Joaquina Borges King

I attribute my success to my upbringing and the spirit of resilience I witnessed as a child by my mom and my dad. They were immigrants who didn't complain but just worked hard, very humble. They really did fulfill the American dream for their children as immigrants and did not take for granted the opportunity for education, pushing us though they themselves had no formal education. That continues to inspire me. I can do no less than they did with so much less and achieved so much. In my quiet moments, even on tough days, those dayspale in comparison to the struggles that they first encountered to build a life. We didn't have much growing but I did have a sense of self. Resilience and work ethic was modeled by my parents, and I certainly try to live up to that every day.

The energy industry is now relevant, and it's definitely more dynamic, though it still is a male-dominated industry where I'm oftentimes the only female in the room, certainly the only person of color. My advice would be: get exposed, talk to people. I really encourage developing one's network while you're in school, whether in high school years where you can shadow someone's career. I did not have those opportunities, but I really think it's important for young people to understand that they can have impact early in their careers if they expose themselves. Be a constant learner, be inquisitive, ask questions. Realize that you really do have to captain your own ship of your career. No one is going to point you in the direction you need to go with all the talent and opportunity out there, but if you ask for someone's help, I don't know many professionals who will say no, I can't help you. Most will at least take a 15-minute call. A younger me would encourage the person to be bold, and even if you're shy, practice in the mirror, place the phone call, send the email follow-up, invite someone for coffee, and lean into what it is you think you might want to do. Test the waters and see if that really fulfills a passion that you might have.

Integrity is at the top of my list. I feel very strongly about integrity. I also feel very strongly and passionately about the need for one to absorb the consequences of their choices, to the extent that they have choices, so that they can pursue whatever passions they have in life. I don't believe anyone really does it by themselves, but I do believe we have to lay claim to the choices that we do have and pursue those consequences, good, bad, and indifferent, to get to the next level of whatever those dreams are. I really feel strongly and passionately about being a responsible citizen in one's community. Your community does not have to be a leadership role, highly visible, but I do think we can make an impact in our communities, in our homes, in our relationships. Pursuing activities that fulfill that are very personally important to me and rewarding, and I encourage others to do that. I also believe in giving back and paying it forward. I mentor for students quite a bit, from high school through college through professional careers, and I found that very satisfying. Just creating the opportunity, not just opening the door, but holding the door open for others at this stage of my career.