December 4, 2020 • EPE Related News
PWR Celebrates PWR Day with Donation Drive
PWR Celebrates PWR Day with Donation Drive
The El Paso Electric Power-ful Women Resources (PWR) Program serves two main purposes: to serve within EPE and to serve in our community. This year’s PWR Day brought employees together over a two-day span to do a drive-by voluntary donation drive on November 30 and a half-day virtual conference on December 1 with over 90 employees in attendance.
The PWR Leadership Team took a refreshing idea of establishing a drive-by donation drop-off area at the Hawkins Service Center. PWR partnered with Region 19 Head Start and asked members to donate much-needed items for the families, babies, toddlers, and single parents who make up that beautiful community.
Car after car, employees drove through the Hawkins security gate to meet with Kelly Tomblin and the PWR Leads – Julissa Reza, Leslie Chagnon, Michelle Fenton, Lourdes Tapia, Angie Arreola, Cynthia Henry, and Victor Rueda.
Jennifer Borden, Manager of Regulatory Accounting and PWR member, shares that she donated crayons, coloring pencils, and coloring books, among other baby products. “Region 19 Head Start provides invaluable programs for at-risk children in our community,” explains Jennifer. “The education and support programs give these children and their families a boost for future success in their education and overall livelihood.”
All items donated will certainly have a positive impact on the families of Region 19 Head Start. The families it serves are at or below the poverty level, and many are encountering a challenge during the pandemic.
“With the events of this year and the struggles that are so evident throughout our community, I feel that if you can help, you must help,” said Jon Wise, HRIS System Administrator and PWR member. “I am a big proponent on dental health, especially amongst young people, so I decided to donate toothpaste and toothbrushes as I feel these items are often overlooked in these donation drives.”
While the PWR members may never meet the children and families of Region 19 Head Start, they will always hold special place in their hearts. “I also included some footie pajamas and baby blankets because there were so cute!” expresses Jon.
The PWR is open to all employees, men and women, and are committed to encouraging and supporting women employees in achieving professional and personal excellence through a holistic development program for all. “I joined the PWR group for the opportunity to share experiences, ideas and learning opportunities with individuals outside my regular contacts and colleagues,” says Jennifer.
For others, like Jon, he wants to do whatever he can to help and advocate to move the needle towards a fair and equitable environment. He shares, “I have worked with so many powerful women here at EPE, but I continue to see the inequities that exist in what is still considered a male-dominated industry.”
The PWR Leads strive to give PWR members a platform to learn from each other and from community leaders through conferences featuring keynote speakers. If you’re interested in joining PWR contact Michelle Fenton for details via email at Michelle.Fenton@epelectric.com.
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