In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re profiling some of the inspiring women who work at your PUD.

Heather Grisolia, Generation Constructor

How did you get started in your career? I started my career in power generation when I joined the United States Navy. I became a Nuclear-Qualified Machinist Mate and operated the steam generators onboard the USS Nimitz. The Navy taught me a ton, but it was really Mother Nimitz that prepared me for my love of generation! As for my start at the PUD – funny story. I was a pest to Human Resources. Checking in periodically to see if maybe, just maybe, something in my wheelhouse had become available.

One day they called and told me there was an opening for a Generation System Operator. Sounds perfect, thank you! I’m pumped, apply, and get a call for an interview… well, I actually missed my interview. I went into labor and delivered the day of my interview. Thank goodness, the PUD and manager value family so much, because I was allowed to reschedule. Three-and-a-half years later, here we are!

What advice would you give to women entering your industry?

1. Take every opportunity as a learning opportunity. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
2. Share your knowledge, even if you had to learn it the hard way.
3. Keep no secret. Your mistake could prevent another from making that same mistake. I sing like a canary when I oopsie!

Kassidy Burpee, Meter Reader 1

What advice would you give to women entering your industry? We are all equally capable! Focus your energy on things you have a passion for, be persistent and do not give up. Always do your best and learn from your mistakes. Be honest and be reliable.

Are there any women at in your life who have inspired you? Growing up, I knew a PUD lady and used to watch her read our meters. She also was my piano instructor and a friend of the family. Being at the PUD as an adult, I see how great the community is and love being part of it. It is amazing to see how quickly people develop relationships with co-workers and with our customers. Every department is different, and I know I have seen just a sliver, but I can only imagine the great opportunities there are in this organization. A group of girls I went to school with work for the PUD. Watching them do great work and move up in their careers has been a huge inspiration for me.

Kassidi Neal, Water Worker 3

What advice would you give to women entering your industry? If you believe in yourself anything is possible. Imposter syndrome is real, it is easy to doubt your skills and talents. People aren’t there to see you fail, so remember to believe in yourself and know you’re there for a reason. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, accept positive feedback, break out of your comfort zone and treat yourself with kindness.

Are there any women in your life who have inspired you? My number one inspiration in life is my mother. My father passed away when I was 16 unexpectedly, leaving my mom with three kids: my brother (12), sister (5), and myself. My parents were married for 20 years and were high school sweethearts. My mother was a stay-at-home mom at the time of his passing, so she had to go back to work and take on another role as the provider. I still don’t know how she did it. She is the strongest person I know and there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her kids. When dealing with hard times, she is proof that life still goes on. Even when your world feels like it’s falling apart there is something to live for. I inspire to have her strength, courage, devotion and to be a great mom like her one day.

Lisa Kuhlman, Storekeeper

How did you get started in your career? I was a single woman making a house payment while helping family. My niece and nephew lived with me during the week as their mom worked nights. I had a few jobs to make ends meet – working nights as a janitor, weekends as a barista, and picking up odd jobs to fill in the gaps, while building my career as a full-time school bus driver and trainer. My career at the PUD began in Meter Reading. My father brought me a job posting for a meter reading. You know the good ole’ days when a paper copy was posted on the cork board. He said, “Honey, you look tired.” I replied, “I am tired.” I had just worked a 60-hour week. He told me if I got on at the PUD then I could work just one job and make more money. So, I applied, along with 500 others during the economic crash of 2008. I was lucky enough to be one of the two folks hired. I was in Meter Reading for eight years, then applied and transitioned to Warehouse where I am now going on another eight years.

Are there any women in your life who have inspired you?  We can learn from everyone around us if we are willing to pull and glean the positives from life and work. I am grateful for the women and men here at the PUD that are willing to stick by me as I learn and grow. Without all the employees at the PUD, we would never receive a full-circle balance.  A louder shout out though to the ones that chose to help me on this path. Michelle Hagglund who gave me my opportunity in Meter Reading. Sue Martin and Stephanie O’Brien who have taught me everything possible in Warehousing (even if it was the ninth time I asked the same question). There are a few who have asked to remain nameless that are my sounding board when I need a vent session, and they have had my back and given me strong encouragement during times I needed it most.

Marisa Broullett, Apprentice Wireman 3

How did you get started in your career? For as long as I can remember, I have been an active person. I never had an off-season playing sports and preferred being outside working with my dad. I didn’t know trade work was even a career choice for me. I worked three jobs and went to college, that’s all I knew. I found out about trades from seeing a post from a gal I went to high school with. I was enthralled with this kind of work but intimidated at the idea of entering a workforce I knew very little about, let alone where to start. So, I ran with it. I met with the gal for coffee, went to a women in trades fair, and applied to multiple tests at different union halls. I ended up getting a summer job for public works road maintenance. I loved it! The County allowed my confidence to grow and provided me a place to learn as much as I could before I took my first steps into re-applying for several apprenticeship programs.

What advice would you give to women entering your industry? Let intimidation fuel you instead of stopping you. There are going to be times where your body doesn’t allow you to do a task. Put more effort into training until you can. I promise you, you can do it. Let your walls fall and ask for helpful tips and tricks from everyone.