Members in Transition Seminar #42/ Joint meeting with SPE Petrotech Study Group

Speaker #1 Title: VP Engineering

Speaker #1 Company: Subsurface Consultants & Associates, LLC

Speaker #1 Bio: C. Susan Howes, PE, PHR is VP of Engineering at Subsurface Consultants & Associates, LLC. She began her career with Anadarko where she held a variety of engineering positions before joining Chevron, where Howes provided reservoir management functional leadership that resulted in improved production and reserve trends. Howes has coauthored several papers and articles on the topics of uncertainty, risk, ethics and talent management. She is an SPE Honorary Member, a recipient of the SPE DeGolyer Distinguished Service Medal, and an SPE Distinguished Lecturer for 2019/20. Howes holds a BS degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas.

Speaker #1 Abstract: “Networking to Build Beneficial Relationships “

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for accelerating and sustaining successful careers.  Networking is about making the right connections and building beneficial relationships.  Learn how to grow your networking skills to influence change and to build collaborative relationships in order to add value for both your career and for your employer. 

Speaker #2 Title: Executive Advisor for Deputy CEO North Kuwait

Speaker #2 Company: Kuwait Oil Company

Speaker #2 Bio:  Maria Angela Capello is a resilience evangelist and renowned leader in the energy sector, expert in reservoir management, talent development, and diversity and inclusion. She was the first woman to supervise seismic crews in the jungles of Venezuela, to the advance a career that spans three continents, shaping her characteristic insightful and multicultural perspective.  Maria is an executive consultant at Kuwait Oil Company and has published 87 articles and the book “Learned in the Trenches – Insights on Leadership and Resilience.” She received the highest individual recognition by the SPE, the Honorary Membership Award in 2019, and is recipient of the SEG Special Commendation and Lifetime Membership Awards. She serves as SEG Director at Large, and chairs the SPE Business, Management and Leadership Committee. Her passion is the empowerment of women and young in the sustainability of energy. She earned her MSc at the Colorado School of Mines.

Speaker #2 Abstract: “The Path Towards Resilience”

We all experience hurdles, but not all of us bounce back equally fast or with a renewed energy. Because not all individuals are sufficiently resilient, and the big secret is that you are not born resilient, you become resilient. This presentation will share the insights developed by Maria Angela Capello from her own resilience journey in three continents, and her research about what works in boosting resilience for individuals and organizations. Practical indicators to assess your own resilience, and that of corporate organizations will be provided, sharing examples from the oil and gas industry. The lecture is grounded on the acclaimed book “Learned in the Trenches – Insights on Leadership and Resilience”, pushing the edge on what are the characteristics of resilient individuals and resilient organizations, and sharing what works for your own path towards resilience.  The highlight is that you will be able to take away fresh perspectives and tools to overcome stress, failure or disappointment, so common at life and work.

Speaker #3 Title: HR Consultant

Speaker #3 Abstract: How to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems

Speaker #3 Bio: Carroll Menasco, PHR, SHRM-CP is a senior HR executive with an MBA/HR Management and almost 20 years of experience working in small organizations within Governmental, Healthcare, IT and Manufacturing industries. She is a past committee chair and board member of AHRMA (Austin Human Resource Management Association) and an active member of HR Houston. Carroll has demonstrated experience as an HR Department of One and has been instrumental in reducing turnover by developing successful programs to attract and retain employees.   

Speaker #3 Abstract: How to Optimize Your Resume for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Did you know that 90% of Fortune 500 Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage high volumes of job applications? ATS will electronically scan your resume, score your qualifications based on the description for that position and rank your application. Recruiters rely on them to make their screening process more efficient. At least 75% of candidates are phased out of consideration because they don’t pass a screening!

This presentation will provide tips and tricks to help you learn how to

• Tailor your resume for each position


• Use keywords and exact phrases from the job description


• Utilize formatting, and


• How to discover key words.

Used together, these tips and tricks will help increase the chances of your resume making it through the ATS and in front of a real person!