Jennifer Rhuppiah
Manager, regulatory strategy
ITC Midwest
Age: 39
Partner: Charles Rhuppiah
Children: Charlie (Charles III, 5) and Justine (4)
Mentor: While I have many, some may not even know they are my mentor. Mary Wells, the Polk County treasurer, has been a “go-to” leader for me. I can call her at any time to ask any question and seek advice, both personal and professional. There is complete transparency with her and no judgment. That, to me, is what a mentoring relationship has to be.
Why she’s a Forty: Jennifer believes in the value of mentoring, likely because it had such an impact on her life and career choices. Because she has such strong beliefs in mentoring, she has served over the years in many different capacities attempting to use her experiences and foundation to mentor and advise others. She has served Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa and Investing in My Future to ensure younger people are equipped to make healthy choices for themselves.
What are your goals in your role at your company?
My main goal is to cement ITC’s reputation that we work well with our regulators and our partners, and work closely with landowners to achieve the best outcome possible for all parties as we work to improve the resiliency and reliability of the electric grid, across our entire footprint.
What are your goals for your community involvement?
To teach my 5-year-old how to tie his shoes … kidding. My goal is to encourage involvement. Share your gift no matter how big or small. You don’t have to be “well known” to affect others in positive ways or to make an impact within our community.
What’s your biggest passion, and why?
Learning, and sharing what I’ve learned. My husband jokes that I want to become the encyclopedia of “how-to.” He’s right. Learning is far greater than getting an education. Knowledge learned can be taken to the bank; it can be shared with others. Knowledge learned can be used to make changes.
What is it that drives you?
Knowing that all facets of our state are impacted by what we do. It became so clear this past year with the pandemic and the derecho that impacted thousands of Iowans. I’m not the engineer getting the lights, servers or ventilators back online, but I’m an important piece of that puzzle.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I’m still a novice to the utility industry, and there are many issues yet to be resolved. I’d like to continue developing in my role within ITC, but also gain expertise where I can become a stronger advocate and share my knowledge of building a reliable grid with developing countries.
Three hobbies: I enjoy traveling and learning about other cultures. I love working on small projects around the house. I also enjoy having a beer on the golf course while searching for my ball.
Fun fact: Jennifer’s appetite for travel and exploration was solidified when she was chosen as an Argonaut for the Jason Project, traveling to Yellowstone and Hawaii on a science exploration project.
ONE word: Humble.
What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community?
I wish the business community would expand the learning opportunities in Central Iowa, through internships, externships or summer jobs. We have exceptional schools in Iowa, but the diploma and degrees are more valuable with experience and applied knowledge behind them.
Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you?
Learning from our history is vital. Our collective history may seem overwhelming, and some of our history is painful to remember. But if we forget it, or try to “clean” it, we are bound to repeat it. It isn't about holding on to the past; I believe we have an obligation to recall our history and ensure we learn from it.