Grace Carlic to Receive Award for Championing Inclusion at Plug
We are proud to share that Grace Carlic, Workforce and Public Affairs Specialist at Plug, has been chosen to receive an award that celebrates her efforts in hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities. Grace will be honored at the Rochester Area Employment Network’s (RAEN) recognition event during National Disability Employment Awareness Month on October 9, 2025. The event will take place at Balcony Point on Springdale Farm in Spencerport, New York.
The nomination for this award came from Lindsay Murphy of RochesterWorks, someone Grace deeply admires. This makes the recognition even more meaningful to her. For Grace, the award is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of Plug’s commitment to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued.
Grace’s Role at Plug
Grace works in Plug’s Government Affairs division as a Workforce and Public Affairs Specialist. Her role is wide-ranging and focuses on removing barriers that often keep people from accessing opportunities in manufacturing. Challenges like transportation and childcare are two of the biggest issues many workers face. Grace works with community partners and colleagues at Plug to find solutions that help employees thrive.
She also develops workforce strategies to bring in diverse talent. This includes young people, people with disabilities, and individuals from immigrant and refugee communities. Grace spends a lot of her time out in the community, building collaborations that help strengthen Plug’s workforce while also making the company a welcoming place to work.
Why This Award Matters
The RAEN award recognizes Grace’s efforts to create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities. While Grace feels honored to be singled out, she stresses that this is a shared success for the entire Plug Rochester team. Together, they have worked to welcome people of all abilities into the workplace.
Some of these efforts include hosting disability awareness workshops with RochesterWorks and Access VR, starting an internship program with Job Path through the Arc of Monroe, and partnering with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT.
These programs not only help people gain experience but also build awareness within Plug about how to best support colleagues with different needs.
Grace also participates in an employment equity coalition to ensure that Plug continues to grow as an employer that values diversity and lived experiences. Her message is clear. This work is not about meeting quotas. It is about creating real opportunities and making sure everyone feels welcomed and supported.
Beyond Work
Outside of her role at Plug, Grace enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves hiking and backpacking and describes herself as a knitting enthusiast. She is also a big fan of Agatha Christie novels and enjoys spending time with friends whenever she can.
A Moment of Pride
Grace’s recognition is a proud moment for her and for Plug. It reflects the values that guide our company and the belief that people are at the center of everything we do. We celebrate her achievement and look forward to continuing the work of building inclusive workplaces that reflect the diverse communities we serve.