High School Goal to Reality

Every journey begins with a connection. The renewable energy industry is often described through miles of transmission lines, gigawatts of capacity and ambitious projects that shape the future. Yet behind every achievement is something even more important: people. The relationships we build with mentors, colleagues, partners and friends help us navigate challenges, discover opportunities and create lasting impact. Together, these connections form a network that is every bit as important as the infrastructure we design and build. This bracelet symbolizes that shared journey. Just as energy travels across a connected grid, ideas, encouragement and opportunities move through the relationships that strengthen our industry. As this bracelet continues its journey, it will carry the stories of the people who wore it before and those who will wear it next. Thank you for being part of a community that continues to inspire, support and empower one another as we work together to Wire the Future®.

Eight years ago, I began working in the renewable energy industry, a field I had never originally envisioned for my career. While I had long been committed to recycling glass, plastic, aluminum, and paper, I gave little thought to where the energy we use every day actually comes from. Through my work, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of expanding our reliance on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Seeing firsthand the positive impact these technologies can have has strengthened my belief that investing in clean energy today will help create a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.

My career in electrical engineering began in high school, when a job-shadow experience at a local electric utility gave me an early look at how engineers support the systems and communities that depend on reliable power. That experience helped inspire me to pursue electrical engineering at North Dakota State University. After earning my degree, I began my professional career as an electrical engineer at another utility, where I built a strong foundation in the practical, technical, and collaborative aspects of the power industry. Over time, my career expanded into renewable energy, grid modernization, and engineering leadership. Today, I lead teams working across renewable generation, energy storage, interconnections, system studies, and electrical design, while also championing innovation, accountability, employee development, and the thoughtful use of AI to improve how engineering work gets done. What began as a high school job shadow has grown into a career centered on strengthening the electric grid, developing people, and helping shape the future of energy.