133. Stacy Cluff; Utility Technology Leader
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