One of Xcel Energy’s core values is that we are committed – to each other and to the people and places we serve. In 2024, Xcel Energy employees dedicated 88,000 hours to volunteering in our communities, contributing an economic impact of $2.9 million.
To celebrate National Volunteer Month in April, our Social Investments team presents the fifth annual Good Energy Award, which is given to exemplary employees who embody our values and make a positive impact in the workplace and out in the community. The winners receive a $500 grant to donate to a nonprofit of their choosing.
Read about this year’s Good Energy Award winners below.
Svetlana Mikhaylova, principal HR project analyst, Colorado
Svetlana Mikhaylova's dedication to community service is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Brought to the United States from Russia and raised by a single mother who ran a small business, Svetlana developed a profound commitment to advocating for gender equity, supporting entrepreneurs and championing immigrant rights.
In addition to serving as the president of Xcel Energy’s Women’s Interest Network business resource group (BRG), Mikhaylova sits on the board of directors for Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, an organization that supports economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs through microloans and business coaching. She volunteers with Junior Achievement, teaching financial literacy to middle and high school students, as well as Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center (JAMLAC), helping immigrants navigate the U.S. immigration process.
“I was fortunate to benefit from the kindness and generosity of the same nonprofits I support today,” said Mikhaylova. "These organizations changed the trajectory of my life, and I want to pay forward the opportunities I’ve been given.”
Mikhaylova chose JAMLAC to receive the $500 nonprofit grant.
Jerry Stockham, chemistry technician, Minnesota
Jerry Stockham was recognized for his work with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, the nonmilitary, volunteer-based section of the Coast Guard. As a Coast Guard auxiliarist, he assists with recreational boating safety through classroom training, vessel exams and water patrols.
Stockham takes pride in helping boaters be smarter and safer on the water, recalling a moment when a boater personally thanked him for helping identify dangerous carbon monoxide levels in his boat’s sleeping compartment.
“It’s an honor to be selected as one of the 2025 Good Energy Award winners,” said Stockham. “I’m grateful that Xcel Energy’s corporate giving programs enable me with the time and resources to continue this important work.”
In addition to boating safety, the Auxiliary also responds to water-related natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Stockham chose the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Association to receive the $500 nonprofit grant.
Work execution and field experience team – represented by Satya Thakker, IT director, Eric Hollan, senior IT solution lead, and Michael Pereira, senior IT manager
Based in Colorado and Minnesota, the Work Execution and Field Experience team strives for operational excellence and continuous improvement both in and outside of the workplace. As a group, they volunteer in both states with nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity, including We Don’t Waste, Project Angel Heart, Open Arms of Minnesota and Every Meal.
Satya Thakker encourages his team to use Xcel Energy’s Volunteer Paid Time Off program to spend time making in-person connections and strengthen relationships with colleagues and community partners.
“Volunteering with coworkers is a wonderful team-building experience,” said Thakker. “By winning the Good Energy Award, we hope we’ll inspire other teams to participate in volunteer activities together.”
The team chose to split the $500 nonprofit grant between Open Arms of Minnesota and Denver-based organization We Don’t Waste.
Chris Stoffle, heavy equipment operator, Texas
The nonprofit emphasizes the positive impact of community support on physical and mental wellbeing, aiming to foster enduring relationships and healing among individuals with similar experiences. Although BOOM Adventures’ programs take place in Texas, its impact is widespread, with veterans across the country reaching out to learn how they can get involved.
“We host these trips to show our pride and gratitude to our nation’s heroes,” said Stoffle. “Over the past nine years, I've met many inspiring people, many of whom have become my close friends, whose stories fuel my passion for this cause.”
Stoffle chose BOOM Adventures to receive the $500 nonprofit grant.
Ross and Andie Auna, DSM field representative and principal strategy and performance consultant, Wisconsin
Husband and wife Ross and Andie Auna believe in the power of "paying it forward", a concept that guides their shared commitment for taking care of their people - whether it be coworkers, neighbors, family or friends.
As an Air Force veteran, Ross donates his time, skills and dollars to veteran-focused organizations and serves as the regional co-chair of Xcel Energy’s Veterans and Employees Together in Service BRG. Andie champions Xcel Energy’s annual Power Your Purpose employee giving campaign in Wisconsin and has spent many years supporting the United Way. Together, they contribute to various nonprofits through fundraisers and volunteer opportunities and use Xcel Energy’s Dollars for Doing and Matching Gifts corporate giving programs to double their impact.
"Not only is it rewarding to help someone in need, but we also gain invaluable friendships, a sense of community and new skills along the way,” said Ross.
The Aunas chose the Chippewa Valley Veterans Home Recreation Committee and Roundtable Revival to each receive a $500 nonprofit grant.