Galveston College – along with eight other community colleges which comprise the Texas Gulf Coast Community College Consortium – will host the 2024 Women In Industry Conference on Wednesday, 3 April. Now in its seventh year, the Women In Industry Conference will attract more than 1,100 high school girls and women who want to learn about careers in petrochemical, construction, avionics, biotech, and IT industries. The conference will be held at the Moody Gardens Convention Center located at One Hope Boulevard in Galveston, Texas.
In addition to Galveston College, the consortium includes Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, College of the Mainland, Houston Community College, Lee College, Lone Star College, San Jacinto College and Wharton County Junior College. Representatives from all nine colleges will be available at the conference to discuss education and training programs, financial aid, student services and career services.
ExxonMobil, Worley, Phillips 66, Chevron Phillips Chemical, OXY, The Chemours Company, Olin, Turner Industries Group LLC, LyondellBasell, Arkema, Shell USA, National Center for Construction Education and Research and Workforce Solutions are confirmed sponsors as of Feb. 1, 2024.
“We encourage high school girls and women to join us for this conference. High school and college students, U.S. military veterans, and women in transition who are seeking high-demand and well-paying careers will learn about opportunities in traditionally male-dominated industry sectors,” explained Vera Lewis-Jasper, dean of technical and professional education at Galveston College.
In addition to morning and lunch keynote sessions featuring leaders from ExxonMobil and Worley, the conference includes breakout sessions that run from 9:15 a.m. until 12:20 p.m. Exhibitors will welcome attendees throughout the day.
“The Women In Industry Conference is growing the pipeline for women to enter STEM careers,” said Carla Thompson, workforce development manager, western region for Turner Industries Group, LLC. “Turner Industries believes that supporting women wanting to enter our industry and opening pathways is very important. This conference gives us the opportunity to introduce ourselves to women from high school, community colleges, employment seekers and other organizations in Texas looking for information about petrochemical careers.”
“Women have the ability to bring a different perspective into the workforce that hasn’t been there traditionally,” said Amanda Knost, president of North America West and Gulf Coast for Worley. “The way we do work in construction is going to have to change to meet the demands, and I think it’s an opportunity for women to come in and truly make a difference and contribute.”
