SoCalGas recently sponsored the 47th National Conference of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), held April 22-25, in Anaheim. We spoke with Jeff Walker, senior vice president at SoCalGas, who also serves on the national board of directors at AABE.
- What is your title, how long have you been with SoCalGas and how has your career developed during your time at SoCalGas?
My current title is senior vice president of systems and technology, and I am responsible for the delivery of information technology solutions. I’ve been at SoCalGas for 27 years. I started as a senior programmer and have had multiple roles during my tenure here, primarily in information technology. I’ve progressed through various levels of leadership, including serving as SoCalGas’ Chief Diversity Officer. I have also had the opportunity to lead and participate in a number of strategic initiatives in my time at SoCalGas. I am particularly proud of the “Glad to be of service” attitude exhibited by our employees, our focus on safety and reliability, and our efforts to live out our values and offer a culture of belonging.
SoCalGas has been a great place to work in the energy industry.
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- What is your role and history at AABE?
I am currently on the national Board of Directors at the AABE and have been since 2020.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the board of this great organization. Each member of the board is passionate about fulfilling the mission of AABE. Amongst other initiatives, we have a legislative issues and public policy committee that has been outstanding in their work of engaging with key stakeholders on energy related legislative policies that have an impact on communities of color.
On a side note, one of the co-founders of AABE was a vice president at SoCalGas. This fact inspires me to continue the important work which he helped start just under 50 years ago.
- Why is SoCalGas sponsoring the AABE conference?
AABE’s mission is “To provide direct input into the deliberations and developments of energy policies, regulations, emerging technologies, and environmental issues.” AABE advocates for energy policy on behalf of the African American population and ensuring energy equity and representation in jobs to create and deliver that energy is a key part of that. Advocating for equal access to energy and opportunities for all is consistent with our values at SoCalGas. At SoCalGas, we are deeply dedicated to serving our communities – our employees are committed to making a positive difference.
- What does SoCalGas’ involvement with AABE mean to you personally?
Personally, it means a lot to be associated with an organization that has this historical connection to our company and to our local communities. AABE has a California chapter that I’m a member of as well, as are other SoCalGas employees. It’s important for our employees, and our communities, to know that there is an organization that they can associate with that really cares and advocates for matters related to energy. To me, AABE shares the same values as SoCalGas: Do the Right Thing, Shape the Future and Champion People. So, the continued collaboration between our two organizations makes perfect sense.
- What kind of advice can you give to African Americans interested in a career in Energy?
Whatever your interests are, the energy industry has ample opportunities for you. This industry has been and continues to be a vital part of everyone’s lives and there is so much innovation happening in this sector right now, as we transition to cleaner forms of energy. No matter what your skillset or passion, whether you are a finance and accounting person, or interested in innovative technologies, or you are an entrepreneur, there is a place for you in the energy industry. There are also opportunities for those who aspire to field technician roles. SoCalGas has a phenomenal field workforce, and they do an excellent job of ensuring that the energy that we provide to our customers is all done safely and reliably.
- What were your takeaways from the national conference?
I left the conference with a sense that there is a renewed vision and energy around realizing AABE’s mission. We are well positioned to continue the organization’s great work on a broad range of topics including diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as broad participation on the clean energy transition. SoCalGas continues to demonstrate strong leadership in many of these areas in California and AABE is a key convener, influencer and advocate on a national level. I’m so proud of all that was achieved at the conference and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the years to come.
- Is there anything else you would like to share?
Given the global focus on decarbonization and the clean energy transition, it’s an exciting time to work in the energy industry. We are at the forefront of a tremendous amount of innovation with Artificial Intelligence, emerging clean energy technologies, and new ways of working. The challenge will be ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all.
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