A Second-Generation PG&E Coworker Builds Upon Her PG&E Family

Nancy Cabrellis knew a PG&E career was for her.

Her father, Ed Atkinson, was a lineworker for 40 years and retired as a troubleshooter in Solano County. Her mother, Cynthia Atkinson, spent 21 years as a customer service representative. She worked in Vacaville and the Sacramento Contact Center.

That’s where Nancy, now a 29-year PG&E coworker, is based as a senior business operations specialist.

She leads safety within the company’s Customer Enterprise Solutions team. Nancy supports the company’s Stand that everyone and everything is always safe. She oversees coworker engagement for her team as part of the Safety and Joy at Work Councils. Nancy leads a subcommittee within the Access Network Employee Resource Group about mental health, neurodiversity and emotional well-being.

“Growing up in a PG&E family,” said Nancy, “I knew it would lead to a great career. When an opening came up, I didn’t hesitate to jump at it.”

But there’s more to Nancy’s PG&E story. She decided to become a member of all 11 Employee Resource Groups.

“I've learned so much more about the cultures and heritages,” she said. “I’m passionate about inclusion and ensuring every voice is heard.” Her involvement has provided “internal growth, a chance to expand my network and build upon my PG&E family.”

The Family Business

Nancy has many memories of her original PG&E family. She remembers her father working during storms at all hours. “He’d write out repair tags and submit the forms for entry by the clerks,” she said. “Dad loved being outdoors and working with his hands.”

Nancy’s mother joined the company as it was moving from using microfiche (the storing of multiple pages of data on large transparent cards read on a viewer) to IBM “box” computers (the desktop computers in the shape of large rectangular box).

Cynthia enjoyed working with people. She got to engage with the community and learn about customers. Nancy shares her mother’s interest in learning about people.

‘It’s Really Rewarding Work’

For the past 10 years, Nancy has served as the Samahan ERG scholarship director. The Samahan ERG promotes Filipino-American culture and heritage. It started 53 years ago as the Filipino Employees Association and is PG&E’s oldest ERG.

“Lots of people don’t realize how deep the Filipino heritage is in this company,” Nancy said. “I'm inspired to be part of a group that’s been around so long and to educate and increase awareness about their culture.” 

Nancy enjoys reviewing applications for Samahan ERG scholarships. “You get to learn about their challenges and what they’ve overcome,” she said. “I’m inspired by their accomplishments and their drive to excel into this next chapter of their education.

“It’s really rewarding work,” added Nancy about her role. “You get to see the impact within PG&E and in our communities when we award the scholarships.”

Nancy could’ve been the scholarship director for any of the ERGs. Her husband is of Filipino-American descent. So why does she handle this role for the Samahan ERG?

“I can contribute to something greater that allows me to support giving back to our communities,” Nancy said.