THE BASICS
Division: Customer Operations
How long have you been at City Light? Since September 2022
Tell us about your role. I serve as a meter reader and out-of-class senior meter reader in the Customer Operations Division. As a meter reader, I am responsible for safely and accurately reading electric meters throughout the city while interacting with customers and navigating a variety of field conditions. I prioritize safety, professionalism, and clear communication in my daily work.
In my additional capacity as a senior meter reader, I mentor and support new coworkers, helping them build confidence in the field, understand job expectations, and apply safe and consistent work practices. I assist with problem-solving, help coordinate daily operations, and work to ensure assignments are completed accurately and efficiently. I believe leadership starts with setting a positive example and fostering a respectful, accountable team environment.
I regularly collaborate with Technical Metering Operations, the Customer Engineering Unit, Electric Service Representatives, and the Accounting team to resolve access issues, coordinate field work, and support operational needs. I take pride in providing strong customer service—both internally and externally—and in creating positive, professional interactions across teams and with the public.
In addition to my field responsibilities, I serve as a PROTEC17 Shop Steward, supporting union members in understanding workplace policies and contract provisions while promoting fair and respectful work practices. I help address workplace concerns by facilitating open communication between employees and management and assisting in resolving conflicts between coworkers when needed.
I am also an active member of the Meter Reading Safety Committee, where I collaborate with leadership and peers to strengthen safety awareness and support team-focused initiatives. I helped develop and launch our team’s uniform program, providing guidance on footwear, safety glasses, and overall personal protective equipment standards to ensure all team members are properly equipped and supported. I promote a “Your Voice Matters” culture and encourage open dialogue, making myself available for team members to discuss safety concerns and improvement ideas at any time.
BACKGROUND
Hometown: Hong Kong
Alma mater: Bellevue Community College and Seattle Art Institute
Discipline/Trade of study: Bachelor’s degree in interior design, associate degree in apparel design
Tell us about your family/pets: I come from a very large family with four sisters and three brothers. Growing up as the youngest taught me patience, adaptability, and a sense of humor. It also sparked my early interest in leadership—at one point, I even joked about starting my own company so I could finally be the one in charge.
JUST FOR FUN
How do you prefer to start/end your day? I like to start my day with a calm routine and a clear plan so I can stay focused and prepared for whatever comes up. I’m genuinely excited about my work and truly enjoy what I do. I start my day early—waking up at 4 a.m. and arriving at work by 5:30 a.m.—and on my way in, I always picture a disco ball in my mind to set a positive, energized tone for the day.
At the end of the day, I enjoy winding down by gardening, cooking, or simply relaxing at home, which helps me reset and recharge for the next day.
What’s a goal you’re currently working toward? One of my current goals is to continue growing as a leader by strengthening my communication and mentoring skills. I enjoy supporting my coworkers, helping new team members succeed, and contributing to a positive, respectful team culture.
Beyond my immediate team, I’m focused on improving processes and collaboration so our work can be done safely and efficiently—not only within Meter Reading, but also in partnership with other teams across City Light.
What’s your favorite type of weather, and why? My favorite type of weather is a cool, rainy day—especially during the fall, winter, and spring. Rainy weather has always felt comforting to me and brings back childhood memories, like wearing a raincoat and running around outside without a care. Growing up in Hong Kong, rain was more seasonal and usually came during the summer, but it still left a lasting impression on me.
I also studied in England and Canada before moving to the U.S., and over time I found myself drawn to cooler, rainy climates. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy living in Seattle, where the weather suits me well.
What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on or are currently working on at City Light, and why? One of my favorite projects at City Light has been my work on safety and team-building initiatives. Through the Safety Committee and team activities, I’ve enjoyed helping create spaces where coworkers can openly share ideas, discuss real field scenarios, and learn from one another.
My long-term goal is to help create a positive, safe, and unbiased work environment within our department. Once that foundation is strong, I would like to share what we’ve learned and apply those practices more broadly by collaborating with other teams across City Light.
What has helped you get to where you are, and what advice do you have for others who want to set off in a similar career direction? My manager played a big role in helping me get where I am today, encouraging me to join the Safety Committee and become a PROTEC17 Shop Steward. These opportunities allowed me to further develop my interest in supporting others beyond my day-to-day role. A strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and the support of coworkers and mentors have also been key.
My background in architecture and design translates well to my work at City Light. It trained me to be a critical problem-solver and to focus on how people experience environments, prioritizing safety, functionality, and efficiency. This helps me approach my role with a customer-focused perspective.
My advice to others is to stay curious, be patient with yourself, and take advantage of learning opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step up, help others, and take on new responsibilities. Focusing on safety, fairness, and teamwork will help build trust and open doors over time.