January 23, 2025

The FirstEnergy Ambassador Network supported Akron Public School’s Garfield Community Learning Center (CLC), showcasing their dedication to community stewardship. Corporate Security team members Damon Parmenter and Amber Shuck welcomed tenth graders to ISOC. The students explored careers in physical security, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery.

At the Ohio Customer Care Center, LaToya Scott and Brian Johnson hosted another group of tenth grade students, giving them a firsthand look at customer service operations. Over at the West Akron Campus – which is becoming the new FirstEnergy Headquarters (FEHQ) – Miranda Lemmer and Kassie Sikora introduced students to the world of digital design, complete with hands-on exercises in design thinking.

FirstEnergy and Ohio Edison employees also teamed up to create an immersive field trip for tenth graders. The adventure began at the CAET building, where students met Dewayne Edwards, Dan Halavo, Dave Seeh, Maddy McGuire and Nathan Smaby. They looked into careers in engineering, skilled trades (line worker and substation electrician) and learned how CAET technology supports our field operations. The students were also introduced to environmental principles, emphasizing the vital importance of protecting our natural resources.

The journey continued at Fairlawn Building 4, where Miro Gajdos, Gary Somerville and Nathaniel Beitel showcased the tools and equipment used by line workers and substation electricians.

Ed Shuttleworth, Vice President, Utility Support, and Executive Sponsor of the FirstEnergy Ambassador Network for Akron Public Schools highlighted the significance of these events. “These events provided invaluable insights into potential careers at FirstEnergy, inspiring the next generation of professionals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the FirstEnergy team members who made these experiences possible.”

If you’re interested in developing or participating in events like these, reach out to a FirstEnergy Ambassador Network for Akron Public Schools lead: Kathy Murphy, Dewayne Edwards, Shannon Wagner or Heather Salzman.

See the students and our employees in action below.

Students tour the CAET with employee Dan Havalo, Manager, Process Control & Continuous Improvement talking about environmental principles.	Dewayne Edwards, Manager Transmission Design provides an overview of FirstEnergy and highlighting the careers highlighted throughout the event.
Miro Gajdos, Manager Operations, Ohio Operations explains underground network principles to the students.	At the WAC-D building, Miranda Lemmer, Digital Designer III explains design principles.