Iberdrola, a global leader in clean energy, recently honored its 2024 international volunteer heroes at a prestigious awards ceremony in the UK. Four professionals from the UK, Spain, the US, and Brazil were recognized for their exceptional commitment to charitable and volunteering initiatives at the event held at ScottishPower’s headquarters in Glasgow.
Iberdrola Executive Chairman Ignacio Galán, alongside The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, BBC broadcaster Sally Magnusson, and representatives from various charitable organizations, celebrated the winners’ efforts, highlighting Iberdrola’s dedication to social responsibility.
The award recipients—Pola Michalska, John Schenck, Layla Rebeca Gomes Costa, and David Aldazabal Uncilla—were commended for their impactful contributions. Chairman Galán expressed pride in the balance between social impact and economic performance at Iberdrola, stating, “By volunteering, our employees help build stronger, more resilient communities, fostering unity and shared purpose.”
Pola Michalska received the Education Award for the UK for her efforts in the fight against cancer, a cause that resonates with her personal experiences. As part of her fundraising initiative for Cancer Research UK, she shaved her head and donated her hair to The Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for children. She remarked, “Being able to volunteer and support causes that are close to my heart has been incredibly fulfilling.”
John Schenck, from Avangrid, won the Engagement and Promotion Award for his role in fostering a culture of volunteerism, contributing 1,330 hours of service through 157 volunteers. He noted, “Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with our community and make a real difference.”
Layla Rebeca Gomes Costa, a Safety and Health at Work Technician with Neoenergia, was recognized for raising awareness about electricity grid safety in Brazil and organizing book drives for children. She stated, “Seeing the positive impact of our efforts, especially on children’s lives, is incredibly rewarding.”
David Aldazabal Uncilla received the Environment Award for his involvement in a forest recovery initiative in Spain’s Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. He and fellow volunteers have planted nearly 10,000 trees and engage in various environmental projects. He expressed pride in making a tangible difference in his community, saying, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of our efforts.”
Over a quarter of Iberdrola’s workforce participates in volunteering each year, benefiting more than 10 million people across 24 countries through various initiatives.
