More than 1,300 high school girls, educators, career advisors, and women leaders from engineering, construction, maritime, oil and gas, chemical, and industrial sectors gathered for the Women in Industry Conference 2026. The sold-out event took place on March 5 at the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Galveston.

Keynote speakers Shalini Mudliar, senior vice president of project management at Worley, and Akilla Hameed, director of project management services at Phillips 66, shared their career journeys and encouraged attendees to boldly pursue their goals. Mudliar emphasized the importance of owning one’s purpose and next moves, while Hameed used the metaphor of a red skirt to illustrate courage, self-trust, and standing out.

High school attendees represented more than two dozen school districts, including Alief ISD, Alvin ISD, Bay City High School, Houston ISD, Pasadena ISD, Spring Branch ISD, and Texas City High School. This year marked the eighth consecutive year of participation from nonprofit This One’s for the Gals (TOFTG), which sponsored over 100 students from schools across Texas, including A.C. Jones High School, Boling High School, Deweyville High School, and Robstown Early College High School.

Vera Lewis Jasper, dean of technical and professional education at Galveston College and organizer of the conference, noted that labor shortages in male-dominated industries present extensive opportunities for girls and women. Attendees engaged with role models such as welders, pipefitters, control room operators, and ship captains, gaining insight into career possibilities.

The conference was organized by Galveston College with support from the Texas Gulf Coast Community College Consortium, which includes Alvin College, Brazosport College, College of the Mainland, Houston City College, Lee College, Lone Star College, San Jacinto College, and Wharton County Junior College. Representatives from Amarillo College also attended.

Throughout the day, corporate sponsors and community college representatives hosted booths in the Exhibit Hall, facilitated breakout sessions, panel discussions, and one-on-one conversations. Sponsors of the 2026 conference included Arkema Inc., Bechtel, Chevron Philips Chemical, ExxonMobil Corporation, Freeport LNG Development, INEOS, ONEOK, OXY, PCL Industrial Construction Co., Phillips 66, S&B Engineering and Construction, Shell USA, TechLabs, Turner Industries Group, LLC, and Worley.

Lewis Jasper highlighted the value of the event for students and sponsors alike, noting that attendees gained practical insights and networking opportunities that support their career growth.

The Women in Industry Conference continues to provide a platform for exposing girls to career opportunities, inspiring confidence, and fostering pathways into high-demand industries.

For more information about the conference, keynote speakers, workshops, and exhibitors, visit the online program here.