Kyra Patterson and Camila Souza

Avangrid announced this week that Kyra Patterson, senior vice president and chief human resources officer and Camila Souza, director of diversity, equity and inclusion, have been named 2023 Women on the Rise by Paradigm for Parity, a coalition that supports companies in achieving their commitment to gender parity. This annual recognition marks Women’s Equality Day and honors women who are breaking barriers in corporate leadership and showing the value of gender parity, including racial equity in the workforce.

“On behalf of the entire Avangrid team, I want to congratulate Kyra and Camila on being named Women on the Rise,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. “Diverse perspectives make us better and we are continually working to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Kyra and Camila’s leadership and guidance have been a crucial part of this effort. They continue to break barriers and lead the way to a more inclusive tomorrow.”

Paradigm for Parity is dedicated to addressing systemic gender and racial gaps and working toward transforming corporate culture so all can thrive. As they recognize this year’s Women on the Rise, Paradigm for Parity elevates the examples of these “unsung heroes,” as Paradigm for Parity® CEO Sandra Quince calls them. “They not only excel in their day jobs,” said Quince, “but also, by example, promote diversity and inclusion and support a culture where all employees can show up, bring their authentic selves, and thrive.”

Patterson was appointed to senior vice president and chief human resources officer in November 2021 and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse workplace at Avangrid. She leads all facets of the HR organization, including talent management, diversity and inclusion, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, as well as strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. Through her efforts and leadership, Avangrid has become a role model for championing gender parity and racial equity in the energy industry.

“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition,” said Patterson. “I have always believed that the essence of a great leadership is influence, not authority. And to me, nothing is more important than using my influence to be an advocate and make room at the table for other women. I’m very proud to have a diverse and inclusive workplace here at Avangrid where there are equitable opportunities for everyone to grow and develop.”

As Avangrid’s director of DEI, Souza develops strategies to amplify DEI initiatives across the company. Prior, she was the Associate Director of the Office of Inclusion and Diversity at the Yale School of Management. During her time at Avangrid, Souza has made help create a more inclusive and equitable environment by implementing inclusive hiring practices, promoting culturally sensitive training programs, launching the DEI Executive Council and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees.

“I am moved and humbled by the Woman on the Rise recognition,” said Souza. “It is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of many passionate inclusion champions with whom I have had the honor to work. This award also reinforces the necessity and urgency of our DEI work, and I am inspired to continue striving to make a lasting impact. DEI work is a journey that demands continuous learning, unlearning, and growth. It’s hard work, so it feels good to be seen. Even during turbulent times, I am optimistic that there is the power of unity in our efforts to create a more equal society.”

Paradigm for Parity

As a nonprofit founded by a group of women executives in 2015, the Paradigm for Parity® coalition supports its member companies around the world in achieving gender parity including racial equity in their corporate leadership within 15 years of joining the coalition. In partnership with member company executives and recognized experts, the organization develops and promotes actionable strategies that transform corporate culture, so that women of all races, cultures and backgrounds have equal power and opportunity.

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