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RESERVE — Last week, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), in partnership with Shell, held the 14^th annual Louisiana’s Energize Your Destiny career and education forum at River Parishes Community College (RPCC) Reserve Campus. Other participating schools this year, included Baton Rouge Community College, Delgado Community College, Fletcher Technical Community College, Nunez Community College and the University of Holy Cross.

This annual STEM focused forum is designed to elevate women in the Energy Sector, educate them about career and education options, and encourage them to “take charge of their future.” The Forum aims to empower participants during meaningful panel discussions, with diverse workforce perspectives from employers, and with inspirational messages on increasing personal ownership during professional development workshops.

“Each year, I am re-energized by our students, who are identifying transformational career and education choices and taking charge and ownership of their destinies. It has been an honor to lead this initiative since 2017, when the LCTCS transitioned, as host,” said Alison Bordelon, LCTCS System Director of Industry Aligned Career Pathways.

Throughout the year, both industry and education members work together to develop the industry aligned programs that truly develop the future workforce needed to sustain the work; this forum showcases the outcomes of that partnership.

“Industry better serves their consumers when they have a wide variety of perspectives within their workforce. I want to thank Shell, along with Danos, BASF, Turner Industries and Baker Hughes for their partnership and ever-growing support for women in the workforce,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., LA-02.

Each year, Energize your Destiny provides a unique platform, convening high school and college students, parents, career counselors, military veterans, and community members statewide. The forum highlights the broad offerings of industry aligned programs and services the LCTCS institutions provide, and the sustainable career opportunities offered by industry partners. This year, an additional panel discussion was added, prioritizing personal well-being for work-life balance as well as maintaining safety in the workplace.

“It’s always thrilling to participate in this annual forum, it keeps my energy sector perspective “alive.” I enjoy engaging with industry members, the LCTCS colleges, and our Louisiana students who will become the future of work,” said Louisiana State Senator Sharon Hewitt.

The Energize Your Destiny forum is offered in connection with other Shell STEM-focused initiatives, such as Shell’s Energy Venture Camp. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Shell’s commitment to the future of the energy workforce. “Energize Your Destiny is an incredible opportunity to partner with the LCTCS to help build the skills locally that will help women in this community compete for great jobs. Shell is proud to be part of encouraging more diversity in backgrounds and experiences – we believe diversity will be key to shaping innovation and transformation of our future energy system,” said Melissa Dotson, Shell Chemicals LP Manager AOS Startup.”

“Energize Your Destiny with Shell is a great opportunity for students to connect and to network with industry leaders across the state to learn more about various career opportunities,” said Quintin Taylor, Interim Chancellor of RPCC. “Hearing stories from the leaders about their personal job experiences is an honor and provides an insight into what students can expect from their future careers. RPCC was excited to host this year’s event and we look forward to working with Shell in the years to come as we continue to promote STEM related careers.”