 Title Sponsor ReCaps Successes at 2009 Texas Conference for Women
Being one in a million may suffice for some, but being one in more than 5,000 who attended the tenth annual Texas Conference for Women in Houston was revitalizing. And for the ten percent of participants who participated on behalf of BP, the presenting event sponsor for the sixth consecutive year, this conference was more than refreshing.
BP went the extra mile to demonstrate the Response-Ability that can accompany the position of Title Sponsor. More than 500 women and a few men from BP across America registered as participants in the conference. BP volunteers assisted with registration, stuffed packets, worked at the exhibit booth, etc. Katrina Landis, CEO of BP's Alternative Energy division, flew in from London specifically to participate as one of the panelists, bring welcoming remarks to conference attendees and network with her fellow colleagues.
Beginning at 7 a.m. on conference day, BP participants attended a breakfast hosted by members of their management team. "We are proud of the interest shown by our employees in attending this conference for their own personal development," said Iris Cross, Manager, External Affairs. "It's a rare opportunity for us to network with each other, as well as network with people outside of BP."
This year BP breakfast attendees brought hundreds of toiletries, which were later donated to the Houston Area Women's Center, a local nonprofit organization that provides shelter for families who have suffered from domestic abuse.
"We are fortunate to be able to support and help other women in need. This conference brings women together in so many ways, and providing an opportunity for BP employees to resource a local women's organization is a natural fit, especially when it occurs during the annual United Way Campaign season," Cross continued.
Guest speakers at the breakfast included First Lady Anita Perry and bestselling author, Marcus Buckingham. BP Alternative Energy CEO Katrina Landis discussed BP's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Each attendee at the BP breakfast received complimentary copies of Suze Orman's book, Women and Money, and Marcus Buckingham’s book, Find Your Strongest Life.
Texas City Chemicals (TCC) Plant Manager Susan Dio said the power-packed day had something for everybody. "One of the highlights was hearing Katrina Landis on the ‘Nurturing Innovation, Creativity and Profits’ panel. It was an incredible session," Dio said. For those who missed Landis' session, the key leadership traits mentioned were to create and defend a space for innovation, tap into the individuality of each team member and be relentless.
Linda Ames, a reservoir engineer in the alternative energy division of BP America enjoyed meeting colleagues from across the country in all levels of leadership at the conference. "I was very proud that BP sponsored this event so publicly. It made a powerful statement in our belief that diversity and inclusion impacts the business agenda and that events such as this add business value," Ames said.
As leader of the Women's Business Resource Group for BP at Houston's Westlake Campus with approximately 400 members, Ames reported a positive impact with an increase of 20-30 new network members within two weeks of the conference as well as an increase in the number of members who want to take a more active role.
"I overheard people talk about how great it was to take a time out for a day to do softer things like this conference. I believe there's nothing 'soft' about being inclusive and embracing the fact that diversity only makes teams better, so it's a disservice to call this a 'soft' day when it is a legitimate piece of advancing a business agenda," said Ames.
Orman’s luncheon keynote hit home with TCC Financial Analyst Sou Ear. “The guest speakers were funny and inspirational and offered a lot on the professional and personal level,” Ear said. “Orman’s focus is on educating people to make sound financial decisions. Her reminder to not procrastinate about financial matters encouraged me to look into some investment decisions I’ve been putting off.”
TCC Process Safety Technical Specialist Tina Lyons also found Orman to be empowering, helpful and motivating. Lyons said, “She shared information that will increase our ability to earn and save money. I’m going to look at my economic portfolio and make some decisions and changes that Orman talked about.”
Conference highlights for Lyons were networking with TCC employees she does not see often and hearing inspirational stories. “The speakers and presenters shared wonderful stories about overcoming huge obstacles and succeeding. If you have never been to the conference, you should attend because it will inspire you to look outside your personal world and expand your thoughts and aspirations for your career and personal life.”
"We appreciate everyone who visited the BP exhibit to network, learn about our business and careers," Cross said. "Our participation in this Conference is yet one more way that empowering women to be all they can be both at work and at home strengthens our communities and the world at large, and we encourage you to return next year," Cross concluded.
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