Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU)

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Ashley Culp 🌟 As Human Resources Manager at BPU, Ashley Culp is dedicated to shaping a workplace that fosters growth, inclusivity, and opportunity. She oversees talent acquisition, talent management, and employee relations, ensuring that BPU’s workforce reflects the community it serves. “I believe that contributing to the community where I live is the most meaningful way to help shape its future.” For Ashley, Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the progress women have made and the work still ahead. “As a professional woman and mother of two daughters, Women’s History Month holds profound significance for me. I want to ensure future generations grow up in a world that embraces understanding and celebrates diversity.” She draws inspiration from the strong women in her life, recognizing that leadership is built on the support and resilience of those who came before. “I come from a lineage of remarkable women who have paved the way for my journey. My inspiration comes from the many women who have shared their struggles and encouraged me to aim higher.” Ashley is also passionate about the role of women in the utility industry and believes diverse leadership drives real progress. “A diverse organization is key to success. More women in leadership foster innovation, inclusivity, and diverse decision-making—driving meaningful progress in the utility industry.” Thank you, Ashley, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive workplace! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

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Our team proudly shares that BPU’s Nearman Water Treatment Plant received the 15-Year Directors Award from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Partnership for Safe Water. This recognition is awarded to utilities that voluntarily go beyond regulatory requirements to achieve excellence in water treatment and public health protection. Fewer than 25 percent of participating utilities nationwide have achieved this milestone. This means 15 years of continuous improvement, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering safe, clean, and reliable drinking water to Wyandotte County. During last week's Board meeting, Board President David Haley and our Director of Water Processing Steve Nirschl accepted this award on behalf of BPU and the dedicated team making this possible daily. We are honored to bring this award home for our customers and continue providing the high-quality water our community deserves. #bpu #TeamBPU #WYCO #SafeWater #communityowned #waterquality #AWWA

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Katie Burke 🌟 As Claims Examiner at BPU, Katie Burke is committed to serving customers and employees by navigating claims with responsiveness, safety, and problem-solving at the forefront. Whether addressing challenges or finding solutions, she is key in ensuring that BPU remains a reliable, community-focused utility. “Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions, struggles, and achievements of women throughout history, as well as in my own life and career,” Katie shares. “Working in a male-dominated industry, this month highlights the importance of advocacy and mentorship for women.” For Katie, strength and resilience have been modeled by the influential women in her life—her mom, grandmother, and daughters. “They have each instilled in me wisdom, determination, and a strong work ethic. I am thankful every day for their support and guidance.” She believes that having women in the utility industry is essential for progress. “Individual perspectives drive problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making. When we bring different voices to the table, we create stronger solutions and better business outcomes.” Thank you, Katie, for your dedication to BPU and for being a leader in your field! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #RepresentationMatters #Leadership #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Ashley Galvan 🌟 As a Senior System Water Operator at BPU’s Nearman Water Treatment Plant, Ashley Galvan has dedicated nearly a decade to ensuring our community has access to safe, high-quality water. For Ashley, this career is more than just a job—it’s a way to give back to the community she was born and raised in. “I strongly believe in and shape my actions around the Water Division’s mission: ‘To have available upon demand to all of our customers good quality water and to provide that water in the most efficient manner possible.’ Water treatment is a career that isn’t talked about enough, and I hope to change that. I think more people would love this field as much as I do if they knew about it.” Ashley credits the strong women in her life for shaping the person she is today. Her great-grandmother, who will soon celebrate her 100th birthday, worked in healthcare well into her 80s and overcame challenges as a first-generation Mexican-American. “Even when all the cards were stacked against her, she succeeded. She has shown me what true passion and resilience look like, and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.” Her mom has been her greatest supporter, instilling in her the belief that hard work and determination can take her anywhere. Women’s History Month, to Ashley, is a time to honor those who paved the way for progress and gender equity. “Because of the women before me, I can work in a male-driven industry. I owe them immense gratitude for their fearlessness and commitment to change.” She is passionate about increasing representation in the utility industry. “When we host grade school and high school tours at the Nearman Water Treatment Plant, I want those kids to meet people they can relate to. I hope seeing someone like me in this career will inspire the next generation of women to consider this path.” Thank you, Ashley, for your dedication to BPU and the future of our industry! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Claudia Vazquez-Puebla, MBA 🌟 As our Talent and Recruitment Specialist at BPU, Claudia is dedicated to connecting local talent with the many career opportunities the utility industry offers. Though she’s only been with BPU for four months, she is already making an impact—helping individuals see the possibilities for their future and ensuring BPU continues to reflect the community we serve. For Claudia, service and leadership have always been rooted in compassion and perseverance. She draws inspiration from Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Princess Diana, two women known for their selfless dedication to others. “Both of them served the homeless, the sick, children, and the elderly. Their work was about more than charity—it was about dignity, kindness, and lifting others.” Her greatest influences, however, come from home—her mom and grandmothers, whose unwavering faith and commitment to their values continue to inspire her. Women’s History Month, to Claudia, is a time for reflection and recognition. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to learn about women's incredible contributions to society. I try to carry their perseverance, passion, and charisma in everything I do—to inspire others to do good.” She sees the utility industry evolving, creating new opportunities for women as technology advances. “This is an industry that will always persist through time, and now, more than ever, there is space for women to grow, lead, and innovate.” Thank you, Claudia, for your passion, leadership, and commitment to empowering the next generation of talent at BPU! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #leadershipdevelopment #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Desiree' Fergus 🌟 As a Senior System Operator at BPU, Desiree Fergus is critical in ensuring the community's safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electricity. Whether monitoring the electric grid, responding to outages, or coordinating with field crews, every decision she makes directly impacts thousands of people. “Being a system operator is about more than managing the grid—it’s about keeping essential services running 24/7 and making real-time decisions that protect public safety.” She credits her mom as her greatest inspiration, shaping her approach to leadership and problem-solving. “My mother taught me patience, resilience, and attention to detail—essential qualities in troubleshooting and system management.” With the utility industry evolving, Desiree believes bringing more women into the field is key to driving innovation. “As new technologies and sustainability efforts reshape the industry, having a range of perspectives fosters creativity and adaptability in solving challenges.” Thank you, Desiree, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to keeping our community powered! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Ashley Calderon 🌟 As a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Coordinator at BPU, Ashley Calderon is key in ensuring operational, production, and cybersecurity compliance to keep our utility secure. But for Ashley, working at BPU is more than just a job—it’s a homecoming. A “Dotte Original”, Ashley grew up in this community and now serves the very people she calls neighbors, friends, and peers. “BPU is more than just a company, it’s a family. Growing up here and getting to work here means that I get to give back in a way that truly matters.” When it comes to the women who have shaped her life, Ashley credits her mom as her greatest inspiration. “She was the rock of our family, working nights so she could take care of us during the day. There was never a school event she missed, and to this day, she’s our biggest support system. She showed me that no matter what life throws at you, you keep moving forward and lifting others along the way.” Ashley is passionate about breaking barriers for women in the utility industry, paving the way for future generations. “It’s important to have more women in this field to end the stigma of a male-dominated industry. By breaking those walls down now, we create more open doors for the next generation—our daughters.” She carries this belief forward with a quote that guides her every day: "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." – Michelle Obama Thank you, Ashley, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to both BPU and the community you serve! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Bonnie J. Bloesser 🌟 As a Benefits Specialist at BPU, Bonnie Bloesser is vital in supporting employees and retirees with their insurance and retirement benefits. With over two decades of experience in benefits administration, she’s dedicated to ensuring that those who keep our community running have the support they need. “What we do at BPU impacts everyone in our community, and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of that.” For Bonnie, Women’s History Month is about recognizing the women who paved the way and celebrating the progress still being made. “I grew up in a time when career paths for women were often limited to nursing or other supportive roles. Today, seeing more women stepping into leadership positions and thriving in male-dominated industries is inspiring. They serve as powerful role models for the next generation.” She credits her mother, a dedicated healthcare nurse for 44 years, as one of her greatest inspirations. “My mom always lived by the Golden Rule—treat others the way you want to be treated—and that has shaped how I approach both my work and my life.” Bonnie also believes in the importance of representation in the utility industry. “The more we reflect the diverse communities we serve, the stronger we become. Having more women in this field means bringing new perspectives to the table and making better decisions through collaboration.” Thank you, Bonnie, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to supporting the employees who power our community! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU

🌟 Women’s History Month Spotlight: Nesby Harvey 🌟 As Supervisor of Enterprise Applications & Integrations IT Teams at BPU, Nesby Harvey ensures critical systems stay up to date and aligned with business needs. But her impact goes beyond IT—through the BPU Employee Foundation, she actively gives back, reinforcing her commitment to innovation and community. For Nesby, Women’s History Month is about honoring the trailblazers who made today’s opportunities possible. “As a first-generation immigrant and college graduate, I’m grateful for the women who came before me. Their progress paved the way for us to break barriers and push for change.” She’s also profoundly inspired by the women she’s met throughout her life. “Every woman I’ve encountered has shaped me in some way. Their stories, resilience, and wisdom offer invaluable lessons, and I consider it a privilege whenever they choose to share them.” Women remain underrepresented in IT and the utility industry, but Nesby knows progress thrives on diverse perspectives. “True innovation happens when different voices come together. Women bring insights that challenge norms, spark new ideas, and drive meaningful change. The more perspectives we include, the stronger and more forward-thinking our industry becomes.” Thank you, Nesby, for your leadership, vision, and commitment to shaping the future at BPU and beyond! #WomensHistoryMonth #BPU #Leadership #Innovation #RepresentationMatters #TeamBPU