
The Basics
How long have you been at City Light? I started with Seattle City Light in March 2023.
Division: Electrification and Strategic Technology (EST)
Tell us about your role. What does your job entail? I coordinate contracting efforts for the Electrification and Strategic Technology Division for Electrification, Transportation, and Grid Modernization projects. I work closely with project managers across divisions who use the on-call contracts, which is a group of 22 consultants and vendors who can support City Light with electrification and grid modernization projects. I also collaborate with consultants, vendors, and internal teams at the utility who review and approve contracting efforts. Part of what I’ve done is identified gaps in internal EST contracting processes and developed solutions that helped streamline contracting efforts.
Background
Hometown: Pharr, Texas (South Texas-Rio Grande Valley)
Alma mater: Undergrad at Washington State University (GO COUGS!) and St. Mary’s University Law School in San Antonio, Texas, where I received a juris doctor degree.
Discipline/Trade of study: Political Science and Law
Tell us about your family/pets: My family includes my son, Alissandro, who is 22, and three pets: Oscar, a poodle-terrier mix; Joyjoy, a mixed Chihuahua; and Esmeralda, a gray tabby cat who rules the roost!
Just for fun
What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on/have been working on at City Light? By far, my favorite project was organizing a meet-and-greet event for the Electrification and Grid Modernization on-call consultants in early 2024. It was an opportunity to create space for people to come together face-to-face after the pandemic. I really enjoyed making live connections and putting names to faces.
What’s the best concert or live performance you’ve ever attended? I believe it was in 1993. I attended a concert in Seattle with Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead. The venue was packed, people were lively, and I was with good friends – best concert ever!!!
What’s your favorite season, and why? My favorite season is fall in the Pacific Northwest. I grew up in southern Texas where the seasons went from hot to hotter! For me, there is nothing more spectacular than the palpable changes in nature. Fall is a time for letting go of the old and making room for what’s coming next. I love the turning of the leaves and change in weather – yes, even the blustery, windy, and rainy days!
Finish this sentence: It’s never too late to… learn something new. I’m a huge proponent of staying active and keeping my brain engaged. I gravitate towards creative outlets. I’m a self-taught artist, a Reiki Master/Teacher, and a silversmith. My most recent adventure is learning to facet gems.
What motivates you at work? What motivates me at work is the diverse and dedicated group of people with whom I work. They make me feel welcomed and supported. I consider them my work family and live in constant gratitude to be part of such a fantastic team.