February is Black History Month—a time to honour the history, culture and contributions of Black communities, and to recognize the resilience that has carried generations through adversity.

This year, Tiffany Grady, a member of TC Energy’s Employee Inclusion Network, Ujima, shares her story. 

Meet Tiffany

My name is Tiffany, and I have been with TC Energy for 14 years. I started with the company back in 2012 as an environmental air specialist, and I am now a general plant maintenance capital project manager based in Houston. 

I grew up in a tight-knit family, born and raised in Dallas, Texas, alongside my older brother. We were raised by a single mother and what I refer to as our “village” of aunts, uncles and grandparents who were always there to support us. My grandmother, in particular, had a profound influence on me. She shaped my faith, kept me grounded and instilled values that continue to guide me today. When I think of her, I’m reminded of the resilience and quiet determination that runs through the women in my family. That foundation is a huge part of who I’ve become. 

Tiffany with her grandmother.

Redefining what’s possible

Growing up in a lower-income community, pursuing a college education wasn’t something we often saw modelled around us. Because of this, I found myself aspiring to overachieve and have different experiences from those around me. My aunt was the first in our family to break that barrier when she earned her degree from Prairie View A&M University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with a legacy of creating educational pathways for African Americans when opportunities were limited elsewhere. Following her lead, I became the second in our family to graduate from university—earning my Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering before later returning to Prairie View to complete my Executive MBA.

Outside of work, I volunteer as an usher with my church where I get the chance to meet and connect with new people. For more than 10 years, I’ve also played in the church handbell choir—a meaningful way to stay connected to some of my favourite childhood experiences. I also stay involved with Prairie View’s alumni association and serve on the National Society of Black Engineers’ membership committee. Investing time in students, especially first-generation students, has become a passion of mine. Through TC Energy’s partnership with Prairie View’s engineering program, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in career fairs, panel discussions and recruiting efforts—showing students from underrepresented backgrounds that a career in energy is within reach. Representation matters, and if young people like my nieces and nephews can see someone who looks like them achieving, succeeding and leading—they begin to believe they can too.

Tiffany performing with her handbell choir.

I’m also passionate about helping close knowledge gaps in my community. Ujima has hosted important conversations—like wealth planning and life insurance discussions—that address real challenges specific to the Black community. These insights aren’t just valuable at TC Energy; they’re knowledge I can share with my family and community to help build generational wealth and security.

Looking forward

It brings me so much joy and pride seeing the boldness of the next generation. They aren’t afraid to dream big or limit themselves based on past societal norms. In the past, Black Americans were often made to feel less than or not good enough. Too often that mindset can get passed down, but I am committed to helping break that generational way of thinking and rise above stereotypes.

Black History Month, to me, isn’t just about honouring the past—it’s about telling the full story, one that has too often been erased or minimized. It’s about highlighting achievements of Black Americans, uplifting the voices within our community and reminding the world—and ourselves—that we too are capable of greatness.