Iberdrola Celebrates Employees’ Exceptional Charitable Contributions at 2025 International Volunteer Awards
Iberdrola has proudly recognised the remarkable charitable work of four of its employees through the 2025 International Volunteer Awards, an annual celebration that honours individuals whose dedication, commitment, and social impact have made a tangible difference in their communities. These awards highlight the achievements of the Group’s most engaged professionals participating in Iberdrola’s International Corporate Volunteering Programme, demonstrating how employees’ voluntary efforts can create meaningful, long-lasting social change.
The awards ceremony was a central feature of the 14th International Volunteering Week, an event that continues to mobilise thousands of volunteers globally under the inspiring slogan, “I believe in a better world.” This year’s edition once again underscored the company’s dedication to combining business success with positive societal impact. By recognising employees who actively contribute to social causes, Iberdrola not only celebrates individual achievements but also reinforces its commitment to fostering a culture of volunteerism and community engagement across all the countries where it operates.
The International Volunteer Awards reflect the diversity and international reach of Iberdrola’s corporate volunteering activities. The four recipients this year exemplify the company’s mission to encourage employees to leverage their time, skills, and energy for the greater good.
Award Winners and Their Contributions
- Laura Cid, from Iberdrola Spain’s Control Department, was honoured in the Health and Wellbeing category. Laura has been actively involved in the clean-up and reconstruction of towns in eastern Spain affected by the devastating DANA storms. Participating in the “Volunteers for the DANA” initiative, she committed to weekly trips from Madrid to Valencia, personally coordinating efforts and inspiring family and friends to join the cause. Her dedication not only contributed to immediate disaster relief but also helped strengthen community resilience in the affected regions.
- Jodie Dinnie, a member of the People team at ScottishPower in the United Kingdom, received the award in the Education category. Jodie played a pivotal role in the Breaking Barriers project, an initiative that provides young people with learning difficulties the chance to gain professional experience and obtain recognised qualifications. Her efforts have directly improved access to education and vocational opportunities for individuals who face significant challenges in mainstream educational and employment systems, highlighting the transformative power of targeted volunteer programmes.
- Agata Dietrich-Badziong, representing Iberdrola Renewables Poland, was recognised in the Commitment and Outreach category. Agata has been instrumental in engaging more than 100 people in solidarity activities, significantly contributing to the consolidation of corporate volunteering in Poland—a relatively new addition to Iberdrola’s international programme. Her leadership and enthusiasm have not only strengthened local community engagement but have also demonstrated the replicability of volunteer initiatives across emerging markets.
- Benjamin Shepard, head of Avangrid’s NECEC electricity transmission network project in the United States, received recognition in the Environment category. Benjamin has spearheaded 25 environmental initiatives this year alone, focusing on the conservation of natural spaces and promoting sustainable practices. His work underscores the critical intersection between corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship, reflecting Iberdrola’s commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation.
These four individuals embody the ethos of a global network of volunteers who, during the 14th International Volunteer Week, demonstrated exceptional passion, dedication, and creativity. Their achievements, in collaboration with local institutions and non-profit organisations, have made a lasting difference in the countries where Iberdrola operates. This year’s edition saw more than 8,500 committed volunteers participate in 135 initiatives, illustrating the scale and impact of the programme.
Global Impact of Volunteering Initiatives
Iberdrola’s volunteering activities span multiple continents, addressing a wide range of societal needs. In Spain, the focus has included environmental restoration projects such as reforestation in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, where more than 8,500 native trees and shrubs have been planted, and the rehabilitation of areas damaged by wildfires. Such initiatives are crucial for preserving biodiversity and supporting ecosystem recovery in regions affected by natural disasters.
In the United States, volunteers have prioritised housing renovations and biodiversity protection, demonstrating a commitment to both community wellbeing and environmental sustainability. In the United Kingdom, charitable actions have included providing support to food banks and improving facilities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive essential services and inclusive opportunities. Meanwhile, in Brazil, volunteers have conducted educational workshops on the safe use of electricity and implemented cancer prevention campaigns, combining public health awareness with practical guidance to improve community safety.
A particularly innovative global initiative is the “Dorsal Solidario” race, which converts kilometres run by participants into baskets of food for vulnerable families. Thanks to this programme, the efforts of volunteers are directly translated into tangible support for communities, benefiting approximately 8,800 individuals worldwide. Such projects highlight Iberdrola’s commitment to combining creativity, teamwork, and social responsibility in volunteer initiatives.
A Strong, Growing Global Network
Iberdrola’s International Corporate Volunteering Programme, launched in 2006, has experienced sustained growth over the years. The programme now boasts over 23,000 active participants, who have carried out 9,500 actions in collaboration with more than 2,600 partner associations globally. To date, these initiatives have had a direct impact on more than 14 million people worldwide, demonstrating the scale and effectiveness of the company’s approach to corporate volunteerism.
This commitment to social responsibility has not gone unnoticed. The United Nations recognised Iberdrola’s programme in its report “Transforming Lives and Communities,” prepared by IMPACT2030 in collaboration with the UN Office for Cooperation. Additionally, Iberdrola received the Innovation Award at the United Nations headquarters in New York, highlighting the company’s creative approach to enabling employees to generate positive societal impact. Remarkably, Iberdrola remains the only energy company and the only Spanish company to receive this international recognition for its corporate volunteering programme.
By fostering a culture that encourages employees to contribute their time, knowledge, and energy to meaningful causes, Iberdrola not only supports local communities but also strengthens employee engagement and satisfaction. These programmes demonstrate how businesses can play a critical role in promoting sustainable social and environmental change while reinforcing values of solidarity and civic responsibility across their workforce.
