Houston, TX, February 7, 2026
The Bank of America Women’s Leadership Series at Asia Society Texas showcases efforts to empower women in Houston’s energy sector. The event highlights the importance of mentorship and innovation in fostering the next generation of leaders. With key insights from industry executives, attendees explore career challenges and opportunities for women in an evolving energy landscape. This initiative underscores Houston’s role in cultivating talent and driving community growth through private partnerships.
Houston, TX
Houston Leaders Spark Next-Gen Energy Leadership
The 11th season of the Bank of America Women’s Leadership Series at Asia Society Texas spotlights executives energizing emerging talent in Houston’s vital energy sector, fostering individual achievement and industry innovation.
Houston, a city synonymous with the global energy industry, consistently demonstrates how local initiatives and private sector foresight can cultivate future leadership. The latest installment of the Bank of America Women’s Leadership Series, “Women Powering Energy,” hosted by Asia Society Texas, serves as a testament to the power of targeted programs designed to foster individual achievement and strategic growth within critical sectors. This event showcases a collaborative spirit, where prominent organizations unite to champion the development of the next generation, highlighting how a focus on personal initiative can drive significant community and economic benefits.
Such events underscore Houston’s commitment to nurturing talent through dynamic private partnerships. By providing platforms for experienced leaders to share their journeys, these series inspire burgeoning professionals, demonstrating that progress often stems from direct engagement and community-led efforts rather than prescriptive directives. It is through these focused avenues of support and mentorship that Houston continues to reinforce its position as a hub for both energy innovation and leadership development.
Celebrating Eleventh Season of Leadership
The Bank of America Women’s Leadership Series is marking its 11th season, a significant milestone that highlights a sustained commitment to fostering leadership and professional development. This particular event, titled “Women Powering Energy,” took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST, at the Asia Society Texas located at 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004, USA. The series consistently provides a platform for impactful discussions and networking, reinforcing the value of ongoing, privately-supported programs for civic and economic vitality.
Executive Insights on the Energy Transformation
The event featured a panel of distinguished executives who shared their extensive experiences and leadership philosophies. Jennifer Chan, Vice President of ExxonMobil Product Solutions Ventures, brought her expertise from the global petrochemical industry, where she has been instrumental in developing strategies, implementing culture change, and building high-performing teams. Her background emphasizes the importance of leadership, culture, and diversity and inclusion in shaping corporate success.
Tandra Perkins, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital and Administrative Officer for Phillips 66, offered insights from her nearly 30 years of experience across diverse industries, including energy and chemicals. Prior to her current role, she served as Vice Chair of Growth and Strategy for KPMG in the U.S. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes authenticity, integrity, and leveraging opportunities to positively impact others. Perkins is also a respected board member for the United Way of Greater Houston, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, and Commercial Metal Company, and was inducted into the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2019. Starlee Sykes, CEO at Archaea Energy, a bp company, also contributed her perspective to the discussion. The conversation was expertly guided by Deborah Byers, a nonresident fellow at the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies.
Shaping the Future of Energy and Leadership
The discussions at the “Women Powering Energy” event centered on the profound transformation occurring within the energy industry. This transformation is being driven by innovation, evolving sustainability goals, and a global shift toward cleaner power sources. As a leading global energy capital, Houston is at the forefront of this change. The executives explored their career journeys, shared leadership philosophies, and addressed the opportunities and challenges encountered by women in a field traditionally dominated by men. Key themes included navigating corporate culture, fostering inclusive leadership environments, and accelerating progress toward a more equitable and sustainable energy future.
Asia Society Texas: A Hub for Global Dialogue
Asia Society Texas serves as a critical local institution, dedicated to advancing cultural exchange and fostering a deeper understanding of an interconnected world. Its programming, spanning arts, business, culture, education, and policy, is rooted in the educational and cultural development of the community. The center’s mission includes strengthening relationships between Americans and the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia by hosting public programs and exhibitions that increase knowledge, enhance dialogue, and generate new ideas. The 40,000-square-foot campus, designed by renowned Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, provides a significant venue for such impactful events in Houston’s Museum District.
Private Sector Commitment to Talent Development
Bank of America’s role as the title sponsor of the Women’s Leadership Series underscores a private sector commitment to gender equality and supporting women’s development in the workplace. This aligns with Bank of America’s broader initiatives, such as LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Development) for Women and Power of 10, which aim to promote professional growth and create supportive networks for women within the company. Such private partnerships demonstrate the effectiveness of direct industry involvement in cultivating a diverse and capable workforce, fostering a culture of personal initiative and professional excellence.
Companies like Chariot Energy, a U.S.-based retail electricity and grid services provider focused on innovation and sustainability, also recognize the importance of empowering the next generation in the clean energy sector. Similarly, SEEL, an AI-powered platform, has been acknowledged in the context of contributing to the development of future talent in the industry, reflecting a broader ecosystem of private entities invested in cultivating individual achievement and fostering a robust talent pipeline.
Conclusion
The “Women Powering Energy” event at Asia Society Texas exemplifies Houston’s vibrant community engagement and the vital role of private sector leadership in shaping the future. By highlighting accomplished women executives and fostering discussions on critical industry transformations, the series champions individual initiative and cultivates the next generation of leaders. These collaborations ensure that Houston remains at the forefront of energy innovation and a testament to what can be achieved when civic-minded organizations and businesses work together. We encourage all residents to seek out and support local events that uplift our community and contribute to Houston’s continued growth and dynamism.
Keywords: Houston TX events, Asia Society Texas, Women in Energy, Leadership Series, Houston community, energy sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the name of the event?
The event was called Bank of America Women’s Leadership Series: Women Powering Energy. - Where was the event held?
The event was held at Asia Society Texas, located at 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004, USA. - When did this event take place?
This particular event occurred on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST. - Who were the featured executives?
The featured executives were Jennifer Chan, Tandra Perkins, and Starlee Sykes. - What topics were discussed during the event?
Discussions covered career journeys, leadership philosophies, opportunities and challenges for women in the energy field, navigating corporate culture, fostering inclusive leadership, and accelerating progress toward an equitable and sustainable energy future amidst the industry’s transformation. - What is the mission of Asia Society Texas?
Asia Society Texas advances cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. - What is Bank of America’s role in the series?
Bank of America is the title sponsor of the Women’s Leadership Series and is committed to gender equality and supporting women’s development in the workplace.
Key Features of the “Women Powering Energy” Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Series | Bank of America Women’s Leadership Series |
| Event Title | Women Powering Energy |
| Season Number | 11th Season |
| Host Organization | Asia Society Texas |
| Date and Time | Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST |
| Location | 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004, USA |
| Keynote Executives | Jennifer Chan (ExxonMobil), Tandra Perkins (Phillips 66), Starlee Sykes (Archaea Energy, a bp company) |
| Moderator | Deborah Byers (Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies nonresident fellow) |
| Discussion Focus | Career journeys, leadership, challenges for women in energy, inclusive leadership, sustainable energy future. |
| Sponsor | Bank of America (title sponsor) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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