Today on March 8, we are observing International Women’s Day – a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women from around the world. According to the United Nations, this year’s theme is ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,’ and recognizes and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.

In recognition of this important day as well as Women’s History Month, Itron is excited to launch a blog series focused on spotlighting the strong, talented women of Itron who are driving innovation, inspiring their peers and paving the way for generations of women to come.

To kick off the series, we caught up with Amanda Dixon, senior growth business manager, smart cities, to learn more about her career journey and the insights she’s gathered along the way. Check out the highlights of our conversation below:

Q: What made you want to pursue a role in sales at Itron?

A: I was part of the acquisition that Itron made of SELC in 2021. Regarding why I pursued a role in sales in general? Well, the sales role kind of pursued me out of necessity. In 2012, I was a product manager at a different company and believed in the opportunity and future role a standard photocell could have in transforming a streetlight within the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) ecosystem.  Not getting the support from my existing company, I left and crossed the pond to Ireland and “sold” the idea to SELC. I then created the relationships needed on the network side and, in turn, uncovered the value for utilities. In the first two years at SELC, I supported the development and testing to productize this solution. As these plates were spinning, I was working within the ANSI C136 Outdoor Roadway Lighting standards body to create a path for this solution to exist and interoperate at a streetlight. I was constantly selling a dream and selling a tangible solution so SELC could thrive and sustain. I was blessed to find that sales was a comfortable and exciting role that I enjoyed.  

Q: Both the sales and utility industries are often male-dominated fields. What are some of the aspects of working in a male-dominated field that have surprised you?

A: When I was little, I didn’t play with Barbies — but I did build her the most elaborate houses and wired-up batteries to automate her elevator.  I was an engineer from the get-go, and when I went off to North Carolina State University to major in Electrical Engineering, I rarely saw women again along my path. I graduated as one of two women in a class of over 200 in my major. So, what surprises me in my field is when I run across another woman who is technical and has years of experience in the utility market. When I find that person, I am compelled to connect and cultivate a supportive relationship because I know they have great stories of their path as well. I personally find that being a woman in this field is highly valuable—I appreciate the uniqueness and believe it gives me a platform to stand-out to a customer. While on that platform, I desire that people see the value of smart lighting controls and the opportunities streetlight owners can now have in hand with our solution.   

Q: Can you share a few highlights or experiences from your career journey that stand out to you?

A: One experience that stands out the most is very recent, and I will remember this picture forever in my mind.  At the most recent DISTRIBUTECH conference, I was invited to attend a meeting with four other Itron employees with a strategic partner to discuss smart lighting.  In this meeting, the partner had eight of their employees in the room and seven out of eight of their employees would have checked all the same boxes on a health form.  In comparison, the Itron employees in the room were all unique—three out of five of us were women, and collectively we were multi-racial and multi-generational. In the room, all the Itron employees contributed evenly to the conversation and strategy discussion. For the partner, two gentlemen drove their side of demands and ideas. I walked out of that meeting being super proud of the team I supported. Many companies talk about the value of diversity, but Itron walks the talk and shows it off.  

Q: What advice would you give other women who want to pursue a career in sales? 

A: For any female in any working role in life, I would suggest finding a mentor to support you. I was blessed to find that person in 2008—mine is a rockstar and legend in her own market. She is not in the lighting market but has forged a path to great success as a leader and communicator. She is 15 years ahead of me in age and has seen so much and has navigated great obstacles. When I met her, I wanted to be like her, and I was so thankful that she agreed to help me along my path. She provides wisdom and insight on my skills today, gives input on my decisions and helps me gain a new perspective on my path and next steps. I know she has elevated my opportunities and successes. Having her in hand means I know the value of a great mentor, and I in turn pay it forward and mentor others. Even this year, I was provided the opportunity to mentor a young female high schooler who was working on an environmental engineering project with a solution to support our coral reefs. So, my advice-- get a mentor and be a mentor—it will reap rewards beyond measure in your life.   

Stay tuned for the next blog of our International Women’s Day series coming soon!