Communities

As a student in elementary through high school, Keela Glover often brought home report cards with the note, “talks too much.” Years later, “I like to think that was the foundation for my communications career,” she jokes.

That career began in employee communications at SCANA, which combined with Dominion Energy in 2019. Since then, she has worked in executive communications, supporting various officers in Virginia and South Carolina. “I spend most of my time working with officers and their teams on communications they would like to share with our employees,” says Keela.

When she isn’t at work, the University of South Carolina graduate and big fan of the Gamecocks’ women’s basketball team enjoys reading, keeping up with her large extended family (including 31 first cousins), attending concerts (“Prince Rogers Nelson is the best musician who ever lived”), and going to Monster Jam truck shows.

While she initially thought she might go into broadcast journalism, she found public relations aligned better with her interests. “Over the years I’ve gotten the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people. Telling their stories never gets old! I’ve also gotten the opportunity to work in the community on behalf of the company and I love that. Our support of our communities is one of the reasons why I love working for Dominion Energy.”

As a child growing up during the Cultural Revolution in China, Zhehua “Jo” Xin had limited opportunity for formal schooling, but that could not repress her sharp intellect: “My family developed photo prints in our tiny one-room unit, repaired broken bikes and I built a radio all by myself when I was 10 years old,” she says. A decade later when colleges were reopened, she was able to attend college to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree. “It’s fascinating how hands-on activities, combined with my analytical mindset, have shaped my professional path.”

That path led her to the United States for graduate studies, and to Dominion Energy, where she works as a senior business performance analyst for electric distribution construction and operations. “Working with numbers, problem-solving, and helping business customers — these are the threads that weave together my impactful role. By identifying issues, understanding root causes, and implementing solutions, as well as automating processes to enhance efficiency, I strive to meet both customer needs and organization goals.”

Another great passion for Jo, one of Dominion Energy’s 2023 Volunteers of the Year, is helping others. She has volunteered with Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholars, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the refugee-assistance organization ReEstablish Richmond, Junior Achievement, and in 2023 started the After-School Mega Mentor Program for high school students. “My favorite part about volunteering is teaching and coaching others to learn something new. I taught refugees and immigrants ESL [English as a Second Language] and Personal Finance Skills classes which have made positive impacts on their lives. I was able to share my firsthand experiences, give résumé advice, conduct mock interviews, and help with internships and job searching. Having been in their shoes, I know this is helpful, especially for first-generation college students who cannot lean on their parents for advice.”

When she’s not working or volunteering, Jo — a former college freestyle relay swimmer — enjoys exercising to stay energetic, active, and healthy. You might find her taking a Zumba or Latin Dance workout class (just don’t ask her to lift weights). She is also active in Dominion Energy’s Asian and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group. “We bond together like a family,” she says of the ERG. “We can share our emotions and ideas freely and be there to support each other during difficult times. Honestly speaking, I’d miss them if we haven’t communicated for a few days.”

To Imani Beckwith, one of Dominion Energy’s 2023 Volunteers of the Year, the best part of contributing to worthy causes is “seeing the joy on the faces of the people I am serving. I have noticed that the little time and effort you give back can make more of a difference than you think.”

Imani has been making a difference most of his adult life. A son of coal miners and former student athlete of the year who began his career as a NASA software engineer, he started at Dominion Energy six years ago as a transmission system operator. Today, he helps expand the company’s clean-energy portfolio as a project manager for solar construction. “I like the idea of renewable energy,” he says. “The best part [of my job] is knowing that I am a part of a developing renewable resource that will help energize our grid and support our customers.”

A Major in the Army Reserves who was called to active duty for a tour in Iraq in 2020, Imani devotes much of his spare time to youth and veteran organizations. Dominion Energy’s strong volunteer program affords him another chance to be helpful. “One of the most incredible things about our company is the opportunities we have to do so. I am truly grateful for all these events we can attend.”

When he isn’t building solar farms, serving the people in his community, or spending time with his wife and three daughters and son, Imani likes to fish, although he admits he isn’t the best fisherman with “anything other than natural worms.” His advice to others? “Treat each day like it’s your last. You never know when it will be your last chance to give a warm kiss, hug, or hello!”