We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adrienne Sanchez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Adrienne, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
As the famous Hamilton play goes, “Immigrants we get the job done.” Like many first-generation Americans seeing the struggles my parents had to endure to ensure their children had a better opportunity and a shot at the American dream has instilled a strong work ethic in me. Growing up it was common to see my parents juggle multiple jobs, attend technical training classes during the day, and then study by reading their textbooks to my siblings and me at bedtime. This way of growing up also helped instill a sense of grit and perseverance in me in that although there may be obstacles or what may appear to be insurmountable barriers ahead of me, I believe there is always a way through. So while others may face the same barriers and walk away, when I’m told something isn’t possible I usually don’t take that at face value, if there is a will there is a way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always been passionate about making a positive impact on my community, but it wasn’t until a pivotal moment in my career that I truly realigned with this commitment. After reflecting on my journey as an environmental consultant in the oil & gas industry and pondering the legacy I wanted to leave for my daughter, I made a conscious decision to transition into renewable energy. However, breaking into this field wasn’t easy. I encountered numerous barriers, from the lack of relevant industry experience to the limited network in the renewable energy space.
Undeterred by these challenges, I seized every opportunity to learn and connect within the industry. Attending the American Clean Power (formerly known as AWEA at the time) conference in Houston was a turning point, where I immersed myself in conversations, seeking insights into potential roles and pathways into renewable energy. Through perseverance and thanks to some incredible organizations such as WRISE (Women in Renewable Energy) where I was able to meet other women in the renewable energy space, one in particular Kelsey-Baird Campos helped connect me with an opportunity at EDP Renewables, working in a team and for a boss that profoundly impacted my life for the better.
I quickly realized at EDP that my journey shouldn’t be an anomaly. Believing in the power of representation in this fast paced and dynamic industry, I co-founded Juntos, a pioneering employee resource group focused on supporting Hispanic/Latino professionals in the renewable energy sector. Through Juntos, we not only celebrate our culture but also strive to create pathways for others by offering mentorship, leadership development, and community outreach initiatives.
One of our proudest endeavors is our upcoming scholarship program, aimed at supporting aspiring students from underserved communities in pursuing careers in renewable energy. By partnering with local schools, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation, showing them that a career in renewable energy is not only attainable but also extremely rewarding.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Strong Foundation in STEM: My engineering degree has been the cornerstone of my career, opening doors to diverse opportunities I never imagined. This is why I’m passionate about advocating for STEM education in underserved communities, knowing firsthand the transformative power it holds for future generations.
2. Optimism: I believe in people’s inherent goodness and willingness to help, given the right circumstances. By being specific about my goals, seeking guidance from mentors, and drawing inspiration from role models, I’ve navigated challenges with optimism, turning setbacks into stepping stones towards success.
3. Comfort with Discomfort: Embracing discomfort and being open to stretch assignments have been instrumental in my growth journey. In my current role and within the renewable energy industry we are constantly pushing the limits beyond what was once possible. Thanks to the guidance of my director I’ve been able to unlock new levels of achievement and develop additional resilience.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes absolutely! If you know a group of students interested in learning more about a career in renewables please don’t hesitate to contact me. Please feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn message, and let’s connect to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration. www.linkedin.com/in/adriennejsanchez
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adriennejsanchez
