Tampa Electric is more than an energy company that sends you a bill every month. It’s an inclusive, diverse organization full of dynamic career paths for a variety of skills. That’s the message TECO is hoping to spread through our PowerJAM events – one community at a time.
It all started with Manager of Electric Delivery Engineering & Operations Tony Faison. His vision? To get out in the community and share who we are as a company while meeting the customers we serve. To bring this vision to life, Tampa Electric’s Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (ID&E) Council and Talent and Acquisition group worked together with more than eight departments to dedicate a Saturday plus hours in training, organizing volunteers and coordinating the inaugural event.
It all came to fruition Saturday, Sept. 17 in Ragan Park. From exciting pole-climbing demonstrations and a tour of our Mobile Command Center, to raffle prizes and food trucks -- the Seminole Heights community joined in on all the free fun while exploring Tampa Electric careers and meeting some of our team members.
“We danced, laughed with and educated members of our community," recalled Manager of Distribution Support Services Lori Wilson. “At some point, I think it shifted beyond just a career outreach event to community members just connecting with our team members.”
The attendees varied from grandparents to high school graduates. “I had the pleasure of meeting a young man who had just graduated in June and was deciding if he was going to join the military or find a well-paying job,” said Tony. “I quickly asked him a few questions, had him use our QR code, directed him to build his profile and set up a reminder for incoming job openings. You would have thought I had just hired him; he was so happy that I took the time to inform him of the many opportunities that Tampa Electric has, and getting a position here can be a life-changing event.”
Residents got to talk with a variety of members from our diverse workforce – from President & CEO Archie Collins and other senior leaders to our engineers, line workers and human resources professionals.
“We had every level of the organization in attendance at this event,” said Velma Lewis, Manager of ID&E & Organizational Effectiveness. “I saw folks from the community eager and interested in having a career at Tampa Electric; they asked lots of questions. It was a great day to share information, collaborate and break bread with the residents we serve.”
“We had several leaders step up and help sponsor the event from giveaways to the volunteer shirts to food,” shared Lori. “We couldn’t have done it without them and the great group of volunteers that gave up their Saturday to show what Tampa Electric is all about.”
All in all, PowerJAM truly proved our people are our power! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram to see more reasons why we’re #TECOProud.
