Each February we celebrate Black History Month – honoring the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history. At Sempra Infrastructure, we are proud to live our values and partner with local organizations and leadership to help make a positive impact in the community.
Iman Garrett-Price, community outreach and events advisor, discusses how she lives our values every day and what honoring Black History Month means to her.
Q: Tell us about yourself! What are some of your interests and hobbies?
I am originally from DeSoto, Tx., a suburb of Dallas. I went to the University of Miami, then transferred to University of Houston and graduated with a degree in communications and a certificate in global business and corporate entrepreneurship. I have a master’s degree from the University of Miami, and a Leadership in Nonprofit and Corporate Philanthropy Certificate from Rice University.
I love reading non-fiction, traveling and live music. A passion of mine is serving the community, both at work and personally. My motto is “I live to give and I love to serve.”
I’m a member of the Junior League of Houston, an organization of women committed to volunteerism and developing the potential of women, where I serve on the community outreach committee. I’m also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an international service organization and the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role? What do you find most rewarding?
My role allows me the opportunity to collaborate with many colleagues across the Sempra family of companies. I joined the team mid-pandemic in September 2020 virtually, which could be challenging when trying to get to know new colleagues. But because of the nature of my external affairs role, I have been able to collaborate with many talented teams and people throughout the company. I also really enjoy that I can make a positive impact for many different causes and organizations and organize opportunities for my colleagues to do the same. I love being able to identify needs and use our resources to directly alleviate those needs for so many people in our communities.
What I find most rewarding is that our company’s values – doing the right thing, championing people and shaping the future – directly align with my own. I also know that what I do makes a tangible and positive difference in the communities where we operate. One of my first projects when I started was to identify African American nonprofits that we could support as part of our focus to champion social justice. It’ been so rewarding to be able to highlight and bring attention to organizations across Houston that positively impact African American communities. Our support and partnerships make a real difference, and it makes me proud to work for a company that is committed to serving the needs of diverse communities.
African American nonprofits and organizations are sometimes overlooked and don’t always receive the same amount of funding or opportunities as other organizations. Our partnerships with the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC), the Houston Area Urban League(HAUL) and the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation (LCCF) have helped empowered them to support African American businesses and people, helping uplift an entire community that has traditionally and historically been disenfranchised.
Q: What does honoring Black History Month mean to you?
To me, honoring and celebrating Black History Month means honoring the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape our nation. It means taking the time to explore and engage with the diverse narratives, history, significance, and accomplishments of African Americans. What’s even more important is that while we continue to raise awareness and educate ourselves and others on Black history, we are also celebrating and supporting those who continue to make a positive difference for present for future generations. Building awareness, acknowledging the contributions, and creating equitable opportunities should be a priority not only in the month of February, but also in our daily lives.
Q: In your role, you’ve had the unique opportunity to work with community leaders and nonprofit organizations focused on creating opportunities that help strengthen communities. Why is this meaningful to you and what are some ways we can all be involved?
Having the opportunity to make a positive and significant impact is very meaningful to me. Whether it is in environmental stewardship, employee engagement, equity, diversity and inclusion, economic development, emergency preparedness & safety, or education, is very meaningful. When I stroll through Memorial Park, it is so rewarding to see the garden our employees planted and that continues to bloom. Seeing the excitement of children and families who receive the gifts we donated during Operation Stocking Stuffer makes me proud. Serving and volunteering with my colleagues reinforces my belief that I truly work for a company that cares, and that is both meaningful and worthwhile to me.
There are many ways you can be involved in making a difference. Sempra offers many giving and volunteer opportunities throughout the year where employees can participate. I also encourage everyone to seek opportunities to volunteer and give outside of work. Truly living our values means living them in in our daily personal lives as well.