Women in Engineering at AEP Texas

Processing your request

Thank you for your patience.

Español

Women in Engineering at AEP Texas

June 23, 2025

The journey to the field of engineering for some women at AEP Texas began with school assignments, while others were inspired by parents or teachers. What unites them is their curiosity and desire to build something beautiful.

"I had absolutely ZERO idea of what I wanted to pursue, as I was a junior at the time," said Kareena N. Eskeets, who now leads Transmission Planning & Engineering Process in Corpus Christi. "My friends mentioned engineering, and after some research, I found electrical engineering. I started in the power industry as a contractor for AEP, and the rest is history."

For Engineer Lourdes "Lulu" Alvarez, it was her father, a master electrician, who opened that door.

"He always made little projects for us to work on around the house," Alvarez said. "It made learning fun and planted the seed."

Anna K. Rodriguez, an engineer in Laredo, said it was her physics teacher who steered her in the right direction.

"He saw something in me I didn't," Rodriguez said. "I'm so thankful he did."

Although the paths for Eskeets, Alvarez, and Rodriguez may have been different, the feeling of being the only woman in the room always remained.

"When I first got hired, someone asked me, 'Who’s admin are you?'" Eskeets recalled. "That's when I realized this field still has its challenges for women. What helped me push through was focusing on my work and surrounding myself with people who supported me."

Being the only woman in the room is also something Amanda M. Tetrault in Abilene knows well, especially when she's out in the field. "At first, it was intimidating, but I've learned that being prepared and staying consistent builds trust," Tetrault said. "I've found confidence in doing the work and asking for help when I need it."

Felicia Avila Salgado, a senior engineer in San Angelo says you have to speak up and stay curious even when you feel out of place. Perspective matters.

Mentorship made a big difference in all of their lives.

"I've been lucky," Alvarez said. "My mentors have pushed me out of my comfort zone and reminded me I don't have to do this alone. But I do wish I'd had a woman mentor too—someone who had walked in my shoes."

Rodriguez says a friend helped her get her foot in the door at AEP Texas. They were study buddies in college, and he encouraged her to apply back in 2015, and now they work side by side.

To women considering engineering, they all had the same message.

"You can do this!" Rodriguez said. "Embrace your strengths, ask questions, and don't be afraid to speak up."

"Go for it," Alvarez said. "You'll face challenges, but you'll grow. And you'll find people, especially women, along the way who make it all worth it."

AEP Texas is very proud of its engineers: