Meet Ashley, our Data Analyst intern in Operations. She’s a Watford City native, a college basketball player, and a student at Chaminade University of Honolulu where she’s studying Data Science, Analytics & Visualization, and Computer Science. Ashley got her start at MEC back in 2020 as a CWE student in billing. Since then, she’s helped kick off our entire analytics program and has been turning raw data into insights that help the co-op make smarter, more informed decisions. Her work is already making a difference, and we’re proud to have her on the team.

How did your journey with MEC begin, and how did it lead to your current role?

I started with MEC back in the summer of 2020 as a CWE student in the Billing Department. Later, I moved over to Operations, which is where I was introduced to data analytics. That shift really opened my eyes to the world of data and how it can support decision making across the co-op.

What does your role entail?

I work with the data we collect, mostly from the Operations side of the co-op. I clean and organize it, then use coding and statistics to analyze it. From there, I create visuals to help communicate the story the data is telling and share those insights with departments and managers across MEC. It’s all about helping the co-op make informed, data-driven decisions.

What are some of the most valuable things you’ve learned throughout your time at MEC?

I’ve learned how to be more self-sufficient and confident in solving problems on my own, while also knowing when to reach out and learn from others. I’ve gained experience with new software and built up my technical skills. It has also been interesting to see how the co-op operates as a whole, and how data can play a big role in helping us make smarter decisions across the company.

What’s been one of the most meaningful parts of your internship?

I’ve really enjoyed helping launch the data analytics program here at MEC. There wasn’t much in place when I first started, so I’ve had the opportunity to take lead on shaping it. I’ve been able to make decisions, build processes, and reach out to other cooperatives to learn how they’re set up. It’s been rewarding to see the program grow and start to take root.

Has this internship affected your future plans?

Definitely. When I first started here, I was leaning toward billing, but having the chance to work in different departments really opened my eyes to the bigger picture. I found myself drawn to the analytic side of things, which led me to change my focus and pursue data science in college. MEC played a huge role in helping me figure that out.

If you could swap jobs with anyone at MEC, who would it be? Why?

I would say CEO, or really any kind of upper management role. I think I would enjoy leading a team and being in a position where I can help guide people and make an impact on a larger scale.

What does the cooperative model mean to you?

To me, it means that every decision we make is rooted in what’s best for our members. Providing reliable power is always at the forefront, but it’s also about giving back to the community and making a positive impact beyond just keeping the lights on.

What’s been the most challenging part of your role, and how have you handled it?

One of the biggest challenges has been working solo in my area. Since I’m the only one focused on data analytics, I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own and work through issues independently. It’s pushed me to become more resourceful and confident in finding solutions, which has helped me learn a lot.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love being outside and staying active, whether it’s surfing, hiking, or just exploring something new. I’m always up for an adventure, and I really value spending time with friends and family.

What is a fun fact about you?

I play college basketball!

If you were an energy source, what would you be and why?

I would be hydro energy, because it is reliable and trustworthy.