Itron News
International Women’s Day 2025: Celebrating Women in Energy
March 7, 2025
March 8 is In
our first Women’s History Month blog, we had the chance to sit
down with Jeanie Aday, technical training associate in the learning,
documentation and innovation department, to hear about her story and
the insights she’s gathered along the way. In the second blog of the
series, we headed over to the Liberty Lake site to catch up with Tracy
Troyer, senior program manager in Networks. Keep reading to learn more
about her role and experience over the years working at Itron.
Q: What does an average day work day look like for you?
A: I am an early riser, so I usually start the day
around 5:30 a.m. This gives me 30 minutes to an hour to get situated
for the day, check emails and prepare for meetings I need to run that
can start as early as 6:30 a.m. Being on the west coast requires an
early start! My days typically consist of responding to emails,
running and/or attending meetings and filling out paperwork. Taking
care of myself is a priority and helps me show up better at work, so I
make sure to find time for a break and get some exercise.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
A: My favorite part is problem solving. I was able to
problem solve more in my previous role as an engineer but thankfully I
still get to do it in my current role as a program manager. I enjoy
rallying people together to turn concepts into reality. At Itron, we
have complex solutions to address the complex challenges our customers
face. Being a good problem solver on our team means having the ability
to see the big picture -- it requires looking both upstream and down
to try to account for every possible outcome.
Q: How have you grown and evolved since beginning at Itron?
A: When I started at Itron, I had very young kids and
learned how to achieve a work-life balance that allowed me to be fully
present in their lives. Now that my kids are older and off to college,
I continue to work on finding the right balance so that I can be fully
engaged at Itron without allowing work to dominate my personal life.
It is an ongoing process. I’ve also become a much better mountain
biker since joining Itron. The Liberty Lake office is close to great
biking trails, so a group of us used to often ride at lunch around the lake.
Q: Can you share about a role model who has inspired you and
how they influenced your career?
A: When I was at HP, I worked with a woman named
Kelly who was 11 years older than me. I was pregnant with my first
child at the time and was struggling with feelings of guilt about
returning to work after the baby was born. Without disparaging moms
that choose to stay at home, she expressed that by working, I’m doing
right by my children. She said that it would be good for my kids, both
of whom are girls, to see that you can be both a good mom and a good
employee. Kelly was a great mom, a great employee and an inspiration
to me.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give other women and
girls who want to pursue a career in engineering?
A: I would tell them that engineering is a great
career. It is intellectually challenging and keeps your mind
stimulated. There is job security in this field and most engineering
positions allow you to work from anywhere, so you aren’t limited
geographically. I would also say to avoid thinking of yourself as a
female engineer. You are just an engineer. Focus on being a competent
engineer and a collaborative coworker and you can’t go wrong. International Women's Day
At Itron, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace where unique perspectives can be expressed, heard and valued. As part of our celebration of this meaningful day, we asked a few of the many inspiring women from across departments, geographies and roles at Itron: If you could give one piece of advice to women early in their careers, what would it be?
Here’s what they had to say. You can also watch a compilation of their responses in this video.
"Be resilient. Believe in yourself and your abilities and don't be afraid to share your ideas. It won't always be easy, but learn from your challenges and keep going. Confidence and resilience are key. Growth happens when you push yourself—if it feels easy, it probably isn't challenging you enough."
– Astrid Storhaug, senior finance manager in Liberty Lake, Washington
"Set your boundaries. If I know I need to be available later in the evening for one of my global teams, I won't start as early, so I still have time for me and my family. I also encourage seeking a mentor—someone who is doing what you think you want to do. Have candid conversations with them and learn about what it's like to do what they do."
– Rusti Martin, director of product development software in Mississippi
"Claim your power and don't wait for permission to take up space. You belong here and have every right to influence decisions. If you act like you belong, others will follow your lead. Your unique way of thinking is a strength and can lead to better solutions and innovation."
– Jeana Kanyer, senior program manager in Liberty Lake, Washington
"Seek out mentorship and get to know people in your field, whether they're peers or further along in their careers. People are very willing to grab coffee or have a quick chat to share advice and information about the path they took to get where they are now. I also think it's important to not only think about what you're good at, but what you find energizing."
– Mimi Zhang, director of product management in San Jose, California
"Be proactive, stay curious and don't be afraid to take risks. Focus on continuous learning, building relationships and saying yes to opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Every mistake is a lesson and every challenge is a chance to grow. Invest in your skills and remember that no one has it all figured out. Just keep moving forward."
– Sharon Chong, principal of field marketing in Singapore
"Be authentic, adaptable and resilient. Find support through your peers and mentorship. You'll need support as you move through your career, and having a sounding board helps build confidence. Lastly, know that you belong. You're qualified and capable."
– Tamia Ray, human resources business partner in Raleigh, North Carolina
"Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments. Throughout my 30-year career, I've learned that organizations adapt and change, and it's beneficial if you're willing to do the same. Try to leave your comfort zone and find opportunities that help you learn and grow."
– Tammy Zucco, director of sales in Raleigh, North Carolina
"Believe in yourself and own your value. Women often feel the need to prove themselves twice as much, but your ideas, skills and contributions are valuable from day one. Speak up, take up space and don't apologize for being ambitious. Also, stop seeking perfection before taking action. Confidence comes from doing, not waiting."
– Veronique Voisson, field marketing specialist in Meudon, France
"Own your story and don't wait for permission to lead. The world doesn't just need more women in the room. It needs women who speak up, challenge the norm and redefine what's possible. Most importantly, lift others as you rise. Real success isn't just about climbing the ladder—it's about building a bigger, stronger one for those who come next."
– Vijayalakshmi Bangaru, principal software engineer in Bangalore, India
Happy International Women's Day from Itron!
