Board Spotlight: Luz B. Aviles

Luz Aviles is Vice President of Customer Service at Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC – The Reliable One). Since Spring 2015, she has served as a a Prospera volunteer, most recently as a member of our Statewide Board of Directors. Read below to learn more about this esteemed Prospera supporter…

• What are your workplace’s mission and services?

OUC–The Reliable One is a municipal utility owned by the citizens of Orlando. It provides electricity and water services to customers in Orlando, St. Cloud, and parts of Orange and Osceola counties. I am responsible for providing strategic direction related to customer service, conservation and corporate sustainability.

• What led you to serve or continue serving as a Prospera volunteer?

I like the mission of Prospera and it gives me a sense of pride in contributing to the success of Hispanic entrepreneurs in our community. As a member of the technical assistance committee, I enjoyed the hands-on role in helping a business start or grow. Now on the statewide board, I hope to contribute ideas that add value and help the organization broaden its reach.

• Tell us about your Hispanic background.

My parents are from Puerto Rico. I was born in Kentucky and got to travel around while I was growing up since my dad was in the U.S. Army. My mother made sure that we learned to speak, read, and write Spanish. She would ignore us in the house if we didn’t speak to her in Spanish. Also, we lived for a few years in Panama so that helped reinforce the language and exposed me to a different Hispanic culture.

• What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

You don’t have to know everything. There are so many people that are smarter than you on certain topics and others that may have greater talents. As a leader, you have to be humble to recognize that and learn from others. You must contribute your treasure and create a culture of collaboration to help the team succeed.

• How do you achieve work/life balance?

I am not sure that I have mastered this yet, but there are some key areas and times that I keep work out of. I try to be present when I am with my kids and put off work stuff for times they are occupied with other things or sleeping. I make time to work out on a regular basis so I stay healthy. I try not to miss the important moments with family and friends. And, there is “my time” in the mornings where I listen to music or messages that fill my spirit.

Thank you for your service, Luz, and for OUC’s support of our mission!