Temperatures are on the rise after chilly April and one energy company is reaching out to tens of thousands of families to make them aware help is available for energy bills.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, provides natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 counties.

The company not only connects local people with resources in their community, it's also helping automakers and tech companies in Michigan use renewable energy by matching 100 percent of their electric use in the state with wind-generated power.

Recently, Consumers Energy announced that more than 40 percent of the energy it produces will come from renewable sources and energy storage by 2040. The energy provider plans to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent and no longer use coal to generate electricity by 2040.

Rosa Bushkuhl, a project engineer for new business development at Consumers Energy, helps spread the word about the company's new energy goals.

She won the 2016 Corporate Promotion of Education Award at the Women of Color Conference for promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to high school and college students, and Consumers Energy as an employer of choice.

Rosa's seminar about renewable energy — and Consumers Energy’s renewable energy developments — is shared with young people in partnership with the Detroit Area Precollege Education Program (DAPCEP).

DAPCEP is a nonprofit organization that partners with training programs and school systems in order to connect youth to the best STEM educational experiences in Michigan. DAPCEP students are between the ages of 4 and 18 and live in southeast Michigan.

In an exclusive interview with Consumers Energy Community page, Rosa talked about her work, what inspired her to get involved in education and mentoring, and what the Women of Color Award meant to her. Read on:

What are you being recognized for?

I have belonged to the Society of Women Engineers since college and serve in leadership roles conducting outreach to colleges and professionals. I also am the lead counselor for the U of M collegiate section and provide mentoring and leadership coaching. Recently I prepared and presented about our company’s efforts on renewable energy to the Detroit Area Precollege Education Program at MSU, U of M Society of Women Engineer’s Summer Engineering Exploration Camp, and Columbia Central High School program in Brooklyn, Michigan.

What inspired you to get involved in education and mentoring?

Growing up, I had great opportunities to explore my interests in math and science but recognize not everyone has access to the same resources I did. Engineering may sound hard but can lead to a very fulfilling career with great variety in jobs and workplaces. I take pride in being a role model and showing what is possible to young women, especially underrepresented minorities, who may want to pursue STEM but face additional challenges.

What does this award mean to you?

It means so much to be recognized for something I’m passionate about. I’m honored that my company and supervisor recognized these volunteer activities outside of my job and that it was important enough to them to recognize me and the other employees receiving awards at the conference. It encourages me to continue doing this kind of outreach going forward.

What advice would you give to women interested in STEM fields?

Find your community; a supportive environment to discuss strengths, challenges, and successes.