Engineering creative solutions and smiles for children

Josue Aviles has always been fascinated with learning more about how things work. Here at PPL, he brings that passion and curiosity to his role as a substation engineer. "My team works on the design of the substations, making sure our equipment is up to code, and providing input on retirement and replacement of equipment to ensure reliability," said Aviles. "Each day when I come to work, there's always an opportunity to learn more about different areas of the company and how our teams work together to accomplish our goals." While Josue takes great pride in the amazing work that his team does, he also sees a connection to the customers we serve. "It's important to learn about what is impacting our communities so we can be part of the solution and improve their lives."

Recently, Aviles joined several members of LEAD (PPL's Latino Employee Alliance for Diversity) at Washington Elementary School in Allentown during our Day of Caring to decorate the school hallways in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year. Josue and roughly 20 other PPL volunteers helped to create a mural on the school's second floor featuring many prominent Latino leaders, such as civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and playwright/actor Lin Manuel-Miranda. While reflecting on the importance of these role models, Aviles acknowledges that his career path was different to the ones that he was exposed to while growing up in the Lehigh Valley. "I didn't see many Latinos going into engineering roles when I was in school. The reason why I chose engineering is because I was good at math. I love figuring things out and trying to find ways to make things work better."

Having graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in engineering, Aviles is proud to serve as a role model to the children he meets at volunteering opportunities. "I hope the children will see me as an example of someone who achieved his goals in spite of all obstacles."

October 15, 2024

Tagged with:

• BRG
• Careers
• Community
• Engineering
• Hispanic Heritage Month