Kennedy Smith – Entergy We power life. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:46:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-FavIcon-32x32.png Kennedy Smith – Entergy 32 32 Priscilla Rodriguez learns the art of supply chain during her internship /blog/priscilla-rodriguez-learns-art-supply-chain-during-her-internship Thu, 15 Aug 2024 23:34:00 +0000 /priscilla-rodriguez-learns-art-supply-chain-during-her-internship Get to know one of our Entergy Texas interns

Meet Priscilla Rodriguez, a procurement intern at Entergy Texas. She’s from Spring, Texas, majors in supply chain management, and is entering her junior year at the University of Houston.

Landing this internship at the end of her sophomore year, Priscilla was excited to get hands-on experience in supply chain management and prepare for concepts she’ll learn in school this upcoming semester.

“My experience as an intern at Entergy Texas emphasized the importance of communication and not being afraid to ask questions,” said Priscilla. “I now feel more empowered when working on projects with teams at school or in professional settings.”

This summer, Priscilla worked alongside members of the procurement and supply chain organization, identifying root causes and recommending potential solutions to challenges regarding at-risk and long-lead materials.

She also visited various sites, such as the Sabine Power Plant and New Orleans Power Station, where she gained insight on how both facilities are critical in delivering power to Entergy customers.

Additionally, she partnered with five other procurement and supply chain interns to implement artificial intelligence in the company’s strategic sourcing process.

“Our capital projects portfolio is growing at a rapid pace, and securing the needed long-lead equipment is critical to the success of these projects,” said Cade Clanton, sustainable generation and supply chain manager at Entergy. “Having Priscilla come in with fresh eyes, giving her perspective on our processes and offering implementable solutions has been great to see.”

In her spare time, Priscilla enjoys collecting vinyl records, watching movies, and traveling.

The provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to jump-start their careers, maximize their work experience, and create a pathway for possible full-time employment.

This pipeline for entry-level talent has produced more than 550 full-time Entergy employees in the past five years.

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Camila Gutierrez navigates the grid through her supply chain internship /blog/camila-gutierrez-navigates-grid-through-her-supply-chain-internship Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:26:00 +0000 /camila-gutierrez-navigates-grid-through-her-supply-chain-internship Get to know one of our Entergy Texas interns

Meet Camila Gutierrez, a procurement intern at Entergy Texas. She’s from Guadalajara, Mexico, majors in supply chain management, and is entering her senior year at the University of Houston.

This summer, Camila worked on the procurement and supply chain team, where she experienced an immersive learning experience by applying what she’d learned in the classroom to real life. Additionally, she collaborated with five other interns to explore the application of artificial intelligence in the strategic sourcing process, contributing to the enhancement of supplier selection, risk management, and supplier market analysis.

When asked about what sparked her interest in pursuing supply chain as a career, she mentioned it all started with a sweet treat.

“I remember attending a panel about someone’s career experience traveling around the world to procure cookies for a popular yogurt brand,” said Camila. “After hearing about their experience, it made me interested in supply chain and I realized how broad the opportunities were.”

Camila’s role focused mainly on category management, which involved overseeing specific categories of products or services, maximizing value and ensuring supply chain efficiency. While she enjoyed working in that space, she says she’s open to working in as many supply chain divisions as possible.

“Camila has worked well with team members and stakeholders as she builds knowledge in the utility industry,” said Neal Laskoskie, category management manager at Entergy Texas. “Her willingness to take on any task and positive attitude will serve her well into the future.”

Outside of navigating her journey on supply chain management excellence, she enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with her golden retriever, Luna.

ճprovides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to jump-start their careers, maximize their work experience, and create a pathway for possible full-time employment.

This pipeline for entry-level talent has produced more than 550 full-time Entergy employees in the past five years.

Learn more about our.

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National Engineers Week – Shania Drummond /blog/national-engineers-week-shania-drummond Fri, 23 Feb 2024 22:20:00 +0000 /national-engineers-week-shania-drummond Celebrating today’s achievements and creating a brighter and more diverse future in engineering

We’re celebrating National Engineers Week Feb. 18-24, recognizing how engineers play a vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges that impact future generations.

From our power plants and operations centers to regulatory teams and capital projects, engineers are an indispensable part of the Entergy team. Across the company, these professionals collaborate on a journey to make Entergy the premier utility.

Meet Shania

Why did you choose to pursue engineering?

When I first got to college, I decided I wanted to do things with computers. Be it writing code or building the PCs themselves. So, I majored in computer engineering. During my second year of college, I realized that coding, an important pillar in computer engineering, wasn’t a passion of mine, but I did find the introductory electrical courses fascinating. I swapped majors and never looked back.

What do you like most about engineering?

Definitely the problem-solving aspect. Coming up with different solutions to the issues that arise on a daily basis is one of the most important functions of an engineer.

Advice for anyone aspiring to be an engineer?

Go for it! Just jump on in and spend that first semester perfecting your study plan. Figure out what works for you and what doesn’t, because you can’t complete an engineering program without studying. I highly advise finding a study group.

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National Engineers Week – Ricardo Garcia /blog/national-engineers-week-ricardo-garcia-2 Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:10:00 +0000 /national-engineers-week-ricardo-garcia-2 Celebrating today’s achievements and creating a brighter and more diverse future in engineering.

We’re celebrating National Engineers Week Feb. 18-24, recognizing how engineers play a vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges that impact future generations.

From our power plants and operations centers to regulatory teams and capital projects, engineers are an indispensable part of the Entergy team. Across the company, these professionals collaborate on a journey to make Entergy the premier utility.

Meet Ricardo Garcia

Why did you choose to pursue engineering?

For me, it all started with my first computer where I found a passion for programming and solving problems. However, it was during my first summer internship at Entergy that I discovered my passion for electrical engineering, specifically power systems. Today, I have had the ability to combine both my programming and engineering passion to deliver great solutions for our customers.

What do you like most about engineering?

What I enjoy the most is developing automated solutions for complex engineering problems that I can iterate through various possibilities to find the best solution; and then create data visualizations that help me simplify the technical details of the problem and highlight the best options.

Advice for anyone aspiring to be an engineer?

Seek to understand your passion and goals,and then understand how each branch of engineering aligns with you. Personally, I found that the three internships that I completed during my college years provided me great insights into various industries and helped me identify my passion for power systems engineering. Ultimately, embrace a continuous learning mindset where you are always improving and developing new skills, as today’s technology continues to evolve rapidly.

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National Engineers Week – Ricardo Garcia /blog/national-engineers-week-ricardo-garcia Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:10:00 +0000 /national-engineers-week-ricardo-garcia Celebrating today’s achievements and creating a brighter and more diverse future in engineering

We’re celebrating National Engineers Week Feb. 18-24, recognizing how engineers play a vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges that impact future generations.

From our power plants and operations centers to regulatory teams and capital projects, engineers are an indispensable part of the Entergy team. Across the company, these professionals collaborate on a journey to make Entergy the premier utility.

Meet Ricardo Garcia

Why did you choose to pursue engineering?

For me, it all started with my first computer where I found a passion for programming and solving problems. However, it was during my first summer internship at Entergy that I discovered my passion for electrical engineering, specifically power systems. Today, I have had the ability to combine both my programming and engineering passion to deliver great solutions for our customers.

What do you like most about engineering?

What I enjoy the most is developing automated solutions for complex engineering problems that I can iterate through various possibilities to find the best solution; and then create data visualizations that help me simplify the technical details of the problem and highlight the best options.

Advice for anyone aspiring to be an engineer?

Seek to understand your passion and goals,and then understand how each branch of engineering aligns with you. Personally, I found that the three internships that I completed during my college years provided me great insights into various industries and helped me identify my passion for power systems engineering. Ultimately, embrace a continuous learning mindset where you are always improving and developing new skills, as today’s technology continues to evolve rapidly.

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National Engineers Week – Jerry Harness /blog/national-engineers-week-jerry-harness Wed, 21 Feb 2024 01:22:00 +0000 /national-engineers-week-jerry-harness Celebrating today’s achievements and creating a brighter and more diverse future in engineering

We’re celebrating National Engineers Week Feb. 18-24, recognizing how engineers play a vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges that impact future generations.

From our power plants and operations centers to regulatory teams and capital projects, engineers are an indispensable part of the Entergy team. Across the company, these professionals collaborate on a journey to make Entergy the premier utility.

Meet Jerry Harness

Jerry has over 16 years of experience in the electric utilities industry. He is a seasoned professional with a track record of successfully designing, implementing, and maintaining complex electrical systems. Jerry keeps up withemerging technologies and trends while maintaining a focus on safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. He is a senior member in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a volunteer for the IEEE Power & ϳԹ Society and the IEEE Houston Section.

Currently, a senior engineer, Jerry has been with Entergy Texas for two years.

Why did you choose to pursue engineering?

I chose to pursue electrical engineering because my strongest interests as a child involved electrical devices in many different forms. Whether it was the family stereo, small musical keyboards, or old discarded PCs from the local schools; I was a tinkerer and always tried to figure out how stuff worked or how to fix them. My interest in engineering grew stronger in my high school physics class and by spending time helping a family friend who was a telecommunications electrician.

What do you like most about engineering?

Engineering is a field that is constantly evolving. I enjoy the many opportunities to continue to learn new technologies and methods of doing things. Along with applying my knowledge and skills in a profession that helps my community and society.

Advice for anyone aspiring to be an engineer?

Be curious. Always be ready to learn something new. Develop your ability to think outside the box.

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Entergy Texas Lineman of the Game Nathan Odle scores successfully in safety and teamwork /blog/entergy-texas-lineman-game-nathan-odle-scores-successfully-in-safety-teamwork Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:56:00 +0000 /entergy-texas-lineman-game-nathan-odle-scores-successfully-in-safety-teamwork Nathan Odle will be recognized as Entergy Texas’ Lineman of the Game at the start of the Saints vs. Texans match up in New Orleans on August 27. For each New Orleans Saints home game in the 2023 season and pre-season, Entergy and the Saints recognize an Entergy employee from operations during the game for outstanding performance on the job and in the community.

Nathan is from Groves, Texas. He earned a degree in instrumentation from Lamar Institute of Technology before landing his first role as an engineering helper in 2017. He currently serves as a fourth-year relay apprentice for the Conroe network.

“I really enjoy the intricacies of what I do. There are so many different things going on,” said Nathan. “While challenging at times, it also feels rewarding when you’re able to figure out the problem and have a solution.”

Along with his outstanding work and can-do attitude, Nathan says his parents made it a point to encourage the importance of family and creating a safe space for others. His support and concern for everyone’s safety is reflected in his daily work.

Being selected as Lineman of the Game came as a surprise to Nathan, but his team can attest to the great work he’s done not only as a lineman, but as a team member.

“Nathan’s connection with his team is greatly appreciated,” said Gary Rogers, utility foreman for the Conroe network. “He also keeps us updated on upcoming area developments, especially restaurants!”

Nathan and his wife will enjoy two nights in New Orleans, a pre-game field pass to watch the players warm up, and tickets to the Entergy suite to watch the game.

Catch Nathan hyping up the crowd at the game this Sunday!

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Kenneth Thompson embarks on his bright future in energy /blog/kenneth-thompson-embarks-on-his-bright-future-in-energy Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:31:00 +0000 /kenneth-thompson-embarks-on-his-bright-future-in-energy Get to know our interns at Entergy

Meet Kenneth Thompson, a supply chain intern at Entergy. He’s from Katy, Texas, and just started his senior year at the University of Houston.

Kenneth has always had an interest in business operations, specifically supply chain. A supply chain includes every step that is involved in getting a finished product or service to the customer. Kenneth says he knew he picked the right career path after seeing just how essential supply chain management was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I knew I wanted to study business and decided to major in supply chain because of how important it is for companies,” said Kenneth. “I also wanted to be able to work with different companies that acted as both suppliers and customers.”

While searching for internships, Entergy caught Kenneth’s eye because the company services the Gulf Coast region, and he enjoyed the idea of working in the area where he grew up. He also liked that the opportunity would allow him to gain experience and learn about the energy and utility industry.

During his internship at Entergy, Kenneth was part of the sustainable generation supply chain team, and his role was to create a market overview and sourcing strategy for wind energy.

“Working with Kenneth over the course of the last two months has been a great experience for me and our sustainable generation team,” said Cade Clanton, manager of sustainable generation for supply chain at Entergy. “Kenneth brought energy and eagerness to the table and quickly jumped into a very challenging project that involved working with our power development organization to structure a sourcing strategy for wind resources. He was able to present his work to many members of the power development leadership team and received high accolades. His project will be the foundation that we will continue to build on as we expand our presence in wind energy.”

Along with making his mark at Entergy, Kenneth learned the importance of networking.

“Everyone you meet has knowledge and experience that you don’t, so make sure to talk to everyone you can.”

Kenneth is expected to graduate from The University of Houston in December 2023. Afterwards, he plans to obtain a full-time position at a major energy company in Houston.

In his spare time, Kenneth enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends, and trying new restaurants. He especially has a liking for Cajun style fried seafood!

Thanks for all your hard work and bright ideas, Kenneth!

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Cristian Figueroa pursues career close to home /blog/cristian-figueroa-pursues-career-close-home Thu, 06 Apr 2023 18:31:00 +0000 /cristian-figueroa-pursues-career-close-home Get to know our interns at Entergy Texas

Meet Cristian Figueroa, an intern at the Entergy Texas distribution operations center. He’s currently a student at Lamar University (Go Cardinals!) and is expected to graduate with a degree in electrical engineering.

Born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, he’s no stranger to the opportunities that our service area has in terms of industry, spanning from oil, gas, construction, utilities and more.

His current role at the DOC consists of shadowing distribution engineers and operators and learning software and procedures.

Growing up around industry, Cristian was considering process operating and instrumentation, but one of his brother’s friends inspired him to do something different and challenging, so he decided to go with engineering.

He chose electrical specifically because he thought the subject was more interesting than the others and it was a good career path, since there was always a need for electricity.

“Since this is my first job in the field I’m going for, I’m learning everything I need to know, and I feel like that will help me through my engineering experience.”

Outside of learning the electrical industry ropes and doing his course work, he enjoys fishing, cooking and going to the gym.

When asked about what’s his go to food?

“Steak, burgers and tacos! I’m pretty good!”

We’re excited to see Cristian go far while staying close to home.

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Dawson Holly continues his family legacy in the electric industry /blog/dawson-holly-continues-his-family-legacy-in-electric-industry Tue, 07 Mar 2023 04:53:00 +0000 /dawson-holly-continues-his-family-legacy-in-electric-industry Get to know our interns at Entergy Texas

Meet Dawson Holly, an intern at the Entergy Texas distribution operations center. He’s currently a student at Texas A&M (Gig ’em, Aggies!) and is expected to graduate in May 2024 with a degree in electrical engineering.

Previously interning at other companies, Dawson wanted to try something new by learning a different side of electrical engineering that focused on what most would consider behind-the-scenes operations.

His current role at the DOC consists of assisting with switching planning and reviewing procedures. He’s also gaining insight on the field side of operations, allowing him to see all angles of what it takes to be an electrical engineer in utilities.

“I like the mix of field and office work; it lets me see the problem at hand and then I get to write a plan and watch the work get executed.”

Dawson is no stranger to the electrical industry. His dad worked as a high voltage supervisor at a plant, so growing up, Dawson had some insight to what working in the industry entailed.

“I grew up with my dad doing electrical work around the house, and hearing stories about what he did at work always drew me in,” said Dawson.

Additionally, his uncle graduated from Texas A&M and works in electrical engineering. Through his dad and uncle, he learned that the energy industry provides a variety of job opportunities that sparked his interest.

“The power industry will always grow, and it provides job security,” said Dawson. “My biggest goal at Entergy is to learn the whole experience, learn the entire business.”

Outside of working, Dawson enjoys the great outdoors by hunting and fishing.

As he approaches the last stretch of his electrical engineering degree and continues his hands-on work at Entergy Texas, we are inspired by Dawson’s journey toward a bright future.

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