March 5 | Moody Gardens, Galveston
Build a future
Holgersen 2nd year apprentice Pipefitter
Chanlinka
Welcome to the 2026 Conference
from the Texas Gulf Coast Community Colleges Consortium
We are thrilled to welcome you to the Women in Industry Conference. This event celebrates the remarkable career opportunities available to women in the petrochemical, construction and maritime sectors. Whether you are exploring new career paths, advancing in your current role, or preparing to re-enter the workforce, today’s conference is designed to empower and inspire you on your journey to professional success.
In 2016, the Women in Industry Conference was created in response to a clear need to increase awareness of career opportunities for women in nontraditional industries. From the beginning, the conference was designed to challenge myths and biases, highlight viable career pathways, and build strong support networks for women entering and advancing in the petrochemical and construction industries. Over the past decade, this conference has reached 8,478 high school girls and women, a testament to the impact of this conference.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the two visionaries behind this conference, Beth Cassidy (Retired, Brazosport College) and Vera Lewis-Jasper (Galveston College), for their remarkable foresight. We also acknowledge our initial sponsor ExxonMobil and the many sponsors whose steadfast support has made this vision possible, and the Texas Gulf Coast Community Colleges Consortium members who have helped execute it. To the participants who have attended year after year, thank you for helping us educate more than 8,000 women about opportunities in the petrochemical and construction industries, dispelling myths, empowering potential candidates, and creating networks for women to thrive. In addition, we deeply appreciate our returning school districts and nonprofit partners, including This One’s for the Gals, whose continuing partnership and participation help broaden awareness, empower future leaders, and strengthen lasting networks for women.
Continuing our legacy of excellence, this year’s conference features a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops designed to spark curiosity, growth and connection. With many presenters participating in multiple sessions, there are numerous opportunities to gain insight and engage in meaningful conversations throughout the day.
As the conference begins, we invite you to follow us on social media for real-time updates and highlights. Join the conversation and share your experiences using our official hashtags: #WII2026 #WomenInIndustry.
Thank you for being part of this milestone year. We are excited to spend the day learning, connecting and celebrating alongside you.
Welcome to the Women in Industry Conference!
Meet the Speakers
Today’s Keynote Speakers
Shalini Mudliar
Worley, Senior Vice President of Project Management
Shalini is a senior project management executive with over 20 years of experience delivering large-scale, complex energy, infrastructure, and industrial projects globally.
Throughout her career at Worley and with major clients such as Phillips 66, Marathon, and Reliance Industries, Shalini has led end to end project delivery, regional project organizations, and large globally integrated teams. She is recognized for her strategic, solution driven leadership style, expertise in lean execution, data centric delivery, and her commitment to talent development and continuous learning.
Shalini holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Construction Management.
Akilla Hameed Phillips 66
Akilla received her MS in Electrical Engineering at Oklahoma State University and has been in the Oil & Gas business for 15-plus years. Akilla began her engineering career for GE as an intern in England and her adventurous soul led her to the US, where she is settled with a 15-year-old daughter going on 30. Her career progression has given her an opportunity to explore various sectors in Project Management, Operations, Business Development, Customer Performance and overall People Excellence.
As a product of environment, Akilla enjoys mentoring young engineers, volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, engaging with the Girl Scout Leaders Group and the Women’s Energy Network. Her inability to sit still has cultivated a plethora of hobbies such as travelling, cooking, biking, lifting, and reading, while her artsy side loves the hallways of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the box seats at the Houston Symphony.
Meet the Speakers
Kristie McCormick Worley , Director of U.S. Construction Operations
Kristie’s work experience has been rooted in the industrial construction industry with 20 years in subcontracts management. She’s come a long way from her early days as a field timekeeper and administrative clerk.
Kristie prides herself on having held many positions and roles on construction projects, providing her with a broad knowledge base that positioned her well for career advancement over the years. Kristie is excited to still be building facilities that provide products to the world.
When Kristie transitioned to a corporate role in 2005, she found the perks to include regular work schedules, less travel and the elimination of port-a-cans. It was not a particularly smooth transition for her, though, and you may still catch glimpses of her field construction roots from time to time. She leans on those roots for her confidence and ability to speak up while knowing the value of her contribution. Kristie is usually the loudest person in the room with a laugh that is recognizable anywhere. She truly enjoys getting to know people and developing lasting relationships – as relationships are important to success in both professional and personal life.
Kathleen
Holder Exxon, Supervisor
Kathleen Holder has 22 years of experience in the dental field and retired her dental hygiene license to begin her second career with ExxonMobil in 2014. She hired in as a mechanical craftsman and through the apprentice program was trained to become a boilermaker and welder. She then became a supervisor allowing her to grow leadership skills and gain valuable resources across the ExxonMobil Baytown site.
As a supervisor in 2021, she was responsible for coordinating maintenance work in units owned by two consoles: ranging from scaffolds, insulation and paint support to rerouting 600 feet of pipe through the rack or replacing entire vessels. She recently began a new role as the Labor & Logistics Liaison Supervisor and is excited to learn a new skill set to allow further growth and knowledge.
“Don’t stand in your own way. Keep moving forward and ALWAYS find the positive in every situation.” ~ Kat
Bailee Pharis Exxon, Process Technician
Bailee Pharis is a Process Technician at the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant. She attended Crosby High School, where she excelled academically while also participating in various extracurricular activities. After graduating from high school, Bailee pursued her passion for both academics and athletics. She attended Weatherford College on a sports scholarship, where she showcased her dedication and perseverance as a collegiate athlete.
Upon completing her time at Weatherford College, Bailee decided to delve deeper into the industrial world by pursuing a career in process technology. She enrolled at Lee College, where she pursued an Associate of Applied Science in Process Technology.
Bailee joined the Baytown Olefins Plant in 2017. In this position, she plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the plant’s processes, maintaining safety standards and optimizing efficiency.
Meet the Speakers
Quiana Cipriani, Bechtel, Indirects Area Manager
Quiana Cipriani, Indirects Area Manager, is influential in transitioning the construction industry by demonstrating collaborative decision-making, an inclusive culture, and emotional intelligence. Quiana had over 12 years of project controls experience before making the leap to Construction Supervision. Within four months of her Civil Superintendent role, she took over the entire site as the Site Civil Superintendent (three Trains, OSBL, two Jetties, and three Tanks) exceeding her Site Manager’s expectations by “outperforming the previous six Civil Superintendents”.
Upon completing the $15B Corpus Christi LNG project, Quiana accepted a challenging role in Louisiana as the General Superintendent for the Sabine Pass 3rd Berth. Bechtel’s first time self-performing marine operations and pile driving. Despite the many challenges of this role, pile driving being a very dangerous and violent activity, new project personnel who were unfamiliar with Bechtel’s safety expectations, lack of historical data for driving techniques, and equipment utilization. Quiana was able to utilize her collaborative leadership style to resolve issues, while elevating the safety culture and “exceeding the expectations of the project”. Ms. Cipriani then transitioned into a new role as the Area Superintendent of Train 2 at the Rio Grande LNG project in Brownsville, Texas. In this role, Quiana oversaw safety, production and quality for over 800 workers, while driving culture as the center of the team’s success. Within her current role as Indirects Area Manager at Bechtel’s Louisiana LNG project in Sulphur, Louisiana, Ms. Cipriani oversees all crane and rigging operations, site equipment and tools, and support services across the project site and is a driving force in setting and embedding the culture that defines how work is performed, how people are treated, and how teams succeed.
Quiana believes that collaborative decision making and an inclusive culture creates better outcomes for future leaders and she strives to lead by example. She continues to inspire women in construction throughout the Gulf Coast.
In addition to being recognized for her ability to find solutions to complex problems, Quiana is an avid leader for Diversity and Inclusion and a strong advocate for women in construction, including mentoring and educating male supervisors with female subordinates to create more allies for women in construction. She has led several positions in D&I committees such as the Energy Steering Committee, Advocate for We Are Bechtel, Site D&I Committee Lead, B-BOLD and Women in Construction. With almost 20 years of experience Quiana has worked to cultivate an environment for inclusion, growth and change not only for the industry, but the industry to come.
Devonna Payton, Bechtel , Electrical Field Engineer
DeVonna Payton is an Electrical Field Engineer with over 17 years of experience in industrial electrical construction and energy projects. She currently works for Bechtel within the Energy Global Business Unit, where she supports large-scale operations through electrical system testing, inspection procedures, material management and electrical code compliance.
DeVonna’s career began in the field as an Electrician A`pprentice and progressed through hands-on leadership roles, including Senior General Foreman, before transitioning into field engineering. Throughout this journey, DeVonna’s navigated the challenges of building a demanding career while raising her son as a single mother. Balancing job sites, long hours, and family life has shaped her resilience, strengthened her leadership, and reinforced her commitment to creating space for women who are often told this path is “too hard” or “not meant for them.”
Devonna Payton cont’d
In addition to DeVonna’s field engineering scope of work, she has served as a mentor for Bechtel’s Summer Internship program, where her passion for guiding young professionals—especially women—through the realities of working in the trades and engineering shines through. DeVonna believes mentorship and representation are essential to changing the industry and is committed to helping the next generation see what’s possible by empowering women in the trades and engineering through real-world experience, encouraging career growth, and helping create meaningful pathways for future female leaders in industry.
DeVonna built her career one hard-earned step at a time, and is standing here to show other women that they can too.
Robin Sullivan, Bechtel, ES&H Supervisor
Union Boilermaker Local 242
Robin Sullivan is an accomplished Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) professional with a unique career trajectory that combines high-level supervisory expertise with over a decade of hands-on industrial experience. Currently serving as an ES&H Supervisor in the Energy sector, Robin leads multidisciplinary teams in conducting comprehensive risk assessments and developing robust mitigation strategies that align operational excellence with corporate safety mandates.
Throughout her 18-year tenure at major projects across the country, including the Pennsylvania Chemical Project and CCL3 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Robin has distinguished herself as a leader who bridges the gap between management and the field. She oversees complex subcontractors, manages intricate safety permitting processes (including confined spaces, ventilation plans and hot work), and leads industrial hygiene activities ranging from silica exposure monitoring to noise and illumination surveys. She is known for developing impactful safety campaigns, such as the “Why We Work Safe” initiative. This program serves as a vital reminder to the workforce that safety is about more than compliance, it is about ensuring every individual returns home safely to their families.
Before transitioning into ES&H leadership, Robin spent over 12 years as a Boilermaker (Local 242), rising through the ranks to serve as Foreman, General Foreman and Assistant Superintendent. This extensive background provides Robin with an unrivaled technical understanding of welding, rigging, steel erection, and critical lift execution across oil refineries, nuclear generation sites and power plants.
Robin’s approach to safety is deeply rooted in Craft Based Leadership (CBL). Having coached and mentored teams of safety volunteers, she excels at fostering a culture of shared accountability and mental well-being. Robin is a dedicated advocate for Bechtel’s mental health initiatives, actively participating in weekly wellness check-walks in the field to engage directly with the workforce. By integrating mental health into traditional safety protocols, she ensures that well-being is a core component of the site’s safety culture.
Robin’s path has been defined by resilience; though her journey was marked by significant hurdles, the resulting impact has been profound. Beyond her own professional achievements, she has dedicated herself to building a foundation for those following in her footsteps, transforming the obstacles she once faced into clear pathways for the next generation.
Meet the Speakers
M. LaTrice Weeks, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Training Specialist, Cedar Bayou Facility
LaTrice Weeks began her career with a Master’s in Business Administration and, after 19 years, transitioned to the petrochemical industry. She earned an AAS in Process Technology and worked as a process operator at Chevron Phillips Chemical for six years. She then moved into digital transformation project management and later became a Materials Handling and Maintenance Training Specialist.
Her background in education prepared her for her current role as an end-to-end project manager, where she implements digital procedure management applications for over 800 employees and contractors. Weeks leverages her teaching skills to build strong relationships with customers and facilitate communication between vendors and customers. She also collaborates with training coordinators to identify training needs and develop plans for operators.
A volunteer and entrepreneur from Houston, Weeks enjoys reading, world travel and quiet Sunday afternoons on her porch.
Diana Lee, Phillips 66
Diana Lee sits on the Early Career Recruiting team as the Intern Advisor at Phillips 66, overseeing the enterprise-wide internship program. Prior to her role at Phillips 66, she held variety of roles within corporate university recruiting and higher education institutions. Diana has always been passionate about supporting student success and helping navigate their career journey.
Lee has a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Texas State University.
Francisca Ogundele, Shell
Francisca Ogundele started her career at Shell 24 years ago with her first assignment as an offshore Facilities Engineer on the Mars TLP. Since then, her career experiences have covered the full opportunity life cycle, with assignments in projects and asset operations – most recently as the Project Manager for the Rome Pipeline Project. During this time, Francisca has lived and worked in the United States (New Orleans and Houston), Malaysia (Miri), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), and China (Shenzhen). She is currently based in Houston, Texas with her husband Philippe (who also works for Shell) and two children, Emmanuelle (17) and Matthieu (14).
Francisca is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science and Chemical Engineering, and an MBA from the Curtin University of Technology. Aside from her normal work duties, she actively supports Shell’s external relationships focusing on getting young people interested in STEM. Francisca has been a Global Thought Leader, speaker and is currently a Future Cities Competition judge for DiscoverE.org. Outside of work she enjoys cheering her kids on at their activities, travelling with her family, reading on her trusty Kindle, running (she’s up to half marathons now) and collecting and watering her (too) many houseplants.
Dr. Donna Lang Texas A&M University Executive Associate Dean, College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies
Texas A&M University at Galveston, Associate Vice President for Academic Operations
Dr. Donna Lang moved to Galveston to pursue her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University at Galveston and fell in love with the island. After 40 years of having her toes in the sand, she treasures the amazing gift to work with students at the island campus. As Vice President for Academic Operations, Dr. Lang is responsible for the general administration of all activities supporting the undergraduate programs and related support services. She provides guidance and oversight for university outreach including Sea Camp, Sea Campus Kids and community programs.
Dr. Lang is committed to student success and supporting the core values of Texas A&M University: Leadership, Respect, Loyalty, Excellence, Integrity and Selfless Service.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Administration from TAMUG (1988), a Master of Arts in Public Management from the University of Houston – Clear Lake (1992) and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies, Higher Education Administration, from the University of Houston (2000).
Dr. Lang is active in the Galveston community through her church, Boy Scout Troop 123, Galveston College Foundation, Chamber of Commerce and local schools. She and her husband, David, live in Galveston and have two children, Danielle and Douglas. The family enjoys sports, the outdoors, and anything on or near the water.
Margaret Kidd San Jacinto College Department Chair, Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Margaret Kidd is the Department Chair for Logistics & Supply Chain Management at San Jacinto College and serves as a Special Advisor to the President and Board of Trustees for the Houston Maritime Center and Museum. In her role, she is responsible for the launch of the first four-year degree at a Texas community college for the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Prior to joining San Jacinto College, she served as Program Director and Instructional Associate Professor for the Supply Chain & Logistics Technology program in the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering. A globally recognized thought leader, she is deeply engaged in areas such as supply chain, maritime ports, global capital projects, process digitization and trade. Global media outlets frequently cite her. In 2024 alone, her media reach exceeded 3.1 billion people, with coverage by 455 media outlets.
She has served on a number of prestigious committees and boards, including TxDOT Maritime Division’s Project Scoring Committee for the Texas Port Mission Plan during the 89th Legislative Session, the Energy Industries Council’s North & Central America Regional Advisory Board where she has served the last three years as a judge for the “World Energy Supply Chain Awards,” and the Editorial Review Board of Breakbulk Magazine and served as a judge this spring at the inaugural “Green World Awards” at Breakbulk Europe. Margaret also Co-Chairs Breakbulk Education Day and founded the industry supported student research poster competition which is held each fall at Breakbulk Americas.
Margaret holds a BBA and an MA in Cross-Cultural Studies. She has completed 60 doctoral credits in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy, with a focus on port-city interface, sustainability and economic development.
Meet the Speakers
Vanicha McQueen Texas A&M University Galveston, Associate Professor of the Practice and Assistant Department, Department of Marine Engineering Technology
Professor Vanicha McQueen is an Associate Professor of the Practice and Assistant Department Head with the Department of Marine Engineering Technology at the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies in Galveston, Texas.
Professor McQueen’s entry into the maritime industry started with acceptance into the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. After completing her degree, Professor McQueen began her deep-sea sailing career on several types of vessels, eventually sailing with Chevron for a decade. Her brown water experience includes a combined 15 years with TxDOT on the GalvestonBolivar Ferries and G and H Towing.
Shoreside, she taught high school shop, drafting, physics and chemistry. She worked designing floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs) with SBM-Atlantia and at APM Terminals in Barbours Cut as a Maintenance Manager. After earning her PMP certification (Project Management Professional), she led an APM/TECQ project which converted standard diesel-operated cranes to eco-friendly hybrids.
In 2018, she became a faculty member at Texas A&M University at Galveston where she serves on various committees, is a Faculty Advisor, and is active in curricula development for the Marine Engineering Technology Department. She is also active in the Houston chapters of Society of Naval Architects and Engineers (SNAME) and Women in Maritime Operations (WIMOs).
Tremika Johnson ExxonMobil, Process Planner
Tremika Johnson is a Process Planner at the ExxonMobil Chemical Plant in Mont Belvieu, Texas. She is a graduate of Baytown’s Robert E. Lee High School and Lee College with an Associate degree in Science.
Tremika joined ExxonMobil in 2013, hiring in as a Finishing Process Operator for five years and most recently a Process Planner.
“I love how my work at ExxonMobil touches so many people through the products we make each and every day. It comes with a lot of responsibility, but that’s what makes it all the more rewarding!” – Tremika
Capt./Dr. Augusta D. Roth Texas A&M University at Galveston, Professor of the Practice in Marine Transportation and Director of the Office of Continuing Education
Capt./Dr. Augusta D. Roth is a distinguished mariner, educator and academic leader with nearly 30 years of service to the maritime industry and maritime education. She is a Master Unlimited – Oceans license holder with an MBA and a Doctor of Business Administration in Leadership, and currently serves as Full Professor of the Practice in Marine Transportation and Director of the Office of Continuing Education at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Capt. Roth joined TAMUG in 2000 and advanced through every academic professional-track rank, becoming the first Full Professor of the Practice to rise internally within Maritime Transportation and the department’s first female
Capt./Dr. Augusta D. Roth Cont’d
head, serving from 2012 to 2022. A pioneer in maritime education, she led the design of TAMUG’s maritime simulation facilities, navigation laboratories, and shoreside seamanship lab, and has taught across the full spectrum of license-option and leadership coursework, both ashore and at sea aboard various training ships.
For more than two decades, she has overseen U.S. Coast Guard, MARAD, and STCW program compliance, ensuring national and international credentialing standards. She played a key role in modernizing the Marine Transportation degree, including the development of the Tug and Tow and Dynamic Positioning programs. She also has more than seven years at sea service aboard tankers, harbor tugs, lube oil delivery boat, Mooring Master/Mooring Master Assistant in Lightering, LSV, survey vessels and training ships.
Capt. Roth is a dedicated mentor, professional-track faculty advocate, and active leader within national and international maritime organizations, including the Council of American Master Mariners and the International Maritime Organization. A TAMUG alumna, she sailed as an unlimited officer before entering academia and continues to shape the future of maritime education through leadership, innovation and service.
Carla Thompson Turner Industries Group, Field Training Director
Carla Thompson brings more than two decades of experience in workforce development. Her administrative expertise has been cultivated through roles as a Workforce Development Manager, Craft Training Manager, Office Manager and Educational Specialist.
Areas of expertise include training for maintenance, industrial, nuclear and power construction. She currently chairs the ABC Workforce Development Committee and is a board member for the Economic Alliance Dream It Do It initiative. Carla provides strong knowledge of communication, construction and craft needs for the industry in the Texas Region.
Hayley Johnson Turner Industries Group, Quality Control Manager
Hayley Johnson has been a proud member of the Turner Industry family for eight years and has been a part of the welding, fabrication and inspection industry for 10 years. She is currently a Quality Control Manager for Turner Industries at the Olin Freeport locations.
Hayley was raised in Huffman, Texas. She holds an Associate degree of Applied Science in Inspection Technology from Lone Star College. Additional certifications she has achieved include Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), API 510 certification, API 570 certification, multiple welding certifications for various materials and processes, and NCCER Fundamentals of Crew Leadership.
Meet the Speakers
Katie Burwell Turner Industries Group, SPRAT Level 3 Rope Access Technician
Katie Burwell has been a member of the Turner family for seven years. She began her career as a Level 1 Rope Access Technician for Turner Specialty Services at their Olin Freeport location. Katie grew up in League City, Texas and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Sam Houston State University. She is currently a SPRAT Level 3 Rope Access Technician and holds certifications for UT, PMI and Industrial Radiography.
Jessica Moreno Turner Industries Group, Workforce Development Coordinator
Jessica Moreno, a University of Houston-Clear Lake alumna with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, has served as a Workforce Development Coordinator at Turner Industries for over a year. In this role, she promotes the importance of training, career development, and workforce diversity and inclusion. Outside of the office, she enjoys participating in various activities, including trying new Pilates classes, reading and engaging in community service.
Lori Ann Garza Turner Industries Group, Public Affairs Advisor
Lori Ann Garza has been with Turner for 15 years. Her experience is payroll, procurement, accounting, material control and public affairs. ABC Texas Coastal Bend Chair, Education to Employment Board Member, Robstown ISD School Board Chair, Education Foundation Board Member, TASB Lone Star Pool Investment Board Chair. Lori received her MBA from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Women in History: Emily Roebling
During the late nineteenth century, the United States experienced rapid industrial growth and urban expansion. Large infrastructure projects became symbols of national progress, none more ambitious than the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Engineering, construction management and applied mathematics were fields dominated entirely by men, and women were largely excluded from technical education and professional authority. It was within this rigid social structure that Emily Roebling, the bridge builder in a petticoat, emerged as an unlikely but essential leader.
Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began in 1870 under the direction of Chief Engineer Washington A. Roebling. When Washington suffered severe complications from caisson disease during the early stages of construction, he was left physically unable to supervise the project on site. With the bridge incomplete and public confidence wavering, the project’s future was at risk. In response to this crisis, Emily Roebling stepped forward to serve as the vital link between the chief engineer and the construction crews, a role no woman had previously held.
Despite having no official engineering title, Roebling took it upon herself to master the technical knowledge required to oversee the project. She studied higher mathematics, structural engineering principles, materials science, and the mechanics of suspension bridge design. Over the next decade, she relayed her husband’s technical instructions, inspected construction progress, addressed engineers’ questions, and defended design decisions before skeptical officials and critics who doubted a woman’s authority in such matters.
Emily Roebling stepped into a male-dominated profession out of necessity. Her work challenged deeply held assumptions about women’s intellectual and professional limitations. Though often uncredited at the time, her leadership ensured the continuity and eventual completion of one of the most complex engineering projects of the nineteenth century.
When the Brooklyn Bridge officially opened in 1883, Emily Roebling was among the first to cross it, symbolizing both the success of the structure and her role in its creation. Her contribution represented more than the completion of a bridge, it marked a shift in how women’s capabilities could be understood within technical and leadership roles.
Emily Roebling’s legacy illustrates how women’s contributions during critical moments in history helped redefine opportunity, capability and leadership across generations.
7:00 AM
2026 Conference Schedule
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
7:45 AM Energizer Exhibit Hall C
8:00 AM Welcome and of Introduction of Keynote Speaker Exhibit Hall C
8:15 AM
9:15 – 9:35 AM
Dr. Robert Exley, President, Alvin College
Keynote Speaker: Shalini Mudliar, Sr. Vice President Exhibit Hall C of Project Management, Worley
“All About Ownership: What Worked for Me & How It Can Work for You”
9:35 – 10:20 AM Maritime Panel:
Capt./Dr. Augusta Roth, Professor & Director of CE, TAMUG
Chief Vanicha McQueen, Associate Professor, TAMUG
Margaret Kidd, Dept. Chair, Logistics & Supply Chain, San Jacinto College
Dr. Donna Lang, Executive Associate Dean, TAMUG “Making Waves: Women in Maritime Operations”
10:20 – 10:35 AM
10:35 – 11:20 AM
Expo A2 Constructing Opportunity: Careers for Women in Industrial Construction
Floral 2
12:20 – 2:00 PM LUNCH – Exhibit Hall C
66
Expo A1
Introduction of Keynote Speaker: Juliet Stipeche, Gulf Coast Workforce Board
Keynote Speaker: Akilla Hameed, Phillips 66 “Rock your Red Skirt: From Self Doubt to Self-Trust” 2:00 – 2:35 PM
AND CLOSING Exhibit Hall C
7:00 AM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
7:45 AM Energizer Exhibit Hall C
8:00 AM Welcome and Introduction of Keynote Speaker Exhibit Hall C
8:15 AM
9:15 – 9:35 AM
Dr. Robert Exley, President, Alvin College
Keynote Speaker: Shalini Mudliar, Sr. Vice President Exhibit Hall C of Project Management, Worley “All About Ownership: What Worked for Me & How It Can Work for You”
9:35 – 10:20 AM Maritime Panel:
Capt./Dr. Augusta Roth, Professor & Director of CE, TAMUG
Chief Vanicha McQueen, Associate Professor, TAMUG
Margaret Kidd, Dept. Chair, Logistics & Supply Chain, San Jacinto College
Dr. Donna Lang, Executive Associate Dean, TAMUG “Making Waves: Women in Maritime Operations”
9:15 – 9:35 AM BREAK – Visit Sponsors
10:35 – 11:20 AM
11:20 – 11:35 PM
11:35 – 12:20 PM Pathways to
A3
Expo A4
12:20 – 2:00 PM LUNCH – Exhibit Hall C
Introduction of Keynote Speaker: Juliet Stipeche, Gulf Coast Workforce Board
Keynote Speaker: Akilla Hameed, Phillips 66 “Rock your Red Skirt: From Self Doubt to Self-Trust” 2:00 – 2:35 PM
AND CLOSING Exhibit Hall C
Spotlight on Success - Alicia Vela
From Conference to Classroom to ExxonMobil
Alicia Vela is an excellent ambassador and mentor for girls and women who are considering an industrial or technical career. At age 45, she is also a “second act” success story. In 2003, Alicia earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in accounting. After working in several accounting and human resources jobs for almost 20 years, she felt she was being called to do something else with her life and career.
Serendipity Meets Opportunity
Seeing promotional information led Vela to attend the Women In Industry Conference in 2019, and that led her to enroll in the Process Technology program in spring 2021 at College of the Mainland.
“I didn’t know anything about the conference. I just saw information about it online,” said Alicia. “But I had this faith that something would come from it.”
After one semester, she decided to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Instrumentation Technology instead, and she enrolled in the program at Galveston College in fall 2021.
“I’ve always loved math and science. At this stage of my life, I knew I could offer more, and the instrumentation program really spoke to me,” she said, adding that attending the Women In Industry Conference again in 2022 validated that she was on the right track.
Alicia said that when she enrolled in Galveston College’s Instrumentation Technology program, she and her classmates dove straight in: “We didn’t waste time. It was hands-on from day one, and that made a huge difference.”
The women role models she met at the Women In Industry Conference coupled with her positive experience as a Galveston College Instrumentation Technology student prepared her well for her current job. Alicia joined ExxonMobil’s Pipeline Division as a Multi-Skill Technician in November 2022. She was one of about 2,800 applicants and one of only eight interviewed for the role.
“Being older and with experience in accounting and HR proved to be helpful when I was interviewing with ExxonMobil,” said Alicia. “My Galveston College instructor, Dr. Michael Stickney (Program Director and instructor of Instrumentation Technology), was a wealth of knowledge. He gave us interview tips, resume help, and everything we needed to stand out.”
At ExxonMobil, Alicia is responsible for overseeing the flow, measurement and storage of crude oil that is transported from West Texas to the station. This facility never shuts down, it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Alicia and her team rotate 12-hour shifts to keep operations running safely and smoothly - from monitoring pumps and motors to verifying critical measurements that ensure product accuracy. “My team and I are like the cash register of the operation,” Vela explained. “Our job is to verify exactly what’s coming in and what’s going out. It’s extremely detail-oriented, and I love that.” She balances fieldwork, lab analysis, data analysis, reporting, and preventive maintenance while also participating in continuing education and training that ExxonMobil requires. “I love to learnI’m a nerd,” said Alicia. “ExxonMobil requires ongoing online training, and everything we learn is applied in the field. That’s one of the things I enjoy most.”
Safety is a major priority for Alicia and her team members.“ExxonMobil’s number one priority is safety. This company sets the standard,” she said. “Our team looks out for each other, we stay rested and hydrated, and we make sure every action we take is deliberate.”
What’s Next?
Alicia is committed to lifelong learning and personal and professional growth for herself and others. Adamari Vela, Alicia’s daughter, and another young woman who is like a daughter to Alicia are learning from a great mentor.
Adamari witnessed firsthand what her mom accomplished in school and at work, and she was inspired to pursue a similar career path. Adamari completed Instrumentation Technology I and II certifications at Galveston College and now works as a safety watch technician in Orange, Texas. The daughter of Alicia’s cousin decided to study process technology at Alvin College. Alicia mentored her throughout college and guided her along the path to her first process technician role in Texas City.
“I want to keep learning and growing. I’m paying my dues and having fun while doing it,” Vela said. “I would love to retire from ExxonMobil someday.”
From attending her first Women in Industry Conference to completing her Galveston College program to fulfilling the job requirements of a Fortune 10 global company, Vela has proven that she is committed to making her career dreams come true.
On what advice she would offer to other girls and women, she says, “I tell everyone: Don’t give up. I got a lot of ‘no’s before I got a ‘yes.’ You just have to keep going.”
Spotlight on Success - Dorthea Pointer
Busting into the Construction Industry
It was in the 1980s when Dorthea Jones Pointer realized that she needed to make some important changes to improve the quality of life for herself and her three children. As a single mother at 15, Dorthea was especially thankful to have tremendous support from her parents, grandparents and community.
Dorthea graduated from Texas City High School on time as an honor student in 1974. After graduation, she attended Galveston College, but didn’t complete any certifications or earn a degree. She secured a job at a local bank where she was well-liked and respected. She worked at the bank as an administrative assistant and customer service rep for four years. Facing the fact that she was earning only $6 an hour and less than $1,000 each month, Dorthea asked herself some provocative questions: “Should I stick with the work I know at the bank? Or should I step outside my comfort zone and explore my options for jobs that will allow me to earn more money?”
Challenges Accepted
From Working Inside to Working Outside
Dorthea decided to take a huge risk. Texas City is recognized as a major industrial center and is home to several labor unions. Dorthea did some homework and decided to check out the Laborers International Union of North America Local 116 - now known as Local 154. “I just walked into that union labor hall and told them I wanted a job,” said Dorthea. “Mr. Palmore and Rev. Stevens looked at me like I was crazy. But I wasn’t leaving. I needed a steady, lucrative way to make money and care for my family. In the early 1980s, very few women were employed in plants or on construction sites, and even fewer were working in construction laborer or craftsman roles that demanded physical strength and endurance.
“My first job in a plant was with Monsanto. I was a firewatcher. I held a fire hose for 10-hour shifts, six days a week, to make sure that fires didn’t start while the welders were working – and if a fire did start, I had to be ready to put it out right away,” she said. “In that first job, I earned $16 an hour. I made more in one paycheck in a week than I had made in a whole month working at the bank.”
She remembered a time when a supervisor jokingly told her to go fetch a 50-pound jackhammer. She said she believed it was a test from her supervisor to see if she could do it. “When I brought that jackhammer back to my supervisor, he was surprised, but I earned his respect,” said Dorthea.
Dorthea worked in refineries, chemical plants, and energy plants in a wide range of roles that supported skilled tradesmen such as welders, pipefitters, and brick masons. She also later worked to procure tools and supplies for the jobsites. One of her most memorable assignments was working as a journeyman laborer for five years helping to build the South Texas Nuclear Generating Station in Bay City, Texas.
Dorthea’s commitment to safety became one of her most significant contributions to the construction industry. When she was working at Bechtel, Carbide, she developed a safety initiative. “I wanted everyone to go home just the way they came to work,” she explained.
Dorthea’s efforts to build a safety culture earned her national recognition from Bechtel leaders, and she was invited to travel to Florida to speak about the importance
of developing and maintaining a safety culture in the workplace.
Lessons Learned, Experiences Shared
Dorthea’s commitment as a union construction laborer enabled her to retire after 20 years of service with monthly compensation and other benefits, and she does not intend to slow down any time soon. Today, at 71, Dorthea is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. She continues to work part-time as a union member recruiting ambassador. She also volunteers her time and talent mentoring women of all ages, including those returning to education later in life.
Professional Resources
Below is a list of resources for women interested in the petrochemical and construction trades industries.
Alvin College www.alvincollege.edu
American Business Women’s Association www.abwa.org
This organization brings together business women of diverse occupations and provides opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership and education.
American Welding Society www.aws.org
A non-profit organization with a global mission to advance the science, technology, and application of welding.
Brazosport College http://brazosport.edu/
Career One Stop www.careeronestop.org
A website sponsored by the US Department of Labor that has resources for workers with a criminal conviction, disabilities, veterans, as well as information for credential seekers, and job search tools.
Careers in Welding
www.careersinwelding.com
Online job board specializing in career opportunities in welding.
When she advises young women considering careers in male-dominated industries, her message is firm yet filled with kindness and encouragement.
“Sturdy yourself. Get your training, get your certifications, and get your education - do whatever it takes,” said Dorthea. “You must be able to take care of yourself. And don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong.”
Dorthea said “I’m a true success story. All things are possible when you believe. You make it work for you - and then you help the next person to do the same.”
Catalyst.org www.catalyst.org
College of the Mainland www.com.edu
Combined Arms www.combinedarms.us
A veterans organization which has collected hundreds of resources across dozens of organizations. By building a quick profile and taking our assessments, veterans and family members connect to what they need in a timely fashion.
East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA) www.echma.org
An organization dedicated to promoting the health, safety, security, environmental, and economic well-being of the petrochemical, refining, and manufacturing industry in East Harris County. The site has information and links to current issues and resources valuable to those employed in the industry.
Engineer Girl
www.engineergirl.org
The Engineer Girl website is designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women.
Explore the Trades http://explorethetrades.org
Galveston College www.gc.edu
Houston City College www.hccs.edu
Jobs in Logistics
www.jobsinlogistics.com
Online logistics job board specializing in career opportunities in logistics and supply chain management.
Lee College www.lee.edu
Lone Star College www.lonestar.edu
Mentor: The National Mentoring Partnership www.mentoring.org/who-we-are/ mission-vision
An organization that serves to fuel the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for America’s young people and to close the mentoring gap. MENTOR drives mentor recruitment adn connects volunteers directly to local programs through the Mentor Connector, the only national database of quality mentoring programs.
National Association for Women in Construction https://www.nwbc.org
National Women’s Business Council https://www.nwbc.gov Accelerating the future of women entrepreneurs.
Professional Resources
NCCER (National Center for Construction Education) www.nccer.org/get-involved/individuals-seekingtraining/industry-recognized-credentials
NCCER develops standardized construction and maintenance curriculum and assessments with portable credentials. These credentials are tracked through NCCER’s Registry System that allows organizations and companies to track the qualifications of their craft professionals and/or check the qualifications of possible new hires. NCCER’s Registry System also assists craft professionals by maintaining their records in a secure database.
OSHA Women in Construction www.osha.gov/doc/topics/women
A government web page that provides female-specific resources on issues such as personal protective equipment and sanitary facilities. Additional links to reports, guidance documentation, and regulations related to women in the industry.
Petrochem Works www.petrochemworks.com
This site was created to inform students and job seekers about the thriving petrochemical industry and help them get the education they need to prepare for a fulfilling long-term career in petrochem.
San Jacinto College www.sanjac.edu
Texas Child Care Solutions www.texaschildcaresolutions.org
Connecting Texas parents with up-to-date parenting information, ideas, and on the-ground resources.
Texas Gulf Coast Community Colleges www.gulfcoastcc.org
Texas Reality Check https://texasrealitycheck.com
Texas Reality Check shows the user how to select a chosen lifestyle in order to match the amount of money needed to pay for that lifestyle.
Texas Women Leading Government - Gulf Coast Chapter https://www.wlgov.org/texas-gulf-coast
Helps women succeed in public service by enhancing career building models that develop leadership skills and by networking professional women in government.
The Manufacturing Institute www.themanufacturinginstitute.org
The Manufacturing Institute is the authority on the attraction, qualification, and development of world-class manufacturing talent.
TradesWomen, Inc. https://tradeswomen.org
Outreach, recruitment, retention, and leadership development for women in blue-collar skilled craft jobs.
Wharton County Junior College www.wcjc.edu
Women in Engineering http:/wie.ieee.org
The largest professional organization dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists, and inspiring girls around the world to follow their academic interests in a career in engineering.
Women in HVAC-R womeninhvacr.com
Women in HVAC-R exists to improve the lives of members by providing professional avenues to connect with other women growing their careers in the HVAC-R industry.
Women Contractors Association www.womencontractors.org
WCA is a non-profit organization composed of women owners and decision-making executives within the construction industry.
Women’s Bureau www.dol.gov/agencies/wb
An agency that works to level the playing field for all women in the labor force, recognizing that true equal opportunity would have a positive impact not only on women’s own financial stability, but also on the broader economic security of their families and on the well-being of our nation. The site has blog posts, resource links to items such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, women veterans, older women workers, and women with disabilities.
Women’s Equity Center http://womensequitycenter.org
Provides useful strategies and practical applications to increase the number of women entering and being retained in registered apprenticeships through online resources; technical assistance and training.
Workforce Solutions www.wrksolutions.com
With 24 career offices and 10 information centers across the region, the staff at these locations help people find jobs, keep jobs, or get better jobs. Workforce Solutions offers job search and job matching assistance, career counseling, and financial aid for education/training or work support. The Board also funds adult education and literacy services through seven major providers.
Women Thrive Here
At Chevron Phillips Chemical, we strive to give all our employees the flexibility and benefits to thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a range of benefits to help make work-life balance a reality, including flexible work schedules, comprehensive health coverage and a tuition reimbursement program. We are proud to recognize the contributions of women in petrochemicals.
At CPChem, our women’s employee resource group is committed to attracting, retaining and supporting women in our company by providing advocacy and professional development as well as opportunities to give back to local community organizations and initiatives that help women thrive.
Performance by design. Caring by choice.™
Industry is the perfect place for Women — Industrial Jobs? Yes, that’s “Women’s Work”
Building a strong workforce
A supported local workforce helps strengthen pride and encourages people to stay and grow in the places they call home. Their local know-how should be heard, and deep roots and relationships valued to help communities thrive.
At Shell in the USA, we strive to understand the needs of communities and build local workforces vital today and tomorrow to support a changing energy system. Across the country, we are providing jobs, investing in education, and offering skills training in communities where we operate.
We are moving forward with local workforces because we’re moving forward with everybody.
www.shell.us/forward
At Oxy, we strive to cultivate an environment where our differences are celebrated and respected. The diverse backgrounds and unique experiences of our employees spark innovation and maximize operational results.
We add value – together – and commit to every employee realizing their full potential.
State-of-the-art training for the careers that power the energy capital of the world
PROCESS TECHNOLOGY • INSTRUMENTATION • WELDING
TAKE THE FIRST STEP 832.556.5108 mcnair@lee.edu lee.edu
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conference would not be possible without the of our sponsors. Your commitment helps women, expand opportunities, and strengthen the future of our industries.
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This conference would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. Your commitment helps empower women, expand opportunities, and strengthen the future of our industries.
