After 18 years working for AT&T, where she developed significant business knowledge and team building skills, Monica Alston began a career with Equitable Gas, now Peoples Natural Gas. Currently in her 15th year in the utility sector, she works to manage diverse departments and provide process improvements as the Construction Operations Administration Manager.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Monica is also an active member of Peoples’ Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She feels that it is extremely important for Peoples to continue to strive to be more inclusive.
“As a black woman working here at Peoples, we need to encourage diverse views and individuals in all areas of our company and at all levels,” Monica says. “The largest percentage of our diversity, especially among African Americans, is in entry level positions. I’m encouraged by the steps we’re taking when it comes to maintaining diversity and inclusion here at Peoples, and we still have work to do on this front.”
Monica explains that as companies like Peoples open up more training opportunities, they create larger groups of qualified candidates for higher positions, especially in areas that may not currently have as much diversity.
“Workshops and training courses can help to further the growth and upward mobility of individuals with the desire to gain additional skills and knowledge. This could lead to more qualified candidates for consideration to work in others areas, which may not have a large percentage of diversity members currently.”
This commitment to generating more training opportunities is part of Monica’s motivation for supporting the Women With Energy (WWE) Committee at Peoples. As one of the original co-chairs, Monica explains that WWE offers opportunities for networking, professional education, growth, and community to the women at Peoples.
“I feel very strongly about the Women With Energy committee here at Peoples,” Monica says. “Being part of the original steering committee and one of the first co-chairs, I am extremely proud of the level of developmental activities and opportunities we’ve offered the women of Peoples over the years.”
“Hearing from professional speakers and career growth coaches makes a big difference for our WWE members,” Monica adds. “The more events, activities and charitable opportunities the steering committee offers, the more attendees and positive outcomes we achieve.”
In addition to being a role model here at Peoples, Monica is also well-known for her leadership outside of work. She is a member of United Way Women Leadership Council, the Western PA Women Energy Network, and a member of the STANDING FIRM Advisory Council / Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
“Being an Advisory Board member for STANDING FIRM is very rewarding,” Monica says. “Educating businesses on the impact of partner violence is very important, not just to the individuals the violence touches but to the company’s bottom line. The revenue aspects of the impact partner violence plays is eye opening, and STANDING FIRM helps to educate larger audiences on what we can all do to promote safe and healthy workplaces and workforces.”
The idea of companies focusing on the overall health of their workforce strikes a special chord with Monica. She acknowledges that her own professional development has been shaped by companies and individuals who were willing to invest her growth.
“The investment AT&T made in me with education and training opportunities led to me being able to take on several different positions within the Fortune 500 company,” Monica explains, “and I have built upon these project management, coaching and customer focus techniques here at Peoples.”
Monica notes that the mentorship opportunities she has experienced at Peoples have also exceeded all of her expectations.
“The ability to observe, ask questions and learn from such an extremely high caliber leader, such as Ruth DeLost-Wylie, is phenomenal,” Monica says. “She is a role model for so many, not just here at Peoples but among the external business community as well, and having her guidance is a remarkable experience.”
For Monica, this mentorship experience has enhanced the methodology she uses to guide, coach and develop individuals on the teams she manages. She achieved personal growth through mentorship, which then gave her the opportunity to expand her own knowledge and experiences.
“As one of the few black managers here at Peoples, I try to encourage others to let them realize their career goals can be achieved here,” Monica notes. “And I do hope that I can be a role model for other black women.”
We’re incredibly grateful for employees like Monica, who are strong leaders inside and outside of the company. As Peoples continues to grow, we are eager to explore more ways to empower and encourage others to follow in her footsteps.