Announcing the Energy Education Foundation
November 28, 2022
Beverly Bascus Executive Director, Energy Education Foundation
In 1997, the Offshore Energy Center was founded to expand awareness of the vast hydrocarbon energy resources beneath the world’s surface, supporting global stewardship in the communities that develop these resources and to chronicle the unique heritage and technical accomplishments of the industries that discover, produce and delivered energy to humankind in a safe and environmentally responsible way.
Over the past 25 years, we have become known as an education partner to the oilfield industry, providing the unique hands-on offshore experience at the Ocean Star Museum
in Galveston, as well as bringing oilfield energy education to K-12 students through our Mobile Learning units in ten states across the USA, and providing continuing STEM education
opportunities for teachers via our teacher workshops, which they take back to class with our Oilfield Learning boxes.
With this foundation, we have a unique opportunity now to meet the industry where it is and lead the charge in energy education, and the need for unity and knowledge as we work together to achieve an inclusive sustainable future.
When I took on this role in the fall of 2021, I saw and embraced this need for unity and knowledge, and the opportunity to find ways to reach more people and provide a broader scope of engagement. From the youngest future engineers and scientists in the classrooms, to the seasoned and experienced professionals who are rounding out the success in their careers, we wanted to find a way to educate and honor the full spectrum of interaction in the industry.
It is from this that the Energy Education Foundation was born. Building on the foundation of the Oilfield Energy Center, we have charted a new path for our organization and have worked with our partners to find our place in the industry's future. Our mission is simple yet profound. The Energy Education Foundation will cultivate the next generation of energy professionals through education in the community, advocacy, and professional and technical engagement in the energy sector. We envision a world in which the future is powered by leaders and experts who continue the tradition of innovation.
We hope you will join us as we cultivate the future of energy through our education programs and professional engagement opportunities. You can learn more about our new name and the future of the EEF at energyeducation.org. I am so excited about all of the wonderful work we have to come, and I cannot wait to share more.
The Energy Education Foundation is a 501©3 non-profit funded through the support of donors.
Share this post
At the Energy Education Foundation, we are thrilled to celebrate Pride Month with our "Pride in Energy" campaign, highlighting the inspiring stories of LGBTQ+ professionals who are making significant impacts in the energy sector. Today, we are proud to introduce Tracy Upton, a passionate advocate for diversity and a dedicated professional in the energy industry. Tracy's journey and accomplishments not only embody our mission to cultivate the future of the energy system but also demonstrate the power of embracing diversity in creating a more sustainable and equitable future. Finding a Path in Energy Tracy Upton's connection to the energy sector runs deep. With both parents working in the industry, Tracy was naturally drawn to follow in their footsteps. The opportunity to intern with an energy company during college was a pivotal moment. "It’s one of the leading industries in Houston, my home, and I found comfort and family pride in continuing the legacy of working in the industry," Tracy shares. Tracy's career trajectory has been marked by versatility and growth. Initially focused on Onshore Upstream lines of business, Tracy's current role in an integrated energy company offers a comprehensive view of all lines of business across the United States. However, it is in Supplier Diversity where Tracy has truly found a calling. Connecting diverse suppliers, including LGBTQ+-owned businesses, with the company's supply chain needs has transformed a job into a passion. "I’m able to influence the decision makers to meet with women-owned and LGBTQ+-owned businesses, my communities, for potential sourcing opportunities, and that has turned my job into my passion," Tracy explains. Championing Diversity and Sustainability Tracy's dedication and impact were recently recognized by the Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, which awarded her the Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year at the 2024 Pride in Business Luncheon. As a native Houstonian and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, this recognition holds profound significance. "Being recognized as someone making a difference or an economic impact for other members of my diverse community in my hometown, is an absolute honor," Tracy says. "I want to be a catalyst for my community’s wins, and I want to continue being one of the reasons why it thrives." Tracy firmly believes that diverse and small businesses are the driving force behind the innovations that will shape the future of energy. By bridging the gap between these businesses and major integrated energy companies, Tracy's role in Supplier Diversity is crucial for fostering a sustainable energy future. "My role in Supplier Diversity helps bridge and shorten the gap between diverse and small suppliers with the major integrated energy companies to provide that sustainable energy in the future," Tracy notes. Advice for LGBTQ+ Aspirants For LGBTQ+ students or young professionals considering a career in energy, Tracy offers valuable advice: "Find your fit. There are energy companies of all shapes and sizes, and they have a gambit of professions that most people haven’t considered an energy company needing." Tracy emphasizes the importance of mentorship and networking, encouraging aspiring professionals to join organizations like Young Professionals in Energy or other field-specific groups. These resources can be instrumental in finding the right path and opportunities within the industry. Supporting LGBTQ+ Participation in Energy Tracy also provides insightful recommendations for how the Energy Education Foundation (EEF) and similar organizations can better support LGBTQ+ students and young professionals. "Partnering with other diverse national or local organizations and hosting events or development programs can help students and young professionals listen in on panel interviews, participate in fire-side chats, and/or network with experienced professionals in the industry," Tracy suggests. These initiatives can significantly enhance knowledge of the everchanging energy sector and highlight the advancements in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives within energy companies globally. As we celebrate Pride Month, Tracy Upton's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the energy sector. Her journey, achievements, and passion are a testament to the positive impact that embracing diversity can have on both individuals and the industry as a whole. At the Energy Education Foundation, we are committed to supporting and encouraging LGBTQ+ participation in the energy sector, and we are inspired by leaders like Tracy who are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
As Women's History Month comes to a close, it's important to recognize the contributions of women in the energy industry. One such woman is Lori Fremin, the Board Chair Emeritus of the Energy Education Foundation (EEF). Lori's journey into the energy industry began with a desire for a good job with great benefits. However, she quickly realized that her work had a greater purpose. She enjoyed volunteering to help others understand how the industry impacted their lives, and after having children, she felt a greater responsibility to help future generations. Throughout her career, Lori had several role models and mentors, including her grandmothers, mother, and various senior leaders who provided guidance and opportunities. These mentors helped shape her career path and encouraged her to create a plan with alternate scenarios to achieve her long-term goals. When asked about the most important function of her work in the energy industry, Lori highlighted three critical areas. First, she believes that energy education and awareness is essential to bringing others along and making them smarter energy consumers. Second, creating a sustainable energy future is crucial, and this involves nurturing and reinventing both traditional and renewable energy sources. Third, she believes that everyone needs to lean in and become part of the solution to ensure sufficient energy supplies for future generations. Lori also sees the EEF as playing a significant role in the future of the energy industry. The foundation's focus on energy education and awareness is crucial in promoting a better understanding of how the industry impacts our lives. It also encourages discussions that move beyond the false dichotomy of either/or to embrace the power of both/and, recognizing the need for all sources of energy to help people live and thrive. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we recognize Lori Fremin's contributions to the energy industry and her dedication to creating a sustainable energy future through education and awareness. Her work serves as an inspiration to women in the industry and reminds us of the importance of mentoring and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
