It’s an exciting time for women geoscientists.
The AAPG Professional Women in Earth Sciences (PROWESS) special interest group has undergone a transformation. The SIG has been renamed the AAPG Women’s Network (AAPGWN), but along with the name change and a new logo, the group has made some important changes to its mission and goals.
“Moving forward, the AAPG Women’s Network will play a critical role in the evolution of AAPG as an association, especially with the increased focus on diversity and inclusion,” said Terra George and Amanda Haddad, the group’s co-chairs.
George is a senior staff geologist with Diamondback Energy and Haddad is an exploration geologist at BHP.
“The AAPGWN mission has two goals,” said Haddad. “The first is to further the growth of a strong network of men and women who support diversity and inclusion in the petroleum geosciences. The second is to elevate the visibility, technical prowess and contributions of women in the petroleum geosciences.”
According to the AAPGWN vision statement, the goal is to “lift the status of women in the petroleum geosciences such that women’s issues become non-issues,” so that one day women in the industry have the same visibility and career advancement as their male counterparts. In other words, “there ceases to be ‘male geoscientists’ or ‘female geoscientists’ – we are all just ‘geoscientists,’” said Haddad.
AAPGWN will continue to have a prominent presence in AAPG’s Annual Convention and Exhibition and International Conference and Exhibition with special sessions, networking receptions and short courses.
“These events are well attended and enrich professional connections with geoscience researchers, petroleum technology experts and industry leaders,” said George.
In addition, the group plans to continue to host webinars to inform attendees of recent research, techniques, professional development and business-related topics that are relevant to seasoned professionals and help to inspire young geoscientists.
Mentorship is another important element in AAPGWN’s mission, which emphasizes “education, outreach, support, leadership development and ultimately, retention and engagement,” according to the AAPGWN mission statement.
“AAPGWN aims to encourage young women to pursue careers in petroleum geoscience, to mentor women through their careers, to be mentored and to further the work of previous generations, especially with an increased focus on diversity and inclusion,” said George.
Recognizing professional excellence is another priority adopted by AAPGWN.
“Previously, PROWESS nominated multiple women AAPG members for awards and leadership positions within AAPG. AAPGWN intends to continue this work to recognize the contributions of outstanding women. Suggestions for candidates are welcome,” said George.
To learn more about the AAPG Women’s Network visit AAPG.org/womens-network and follow AAPGWN on LinkedIn and AAPGWomensNetwork on Facebook and AAPG_WN on Twitter.
AAPG Women’s Network Mission Statement
The mission of AAPG Women’s Network (AAPGWN) is to make a positive difference, provide guidance, support, increase participation and promote the advancement of women in geosciences and the energy industry. The emphasis will be on education, outreach, support, leadership development, and ultimately, retention and engagement. The AAPGWN will interact with men and women in geoscience, their peers and employers, educational institutions and professional societies to accomplish this mission.