A Warm Welcome in Any Language

By Erin Madison

Erika Ramirez grew up speaking Spanish at home. Her parents are both from Mexico and speak little English.

When a Spanish-speaking customer comes into NorthWestern Energy's walk-in office in Grand Island, Nebraska, Erika often thinks of her mom. When she greets people in Spanish, she can see them relax and the anxiety of whether they'll be able to communicate melt away. Erika has seen her mom in the same situation, seen her be able to relax when someone speaks Spanish.

"If they know I speak Spanish, they feel a lot more comfortable," she said.

Erika, who has worked as a Customer Associate with NorthWestern Energy for five years, is happy to be able to help customers who are more comfortable speaking Spanish.

"I see it from my mom's point of view," Erika said. "If that was my mom, I would want someone to help her."

Even customers who have never visited our Grand Island office may recognize Erika's voice. She records the Spanish that customers hear when they call our toll-free numbers and press 2.

Erika's favorite thing about her job is getting to know our customers, whether speaking English or Spanish.

"That interaction with people, I like that," she said.