Juneteenth: Honoring the Past, Empowering Our Future Workforce

(Pictured from L to R: Dionne Adams and her sons Jerome, Kingston and Royce.)

As our Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, I’m honored to reflect on the profound significance of Juneteenth and its implications for our future workforce. Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S., is not only a pivotal moment in our history but also a beacon guiding our commitment to innovation through inclusion and belonging.

About Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Progress

Juneteenth, now a federal holiday on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

This day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community. It also underscores the importance of freedom, equity and justice—values that are integral to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Embracing the Future Through Inclusion and Innovation

For me, Juneteenth is as much about the future as it is about the past. It inspires our commitment to create a workforce that reflects the hometowns we serve. In creating this diverse workforce, where everyone feels included and everyone feels like they belong, we have the power to drive innovation in achieving our True North Strategy, which focuses on:

• Technology and Innovation: We are investing in cutting-edge technologies to help us lead the way in safety, energy resilience and customer service. By fostering a culture of innovation, we are enabling our workforce to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
• Sustainability and Clean Energy: As a utility, we play a crucial role in promoting sustainability. Our initiatives include our commitment to a renewable energy portfolio, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing sustainable practices across our operations. We are committed to delivering clean and resilient energy for our hometowns.
• Inclusion and Belonging: We believe a diverse workforce creates the Power of We. Our DEIB programs are designed to ensure all employees feel safe, supported, recognized and connected. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong.
• Workforce Development: Our nationally recognized PowerPathway program helps us attract and develop diverse talent to become part of PG&E. We are also committed to supporting professional development and career advancement for our coworkers. Through mentorship programs, leadership training and continuous learning opportunities, we are preparing our workforce to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Proudly Serving Our Community

We also take pride in our role within the community. We are investing in educational initiatives that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). By partnering with schools and community organizations, we are providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the energy sector.

In addition, our Employee Resource Groups and Engineering Networking Groups will award nearly $200,000 in scholarships this year to more than 100 college-bound high school graduates and continuing college students. Through our outreach programs, we are impacting the lives of those we serve through volunteering, charitable contributions and community engagement.

Charting a Course for the Future

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we celebrate not only the progress we have made but also the future we are building together. In this age where technology, sustainability, culture and community converge, we are charting a course for a brighter future.

By embracing inclusion and belonging, fostering innovation and committing to sustainability, we are not only honoring the legacy of Juneteenth but also empowering our workforce to thrive in the years ahead.

Together, we can ensure that the spirit of Juneteenth lives on, driving us toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to a better world.