEM as a career?

The moment I decided to pursue a career in STEM was intertwined with a deeply personal experience - the sudden loss of my mom. This life-changing event steered me towards wanting a career that was not just rewarding but also meaningful. Initially, I was drawn to Physical Therapy, believing it would be a fulfilling way to help others. However, during an internship, I realized that certain aspects, like being comfortable with physically interacting with people, particularly with tasks like handling feet, weren't in my comfort zone. It was a light-hearted yet defining moment for me - I just couldn't see myself doing it!

This realization led me to explore other areas within the health field, and I eventually found my niche in Health Promotion, focusing on well-being and consulting employer groups on workforce health. This shift placed me more on the preventative side of healthcare, as opposed to the rehabilitative approach of Physical Therapy. The skills I learned in both fields, from direct patient care to broader health strategy, have been incredibly valuable. I've carried these skills into my current role in the utility industry, where they continue to inform my approach to problem-solving and community engagement.

What do you like best about your job?

The aspect of directly impacting our customers and the community is particularly rewarding. Whether it's devising strategies to enhance our service delivery or collaborating with local governments to address specific community needs, the work is always engaging and impactful.I take great pride in being part of a process that not only resolves issues but also significantly improves the quality of service for our customers. It's about making a meaningful difference in people's lives, ensuring that their experiences with us are positive and their needs are met efficiently.

In summary, the best part of my job is the blend of strategic problem-solving and the opportunity to positively affect the community. It's the heart of what working at a utility company like Xcel Energy is all about - contributing to the wellbeing of our customers and ensuring reliable, high-quality service.

What are the most important skills needed in your job?

1. Effective Communication: Crucial for engaging clearly and persuasively with a variety of stakeholders.
2. Strategic Thinking: Essential in formulating long-term strategies that align with both the company's objectives and community needs.
3. Problem-Solving: Important for identifying challenges and developing practical solutions.
4. Relationship Building: Key for fostering and maintaining positive relationships with diverse groups.
5. Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Vital for appreciating and respecting different community perspectives.
6. Adaptability and Resilience: Necessary to handle the dynamic nature of the energy sector and evolving community needs.
7. Awareness of Regulatory and Legislative Impact: Essential for understanding how decisions may affect your work and the broader company operations.

These skills are integral to effectively managing my role in Community and Local Government Affairs at Xcel Energy, especially in terms of driving positive community relations and navigating the complexities of the industry.

Have there been times in your career where you've faced difficult challenges and how were you able to overcome them?

Indeed, there have been challenging times in my career, particularly when I faced downsizing after over eight years in the healthcare industry. This transition back into the job market was a significant hurdle, both professionally and emotionally.

Throughout this period, the steadfast support and kindness of my social network were invaluable. They provided not just encouragement but also practical help, serving as thought partners and connecting me with new opportunities. Their willingness to introduce me to others in their network opened doors I might have otherwise missed and played a pivotal role in my ability to pivot into a new industry.

While the focus of this transition was on the support from my network, it's worth gently reminding that the skills I learned through science and math education were foundational. These subjects, studied earlier in my life, laid the groundwork for the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that I brought to every stage of my career. These skills subtly underpinned my approach to this challenging period, aiding in my resilience and adaptability.

The experience of being downsized was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of any career path. However, it also highlighted the immense value of having a strong professional network and the lasting impact of a solid education in science and math on one's ability to navigate life's unexpected turns.

What advice would you give to girls of all ages who are interested in STEM?

For girls interested in STEM, remember to embrace your brilliant mind. The skills you build through STEM, like critical thinking and problem-solving, are invaluable and can open doors to a variety of careers, even beyond traditional STEM fields. Always lead with kindness and empathy; these qualities, combined with your STEM skills, will make you a powerful force in any path you choose.