Speaker #1 Title:  Assistant Professor

Speaker #1 Company: University of Houston

Speaker #1 Bio: Jose C. Martinez leads the Cloud Computing track in the Computer Information Systems program teaching Cloud Computing Architecture, Infrastructure and Operations courses. He is an active member with Amazon Web Services Academy Leadership Council advising on content and direction for the development of new tracks. Jose has over twenty years of IT industry experience focusing on Project / Program / Development / Operations Management for global distributed systems and cloud-based systems. He served as Software Architect and/or Technical Lead with several organizations, including JPMorganChase, BMC Software, Chevron and Shell. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer

Science from the University of Houston.                                                                                                                                    

Speaker #1 Abstract: Industry Transition and Demand for Cloud-based Skills

Organizations have completed their trial period evaluating systems to move to the cloud. They are moving their applications to the cloud. For that they need cloud-based skills for cloud-based teams. The demand for cloud-based skills is high for technical, managerial or admin; experienced or entry-level. We will review the programs, options, benefits to embrace the cloud for a transition. We will discuss the multitude of IT and Business roles that must change due to organizations adopting the cloud, the types of responsibilities cloud-based resources are assigned and, what to expect in an interview for a cloud-based role.

Speaker #2 Title: Executive Coach

Speaker #2 Company: A. Houston & Associates

Speaker #2 Bio: Ann has owned her own Executive and Career Coaching business for over 20 years. Having started her own business, she has made mistakes and had some grand successes. Her experience with the highs and lows of business ownership puts her in a unique position. She can comfortably coach and work with those who are considering or are committed to starting their own businesses. In her Executive Coaching practice, she has coached high potentials, recently promoted and long term, mid – senior level executives on communication, team building, and executive presence. Her niche is women in traditionally male dominated industries.

Speaker #2 Abstract: Want to Start A Company?  Come join us. 

We’re going to talk about:

• Your business plan


• Your Unique Selling Proposition


• Your niche


• Must haves


• And more…

Starting a business is exciting.  Doing the planning, research, investigation, creating your business plan for some, sounds so boring.  “I just want to start my business.”  Doing the up-front work helps you be focused and targeted and gives you the confidence, that you really know what you are talking about and taking to market. Now that’s exciting!  When you register, please include the type of business you want to form.  “Haven’t decided” is also an answer.

Speaker #3 Title: Reservoir Engineering Consultant

Speaker #3 Company:

Speaker #3 Bio:  Ms. Carreras’ main interests are reservoir engineering, field development planning, reservoir simulation, public speaking, mentoring and coaching. She has worked for more than 25 years for major, independent and consulting oil and gas companies. Ms. Carreras has a vast international work experience developed in Houston, Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico, and Buenos Aires, Argentina among other locations. She is an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, currently serving in the Business, Management and Leadership Committee, and volunteering as a mentor for the eMentoring program. Ms. Carreras holds a Bachelors degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Buenos Aires, and a Master of Engineering degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University

Speaker #3 Abstract: The Mentoring Journey

Want to boost your business, management, leadership or technical skills? Become a mentor or a mentee. Understand how to make a difference in another person’s life by sharing your knowledge. Grasp the importance of acquiring new knowledge in a supportive environment. Learn about the SPE eMentoring program.  The workshop will provide an opportunity for you to participate in fun mentor-mentee role-playing conversations with the objective of training and improving your communication and leadership skills. Apply what you have learned in your professional and personal life.

Mentoring is a journey. Enjoy the ride!

Speaker #4 Title: President and CEO

Speaker #4 Company: American Personnel Resources, Trainrite, Tysonite Partners LLC

Speaker #4 Bio:  Ramesh Anand is the President of American Personnel Resources LLC & Trainrite, a global training and headhunting company & the CEO of Tysonite Partners LLC, an Automation solutions company.  Since, 1980, Ramesh has consulted for major corporations across the world in diverse industries for their Training & Staffing needs. He is frequently invited as a guest speaker on career related topics. Through Trainrite, he facilitates online and classroom programs across the world, in wide soft and hard skills areas.  When Ramesh is not working, he likes to rescue animals or run marathons or bike & swim long distances.

Speaker #4 Abstract: Preparing for Unemployment

A wise man once asked me “When is the best time to look for a job?” I was in my good elements and gave him, what I still believe was my best responses: The best time is when you have a job and you are doing well. Preparing for unemployment, especially when an economy is facing a downturn can be a very daunting task.  The webinar will touch on various topics that professionals need to keep in mind as they get ready to take on the probability of unemployment, heads on.