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IBERDROLA
THE Iberdrola International Volunteer Awards, are being held for the first time at ScottishPower’s Glasgow headquarters today, honouring people from across the UK, Spain, Brazil and the USA for the significant impact they’ve made to environmental conservation projects, educational programmes and health and wellbeing.
More than 10 million people in 24 countries have benefitted from the work of those involved in Iberdrola’s international volunteers programme since its creation in 2006. Around one quarter of the company’s workforce participates annually.
Iberdrola Executive Chairman, Ignacio Galán, highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting and recognising these invaluable efforts as the prestigious company celebrates its 13th International Volunteer Week.
“Volunteers are the heart of our community efforts. Their dedication and passion drive positive change and inspire us all.
“Volunteering not only enriches the lives of those who receive help but also fosters a sense of purpose and fulfilment among those who give their time and effort.
“We are immensely proud of this year’s award winners and their extraordinary contributions.”
Award Categories and Winners
THE awards ceremony featured 4 categories, each recognising different aspects of volunteer work:
Environment: This category honoured volunteers who have made significant contributions to preserving and protecting the environment. Projects included reforestation efforts, wildlife conservation, and initiatives to reduce carbon footprints.
Education: Volunteers recognised in this category have dedicated their time to improving educational outcomes for children and adults alike. Their efforts range from tutoring and mentoring to developing educational materials and programmes that enhance learning experiences.
Health and Wellbeing: This category celebrated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Their contributions include organising health camps, providing mental health support, and promoting healthy lifestyles through various initiatives.
Engagement and Promotion: Recognising an enthusiastic and motivating force behind almost all volunteer initiatives that promote Iberdrola's values globally, especially those related to helping employees and local communities.
ScottishPower’s Volunteering Impact
SCOTTISHPOWER, as part of the Iberdrola Group, has shown a strong commitment to volunteering and community engagement.
Its latest Social Impact Report showed a surge in volunteering participation rates. Last year 1,706 staff members (up from 1,215 in 2022) took part in volunteering activities, collectively contributing over 13,300 working hours.
Melanie Hill, Director of Social Projects and Sector Education at ScottishPower said, “At ScottishPower, we have a long track record of our people volunteering in the areas in which they live, and we operate. Through our employee volunteering programme, we’ve fostered a strong culture of individual and team-based volunteering, and celebrate our employees’ passion for it.
“Every year we encourage our people to take up the opportunity to have a day's paid leave for volunteering. It’s inspiring to see so many of our employees dedicating their time and skills to make a difference in their communities. We’re totally committed to supporting and recognising these incredible contributions.”
The Iberdrola International Volunteer Awards ceremony in Glasgow is a testament to the power of volunteering and the significant impact it has on communities worldwide.
By recognising the extraordinary efforts of volunteers, Iberdrola and ScottishPower continue to inspire and encourage more individuals to get involved in making a positive difference.
As the company celebrates its 13th International Volunteer Week, the message is clear: volunteering is not just an act of kindness; it is woven into the fabric of the values of the company.
The dedication and passion of volunteers drive positive change, enrich lives, and foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment. With continued support and recognition, the spirit of volunteering will undoubtedly continue to thrive at Iberdrola, benefitting millions of individuals and countless communities around the globe.
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Pola Michalska, Iberdrola International Volunteer Education Award Winner – UK
POLA Michalska is a dedicated volunteer in the fight against cancer, a cause very close to her heart due to personal experiences with the disease.
An LLB Law graduate with a focus on Human Rights, Environmental Law, and International Commercial Law, Pola joined ScottishPower in August 2023 and found a supportive community that helps her thrive.
She’s an active member of SPARC, a ScottishPower employee network ensuring equal opportunities for those with long-term health conditions and disabilities, and is passionate about inclusivity, environmental causes, and children’s charities.
Pola shaved her head to raise funds for Cancer Research UK (ScottishPower and Cancer Research UK joined forces in 2012 with the aim of raising £5m over three years.
ScottishPower has now raised over £40m for life saving cancer research!) and donated her hair to The Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for children and young people.
Her fundraising efforts included creating posters, email promotions and using internal social platforms like Yammer to raise awareness. Pola’s initiative raised over £1,300 for CRUK and £800 for The Little Princess Trust.
Beyond this, Pola has been instrumental in other fundraising events and activities, like races, bake sales, and sponsorships. Through her actions, she has managed to benefit around 4,000 people. Her efforts are a testament to her dedication and the positive impact she has on her community and have earned her the Iberdrola International Volunteer - Health and Wellbeing Award.
“Being able to volunteer and support causes that are close to my heart has been incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “The support from my colleagues at ScottishPower and the generosity of everyone who donated has been overwhelming. It’s amazing to see how our collective efforts can make such a significant difference in the lives of so many people.
“I’m proud to be part of a company that values helping people and supports its employees to volunteer in their communities.”
Pola’s dedication to volunteering and her passion for health and wellbeing exemplify the spirit of Iberdrola’s commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Her efforts not only contribute to important causes but also inspire others to get involved and make a difference.
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David Aldazabal Uncilla, Iberdrola International Volunteer Environment Award Winner – Spain
DAVID joined Iberdrola in 2010 and works in Iberdrola Clientes, Technology and Processes, contributing to the company’s ongoing technological transformation. He’s also a prolific volunteer.
He’s an active participant in the Iberdrola Forest project - a forest recovery initiative in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve in Spain.
Since the project started, volunteers, including David, have planted 10,000 trees of 25 different native species. He frequently encourages friends, family and colleagues to join him in reforestation projects, environmental cleanups, and biodiversity conservation activities.
Whether it’s cleaning wetlands in Getxo or participating in recycling workshops, David is always at the forefront of efforts to protect and restore the environment.
But his commitment extends beyond environmental causes.
He is also deeply involved in other welfare activities, volunteering his time to support children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
Through his participation in 20 volunteering activities over the past year, primarily focused on environmental care, David has directly benefitted more than 4,500 people.
His passion for helping others and his ability to inspire those around him have made him a key figure in Iberdrola’s volunteer community and a worthy winner of the Iberdrola International Volunteer - Environment Award. “I’m really proud to receive this award. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to make a tangible difference in my community and beyond.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of our efforts, whether it’s planting trees, cleaning natural areas, or supporting vulnerable groups,” he says.
“Being part of Iberdrola's international volunteers programme has enriched my life – and hopefully that of others - and allowed me to share these meaningful experiences with my family and colleagues.”
David’s story is one of dedication, leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility to both the environment and the people around him.
His work exemplifies the core values of the Iberdrola's international volunteers programme, making him a deserving recipient of the Environmental Award and a real role model for others.
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Layla Rebeca Gomes Costa, Iberdrola International Volunteer Education Award Winner – Brazil
LAYLA Rebeca Gomes Costa always believed education could open new opportunities for her.
At 17 she moved from her island home to start college. In 2020, she began her journey with Neoenergia as an intern. By 2021, she was hired full-time as a Safety and Health at Work Technician and has been actively participating in volunteering ever since.
A passionate member of Neoenergia’s Volunteer Work Group, Layla is driven by her desire to contribute to society.
She’s played a significant role in raising awareness about the risks and dangers of the electricity grid among the population, helping to ensure community safety through the project Comunidade Segura (Safe Community).
The initiative is crucial in educating the public about electrical safety and preventing accidents.
In addition to her work on community safety, Layla’s involved in educational initiatives. She organises book collections and reads to children in schools throughout the year.
Her dedication to these activities has made a substantial impact and has earned her the Iberdrola International Volunteer Education Award.
Layla’s efforts are part of Neoenergia’s broader commitment to volunteering and community engagement.
The volunteer programme is connected to the communities in the areas where the company operates, benefitting thousands of people every year.
The programme focuses on three main UN Sustainable Development Goals: quality education, gender equality, and the reduction of inequalities.
“Volunteering has always been a way for me to give back to the community and make a real difference,” she says.
“At Neoenergia I’ve found a platform that supports my passion for education and community safety. Seeing the positive impact of our efforts, especially on children’s lives, is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue this important work.”
Layla’s dedication to education and community safety exemplifies Iberdrola and Neoenergia’s belief that the power of volunteering lies in its ability to transform lives and communities.
Layla’s story is a shining example of how one person’s dedication can create a ripple effect of positive change.
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John Schenck, Iberdrola International Volunteer Engagement and Promotion Award Winner – USA
JOHN Schenck is the most active and vocal supporter of volunteering initiatives at Avangrid.
As a true champion of the volunteering programme, John leads by example and is well-known for the impactful work he and the New York State Electricity and Gas (NYSEG) Liberty Division team do in their community.
As Manager of Regional Operations, John has over 24 years of experience in electric utility operations across several US states, including Alaska, and leads a diverse team of dedicated professionals.
In the past year, John’s efforts have resulted in over 1,330 hours of volunteer time and engaged 157 employee volunteers.
His leadership has not only increased participation but also inspired a culture of giving back within the company. Under his guidance, the NYSEG Liberty Division has become a model for community engagement and volunteering.
John’s commitment to volunteering aligns with Avangrid’s broader mission to make positive impacts in the communities it serves.
The Avangrid Foundation, through its Energized for Good programme, amplifies employees’ volunteer efforts, supporting initiatives that provide critical services like shelter, food security, and access to education and job training.
In 2023, Avangrid employees collectively volunteered more than 23,000 hours, demonstrating the company’s dedication to community service.
“Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with our community and make a real difference,” says John. “At Avangrid, we believe that our commitment to service extends beyond our professional roles, and it’s this spirit of volunteerism that truly defines us.”
John’s leadership in volunteer engagement and promotion exemplifies the spirit of Iberdrola’s commitment to making a positive impact on the communities it serves. His efforts not only contribute to important causes but also inspire others to get involved and make a difference.
By fostering a culture of volunteerism, John and his team are building stronger, more resilient communities and makes him a worthy winner of Iberdrola’s International Volunteer - Engagement and Promotion Award.
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