Moments That Made Pink Petro

Looking back over the past five years, so much has happened. There’s been much to applaud as well as challenges to overcome. Yet, through it all, we, Pink Petro, and you, our members and supporters, have been together. As we move into 2020 and get ready to celebrate our five-year anniversary, let’s look back on some of our shared experiences.

Looking Back: A Five-Year Timeline of Major Events

2015

• Pink Petro Launch: On International Women’s Day in March 2015 Pink Petro, a network dedicated to empowering women and diversifying the energy industry, was born. The story broke in The Houston Business Journal, bizwomen, and CBS News.
• Lean In Energy Launch: In October 2015, Pink Petro funded and launched Lean In Energy, a nonprofit mentoring program for the energy sector.

2016

• First Pink Petro Energy Forum: 2,500 people gathered in person and online at the inaugural Un-conference. FYI, the Energy 2.0 un-conference in March 2020 is slated to have more than 75,000!
• Oil Crash: Post-recession, oil made a steady comeback rising as high as $114 per barrel in 2014, but prices began slipping significantly in 2015 and bottomed out around $26 in 2016, causing many energy companies to cut back.
• Fairygodboss Recognition: Pink Petro landed on the list of top resources for women.
• Houston Biz Journal Coverage: Katie Mehnert's narrative "It’s time to do more than just talk about the energy industry gender gap" was featured in the Houston Biz Journal.
• Forbes Coverage: Katie's "The Energy Gender Gap: Still a Long Road Ahead" reaches thousands in Forbes.

2017

• Experience Energy Launch: The energy job site launched with more than 1,000 openings from employers seeking diverse talent.
• Hurricane Harvey: The Category 4 hurricane swept through Texas and Louisiana causing $125 billion in damage and killing more than 100 people. The Pink Petro offices moved and founder Katie Mehnert began the rebuild of her own home.
• #MeToo: Actress and activist Alyssa Milano created a whirlwind with a single Tweet, bringing unprecedented attention to sexual harassment and assault.
• Forbes: "Want To Save Your Company From Scandal? Give The Gift Of Culture," an op-ed by Katie, featured in Forbes.
• TXOGA Coverage: Katie's "Why Our Kids Need to Know About Energy" featured by the TXOGA Texas Oil & Gas Association.
• Houston Chronicle Feature: Katie's "Mehnert: U.S. energy industry's gender gap needs spotlight" went live.
• Woman of the Week: Katie Mehnert named ABC 13's Woman of the Week.
• Featured Executive: Katie Mehnert becomes a Glassdoor Featured Executive.

2018

• GRIT Awards Launch: Designed to recognize energy industry professionals who go above and beyond, the inaugural GRIT Awards Program was attended by 75,000 people in person and online in March 2018. FYI, nominations for 2020 open soon, so start thinking about people who deserve to be recognized now!
• Oil Slump: After reaching a four-year high of more than $75 per barrel in October 2018, the price dropped to under $55 in November, a 13-month low.
• EDII: The Energy Diversity & Inclusion Index™ (EDII™), which examines the state of inclusion across the energy sector and was the first-ever of its kind, was released by Experience Energy.
• Houston Business Journal Coverage: Katie's op-ed "Everyone needs mentoring, despite accomplishments" featured.

2019

• Katie Mehnert Addresses Congress: The Pink Petro founder testified on Capitol Hill in matters related to energy workforce diversity.
• Best Energy Workplaces: Because top employers deserve recognition too, the Best Energy Workplaces award program was launched in October 2019.
• Scientific American: "We Need More Women in the Energy Sector," an op-ed by Katie, was shared by Scientific American.
• Houston Chronicle: Katie Mehnert featured in "Energy industry’s recruitment efforts highlight persistent challenges for women."

2020

• Five-Year Anniversary: As we celebrate
  our five-year anniversary, Pink Petro will be building on our prior activities
  and focusing on five goals; gender equality, affordable and clean energy,
  decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and climate action.

Stay Connected