In this episode, Kathy and Linda talk with Manyphay Viengkham, an accomplished technology leader whose career spans energy innovation, systems engineering, and entrepreneurship. With degrees in biochemistry and computer science, Manyphay has built a career defined by curiosity, continuous learning, and resilience—navigating roles in major companies like GE and Honeywell before launching her own consulting business.

Together, they explore:

• How following her curiosity led from science to technology to energy innovation
• The importance of personal resilience and adaptability in career transitions
• Lessons learned from working across IT, OT, and product management
• Building a strong professional network and personal brand that opens doors
• The ups and downs of starting her own business—and finding joy in the process
• Why compassion, authenticity, and professionalism are essential leadership traits
• Learning to speak up and show your expertise, especially when underestimated

The episode wraps with their “Ask the (Not) Expert” segment, where Kathy, Linda, and Manyphay discuss handling assumptions in the workplace—like being mistaken for administrative staff—and how to respond with confidence and professionalism.

Key Takeaways

• Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line—curiosity creates opportunity.
• Resilience and adaptability matter as much as technical skill.
• Building genuine relationships can define your career success.
• Authentic leadership blends confidence with compassion.
• Taking the leap into entrepreneurship can be both empowering and fulfilling.

Acronym Glossary

• AMI – Advanced Metering Infrastructure
• SCADA – Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
• IoT – Internet of Things
• IT – Information Technology
• OT – Operational Technology
• HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

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In this episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM, Kathy and Linda sit down with Lawanda Parnell, a retired technology and utility leader whose career began at IBM in the early 1980s and spanned decades of innovation and leadership.

Lawanda shares her journey from studying business administration with a strong math and computer science foundation at the University of Florida, to becoming one of the few Black women in tech during her era, to leading large-scale projects in the utility industry.

She reflects on:

• Transitioning from IBM into the utility sector and the challenges of large-scale software implementations.
• How her love of math, particularly calculus, shaped her career path.
• The importance of mentors and sponsors, including those who encouraged her to pursue a master’s degree.
• Building strong, diverse teams and the value of hiring people smarter than yourself.
• Overcoming the fear of public speaking as an introverted techie.
• Her perspective on management versus technical career paths and advice for navigating that choice.
• Why utilities need to do a better job of marketing themselves to the next generation of STEM professionals.

The conversation also dives into listener advice questions, covering:

• Should you move into management if you love technical work?
• What to do if your company offers to pay for grad school in a field you don’t love.

Lawanda’s story is one of resilience, lifelong learning, and the joy of finding passion in work while paving the way for future generations.

About Lawanda:
Lawanda Parnell is a retired technology and utility leader whose career began at IBM and later spanned leadership roles in the energy sector, including CPS Energy and Pedernales Electric Cooperative. With a background in business and computer science, she combined her love of math and technology with strong project management skills to lead large-scale IT transformations and mentor future STEM professionals.

Want to ask a question for our new advice segment?

• Leave us a voicemail through our website www.ordinarily-extraordinary.com
• Or email: ordinarilyextraordinarypod@gmail.com

Music by Kay Paulus

Follow Kay on Instagram @kaypaulus8

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After almost a year away, Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM is back — and we’re relaunching with something new: a co-host!

In this episode, Kathy is joined by her longtime friend and new co-host, Linda LaTourelle, to talk with Stacy Cluff, IT and Broadband Manager at Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative. Stacy has worked at Mille Lacs for 28 years, wearing many hats in technology, IT, and now leading the co-op’s broadband program — bringing critical fiber broadband service to rural Minnesota communities.

What We Talk About

• Why Kathy took a break from the podcast and what’s new in the relaunch
• Linda’s background in utility technology and excitement for co-hosting
• Stacy’s career journey from paralegal studies to becoming a leader in IT and broadband
• What it’s like to manage fiber projects, grant funding, and IT at a small electric co-op
• Balancing career, education, and raising a family — and advice for women considering going back to school
• The importance of broadband in rural areas and the impact it has on communities
• The challenges of stepping out of your comfort zone to speak up, network, and lead
• Reflections on empty nesting, staying busy, and what’s next (including Stacy’s exciting news about becoming a grandma!)

New Segment: Ask (Not) an Expert

As part of the relaunch, we’re introducing a new advice section where listeners can send in questions. In this episode, Kathy, Linda, and Stacy weigh in on:

• How to handle being excluded from after-work socializing with male colleagues
• Deciding when to go back to school vs. starting a family, and how to manage both

Rapid Fire with Stacy

• Favorite STEM inspirations
• One word to describe her career journey
• The most unexpected skills she’s had to learn on the job

About Our Guest

Stacy Cluff is the IT and Broadband Manager at Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative. She manages the cooperative’s broadband deployment, including grant funding, contractors, and customer engagement, while also overseeing IT operations. Stacy is passionate about bringing affordable, reliable internet to rural communities and supporting her co-op’s mission to serve its members.

Want to ask a question for our new advice segment?

• Leave us a voicemail through our website www.ordinarily-extraordinary.com
• Or email: ordinarilyextraordinarypod@gmail.com

Music by Kay Paulus

Follow Kay on Instagram @kaypaulus8

Support the show