Black History Month Highlight – Azubike Uzoh

Azubike “Azu” Uzoh

 

How has your heritage, events, or people in your life shaped who you are today?

Being born a Nigerian-Black American has given me a connection to my roots and has given me a sense of pride. My parents have taught the power of education and family. I understand that there’s strength in numbers. My parents come from very big families, and they believed that family and communal support has the power to outweigh any struggle. The meaning of my name Azubike is your back is your strength.

 

What achievements/sacrifices have you made to get you where you are today?

I’m not from California so one of the big sacrifices for me was that I made the move from New York to California. I only had 2 relatives here, an uncle and a cousin. Without having my family here, I had to focus on my life and career. My cousin was an electrician and he introduced me to the trade. Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to work for Helix. I would see their trucks almost everywhere. I even applied to Helix before graduating from the program and in a serendipitous moment I ran into Craig Cooke, a former Project Executive. The rest is Helix history.

 

Why is Black History Month important to you and what would you like others to know regarding BHM?

Black history month is very important to me. Black history is American history. It highlights all the discoveries/contributions/inventions that are made by Black American’s. There’s a lot that people don’t know about. Black history month highlights all of this.

 

How do you hope to honor Black History Month as you continue to achieve at Helix?

By paying it forward. I feel like I have a greater responsibility to the people that look like me and have the same background as I do.

 

Who or what inspires you to make your mark at Helix?

I’ve always aspired to open my own electric company. I had seen a picture of Rick Raybould, a former Superintendent, and Gary Shekhter out in the field working side by side (this was before Helix was created). It was in that instant I knew that it was possible that I could open my own company. My 2 sons inspire me to build legacy, I do what I do for them.