Wearing two hats: both of them green

Katie, along with her husband Pete, their two children, and two grandchildren, own and operate the legendary farm, growing produce for local restaurants and East End residents.

But Ms. Sepenoski has a second career that keeps her busy year around, including the so- called idle winter months. She is a PSEG Long Island field professional, an apprentice substation technician whose job ensuring our 21st Century energy grid is there when we need it while embracing the latest in conservation technology.

While transitioning from farming into energy conservation may seem surprising, Sepenoski doesn’t see it that way. According to her, both fields require a real desire to protect the environment and reduce our carbon footprint.

A North Fork native, Sepenoski's family has owned the Port of Egypt Marina since 1946. Her childhood was filled with long days of hard work at the marina, instilling in her a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and physical work. “It's our environment out here and you have to be resilient and embrace it,” said Sepenoski.

After meeting her husband in high school, Sepenoski became an integral part of Sep’s Farm, which the family had owned since the 1920's. The farm is now a central part of their lives, with each member of the family doing their part to keep the farm running. “We're (working) in a difficult environment.”

In 2018, Sepensoki decided to look for expanded career opportunities. “I needed an opportunity for the offseason, when we're not farming,” she observed.

Now a few years into her “second act,” Sepenoski says, “I feel empowered to try for more,” said Sepenoski. Her favorite part of her second act? The human connections. She recalled, “One day...when installing a meter one woman homeowner said `I’ve never seen a female electrical employee. I’m so glad you’re doing this, putting women out there.’ “This was a powerful experience, and I knew I’d find a place.”

Regrets?

She observed, “When severe weather damages the grid I wish there was a program to educate customers on the repairs process. I could see the frustrations people had with waiting for repairs, but if they understood that we handle them according to the level of danger, they might be more patient.”

Katie Sepensoki’s commitment to our region, our world, and our shared future is never more self-evident than her ability to wear two “green” hats; farmer and PSEG Long Island professional.