Speaker #1 Title: Manager, Welcome Back Program

Speaker #1 Company: Chevron

Speaker #1 Bio:  Twanna Hardy manages Chevron’s Welcome Back Program, a diversity recruiting initiative to support experienced professionals with career gaps in returning to the workforce. Twanna began her energy industry career at Schlumberger and has held various HR positions at Chevron since joining the company in 2007. Twanna holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Speaker #1 Abstract: Making Your Career Break Work for You

Having a gap in your work history can be discouraging during a job search, as this can be viewed negatively by potential employers. Chevron is among progressive companies that are establishing return-to-work initiatives for experienced professionals. Twanna will discuss Chevron’s Welcome Back Program and provide HR insight on how to effectively market yourself when applying for jobs after an extended work hiatus.

Speaker #2 Title: Senior VP - R&D Newpark Fluids Systems

Speaker #2 Company: Newpark Resources

Speaker #2 Bio:  Dr. Lynn Frostman has 23 years of experience in the oilfield services market, spanning a variety of roles in Technology, Operations, and Strategic Marketing. She is currently Senior Vice President - Research & Development for Newpark Fluids Systems, where she leads R&D, product commercialization, technical support, applied engineering, and digital initiatives. She holds both B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering.

Speaker #2 Abstract: Writing Your Own Ticket

While there is much you can’t control, there are many things you can do to position yourself to have choices in your career. This talk will cover some of the key behaviors I’ve found helpful in being able to write my own ticket: reframing challenges as opportunities, getting control of the gremlins in your head, and finding your voice.

Speaker #3 Title: Informational Speaker

Speaker #3 Company: Administrative Assistant Ninja

Speaker #3 Bio:  Carrie Balberg has experienced the full gamut of employment transition. Dissatisfied with pointless job searching advice from the Internet, Carrie speaks about her journey of unemployment, including education for peers, family members, and employers on a variety of stereotypes of this misunderstood demographic.

Speaker #3 Abstract: Navigating Planet Unemployed: Getting Back To Earth

Explore Navigating Planet Unemployed including using the Texas unemployment system, coping with job loss, acquiring job references, educating family/peer influences and protecting your mental health.  Get back to Earth by exploding several job-hunting myths including job boards, recruiters, interviews and salary guessing games.  The goal of the presentation is to be empowering, engaging, and humorous.