WOMEN’S MONTH AT ANGLEC – EMPOWERING EQUITY HONOUREE JERITZA SAMUEL

As part of the 2024 Women’s Month activities at ANGLEC, the Office of Public Relations selected a distinguished group of women to be featured for their character, contributions to the company and their unsolicited commitment to supporting equity for women within the workplace and the community.

Jeritza Samuel is ANGLEC’s Technical Services Coordinator with responsibility for GIS network mapping and has been working in the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Department since 2002. She began their career at ANGLEC as a student trainee, since becoming the only female employee to work in the company’s generation plant.

Jeritza’s passion for knowledge and inclusion led her to pursue courses in Energy Conservation & Plant Maintenance, Supervisory Management, Human Relations, and Conversational Spanish to represent herself and others. Outside of work one of the ways she inspires inclusion is by dedicating her time to various youth organizations, including the National Youth Council, Youth Ambassador Core, Tranquility Steel Band, and Anguilla Pepper Steppers. Pathfinder Club in Anguilla, National Youth Council, Youth Ambassador Core, Tranquility Steel Band, Anguilla Pepper Steppers and the Rotary Club of Anguilla.

So let’s get to know her! In the below interview we learn more about the woman behind the work, her take on equity for women and her view on inspiring the next generation.

GETTING TO KNOW HER

“Getting to Know Her”

1. a) What is your favourite song?

I am not sure that I have a favorite, but Micheal Jackson – “Man In The Mirror”

and Meghan Trainor – “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” is definitely up there

1. b) What is your fav hobby ?

Reading and building things

1. c) Who was your role model growing up and why ?

Tr. Kendra Brooks – While most teachers always want the best for their students, she brought a different dynamic to the classroom environment and taught us that in everything we do we should always give our best. No matter what that best looked like, it was good enough. Ultimately, what she imparted was tolerance, acceptance and embracing differences – truly understanding that not everyone’s best would look the same.

1. d) What was your fav subject in school?

First mathematics and then CDT (craft, design & technology) which later became Industrial Arts

1. e) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Pasta! In any form.

1. f) What is your fav part about your job?

Being able to integrate my love for all the various disciplines (electrical, mechanical, automotive, renewables).

g)What would you say is the hardest part of your job?

Getting persons to look pass the person (sometimes the gender) doing the job and recognise the quality of work being executed and giving recognition where it is due.

“Inspire Inclusion” 2024 Theme

1. a) What is your view on the theme?

I think we are headed in the right direction but way to slowly. The first International Women’s Day gathering was held in 1911 and yet over a century later, we are still fighting for inclusion and equity.

1. b) In your opinion, how can men and women work together on inclusion?

Women: Dream big and try what has never been tried before. The only way to truly fail, is to have never tried. Get back up when you stumble and use it as motivation to keep on pushing.

Men: Embrace the differences between us; sometimes a gentler touch goes along way. Don’t let the fact that women do things differently be equated to “she can’t do it”. Be more open minded to change and possibilities.

1. c) How are you able to inspire inclusion at ANGLEC as a 2024 honouree?

Utilities and some engineering fields are some toughest when it comes to inclusion. I think that by the company taking this opportunity to highlight some of the women within the organisation gives other women and young women an opportunity to see that it is possible. Sometimes a person just needs a little hope that its possible to help motivate them along their journey.

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“Inspiring Others to Embrace Equity”

1. a) What advice would you give to young women about being included and including others in the workplace?

Being included: Be patient and stay consistent. Let your work and abilities speak for you. Never be afraid to challenge the status quo, but always try to do so respectfully. As much as knowledge can take you places, good manners and a good mannerism can take you further.

Including others: Treat others the way you would want to be treated or even better. Good habits catch on just like bad ones do. Every time you reach a destination, remember that someone else started this journey before. While you may now be sitting at the table, they may have left the door open for you. Do the same. Leave a legacy that encourages others to follow.

1. b) How can someone advocate for an equitable inclusion in a work environment?

The first solution to any issue is recognizing that there is an issue or the potential to be one. Then its to identify solutions to those challenges or potential challenges and to move towards implementing changes. Embrace others and their differences, learn to use those differences to the advantage of the organisation. To often we expect an elephant to swim or a fish to fly. There is a big difference between fair and equitable. Fair says we both can apply for the same job; equitable says the tools we need to complete said job are different.

1. c) What role does leadership have in promoting inclusion in the workplace?

Inclusion in the workplace should be a top-down approach. If a company’s goals and values are not aligned with including all persons, then change from the bottom up will be significantly harder. Leaders should strive to emulate the behaviors and characteristics they would like reflected in their subordinates. Aside from this, most leaders in an organization are normally the ones who are responsible for hiring, training, promotions and termination of staff. These are the main areas where inclusion is necessary.

Read more about a definition of what it means to inspire inclusion here.