Women's History Month Highlight: Lyndal Cissell
March 13, 2023
Highlighting the Grit and Determination of Lyndal Cissell
In celebration of Women's History Month, it's important to recognize the trailblazing women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One such woman is Lyndal Cissell, a board member of the Energy Education Foundation (EEF), Managing Director at SLB, and a leader in the energy industry.
Lyndal's journey in the energy industry began when she was studying Geomorphology in college. Realizing that it would be a challenge to find remunerative employment in her field, she researched the best careers in STEM and found that petroleum engineering was at the top of the list. She switched schools and programs and never looked back.
Throughout her career, Lyndal has had amazing mentors and managers who have challenged her and given her new opportunities to learn and grow. Her mother was also an important role model who taught her that learning is lifelong and grit is the secret ingredient to success.
Today, Lyndal sees the most important function of her work in the energy industry as driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. She is committed to moving further and faster in driving the world's ongoing energy transition.
As a board member of the Energy Education Foundation, Lyndal understands the importance of providing an open platform to share with society the value of the industry. Petroleum products are part of every fabric of our lives today, from medical products to our homes and our food chain. The EEF serves as an education platform to inspire future engineers to solve the complex challenges facing the industry and to be inspired by the opportunities to help the world face its greatest balancing act.
Lyndal Cissell is an inspiration to women and men alike in the energy industry. Her commitment to driving energy innovation and her work with the EEF are critical in shaping the future of the industry. We should all take note of her success and learn from her example of hard work, determination, grit, and lifelong learning.
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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.
