Celebrating 2023: Lessons Learned, Laughter Shared, and Engineering Futures Forged
Welcome to Professional Plus Newsletter, a newsletter for modern professionals.
As we bid farewell to 2023, I extend a warm welcome to reflect upon the incredible moments that shaped this remarkable year for me. Join me in revisiting a journey filled with professional triumphs, community engagements, and the joy of contributing to the ever-evolving engineering landscape.
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PROFESSIONAL MILESTONES
Cheers to 20 Years!
This year marked a significant milestone as I celebrated 20 years of dedication to Schlumberger. Reflecting on this rare accomplishment, I am grateful for the blend of luck and talent that brought me here. While the official celebration awaits in 2024, my wife and I shared a special dinner at Brenner’s Steakhouse to commemorate the occasion.
NSBE Houston Member of the Year
The NSBE Houston Professionals recognized me as their Member of the Year during their annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet. This honor was both surprising and humbling. I am extremely grateful for the recognition and energized to continue the work of increasing diversity in STEM fields.
NETWORKING & EVENTS
Houston Engineers Week Casino Night
The Young Engineer of the Year Casino Night, in celebration of National Engineers Week, was a night of excitement and camaraderie with brilliant minds.
I proudly joined the NSBE Houston Professionals leadership to celebrate Qua Thomas for being named Young Engineer of the Year by the chapter!
UH Engineers Week Awards Program
At the UH EAA Engineers Week Awards Program, I proudly presented an award to Smithson Arrey, joining the UH Engineering Alumni Association in celebrating excellence. This year, the association awarded 42 deserving students with scholarships totaling $21,000, fueling the future of engineering talent.
👉 Call to Action: Let’s keep supporting and empowering future generations of engineers! Contact me if you want to sponsor a UH engineering student or the event. The Engineer’s Week celebration is on February 20, 2024.
Cullen College of Engineering Alumni Awards Gala
As a UH Engineering Alumni Association board member, I was privileged to attend the annual Cullen College of Engineering Awards Gala. The event recognized several outstanding individuals whose contributions to society and engineering are remarkable.
Juneteenth United Airlines MVP Series Event
Honoring Juneteenth at Minute Maid Park with the Houston Astros Foundation and United Airlines was a memorable experience. The highlight of the evening was Manager Dusty Baker receiving a hat from the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, a symbol of pride and unity that resonated deeply.
UH Engineering Alumni Association Annual Meeting
Gathering at the Annual Meeting and Networking Social at Saint Arnold Brewing Company was a delightful reunion with old friends and an opportunity to reconnect with the UH Engineering Alumni Association.
The evening was filled with shared experiences and laughter, and the dean of the College of Engineering provided updates on the college.
👉 Call to Action: I encourage everyone to join their respective alumni associations and benefit from the networking and volunteering opportunities.
University of Houston Engineering Alumni Association Tailgates
Big 12 Conference debut year, Big 12 spirit! This year, the University of Houston roared into the conference, and the Engineering Alumni Association brought the party with tailgates for every home game. I could not resist joining the excitement for the TCU showdown, the Texas clash, and homecoming.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
NSBE Houston Professionals Fresh Start Program
NSBE Houston Professional’s biannual Fresh Start program sparks engineering passion in 3rd to 12th graders annually. This year, over 200 students attended each session. I had the privilege to volunteer at both sessions, witnessing firsthand the magic of interactive workshops that plant seeds of innovation.
Thanks to HP for sponsoring this inspiring initiative and KHOU 11 News for sharing the spring Fresh Start event with an even wider audience.
👉 Call to Action: Please watch the April KHOU 11 segment on Fresh Start and spread the word. Most NSBE chapters across the country have similar Fresh Start initiatives.
LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY
UH EAA Gala Award Announcements
As part of the UH Engineering Alumni Association leadership, I treated Micky Fleischer and Jerrod Henderson to a surprise lunch. The real treat, however, was informing them about receiving the prestigious Abraham E. Duckler Distinguished Faculty Award and the Roger Eichorn Leadership Service Award at our annual gala.
NSBE Houston Professionals Leadership Transition
Attending the Leadership Transition and Strategy Planning meeting with fellow advisors was an important and fulfilling responsibility. I am committed to supporting and guiding, ensuring the chapter thrives and reaches its full potential.
Engineer to Leader Panel at SHPE Houston Professionals
I was privileged to lend my voice to the Engineer to Leader: Empowering Engineers for Leadership Success conversation hosted by SHPE — Houston Professional Chapter. Engaging in thoughtful discussions about leadership with younger engineers was a great reminder of the importance of mentorship and guidance.
As we close out 2023, I am profoundly grateful for the shared experiences and invaluable lessons that have enriched this journey. Looking ahead to 2024, I am excited about the continued opportunities for personal and professional growth and thrilled to announce my commitment to sharing more inspiring content through newsletters and blog posts. Your ongoing support means the world to me, and I invite you to stay connected for the adventures ahead. Here is to a new year filled with possibilities and meaningful connections! 🤝
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