Celebrating women in oil and Gas: The inspiring Journey of Stella Chinyere Emeka

In a world where women have traditionally been underrepresented in the oil and gas industry, Stella Chinyere Emeka-Okoli (Nee Nwankwo) stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young girls and women aspiring to break barriers.

As the Corporate Relations Adviser -Non Technical Risk Integration (NTRi) – Deepwater Projects for one of Nigeria’s leading oil and gas companies, Stella’s extraordinary journey is a testament to resilience, impact-driven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Stella’s journey into the male-dominated oil and gas industry began with her determination to make a mark, even when the odds were stacked against her.

Armed with a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from Enugu State University and later an M.Sc. in Sustainable Development from University College London, Stella navigated societal and workplace challenges with remarkable tenacity.

Starting her career as a Technical Assistant in Shell Petroleum during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), she quickly rose through the ranks, earning recognition for her exceptional work ethic and innovative approaches.

Throughout her career, Stella has played pivotal roles in shaping the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. She successfully coordinated and implemented over $500 million worth of stakeholder and social investment projects, addressing critical sustainable development gaps such as gender parity and youth employment.

Her expertise in non-technical risk quantification (NTRQ) has prevented financial losses and statutory penalties, ensuring smooth operations for her company. By working across multiple levels, from C-suite executives to grassroots stakeholders, Stella has cemented trust between her organization, host communities, and regulatory bodies.

Her leadership extends to implementing community development initiatives in underserved areas, showcasing her ability to balance corporate interests with social impact. Whether it was championing youth employment programs or designing frameworks to address gender disparities, Stella’s strategic interventions have left an indelible mark on the industry.

One of Stella’s most significant contributions lies in her mentorship of young women and her advocacy for gender inclusion in the oil and gas sector. As a member of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and a Trauma-Informed Coach and Counsellor at RediscoveringU, she dedicates her time to mentoring women and girls.

Through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and public speaking engagements, Stella has inspired countless women to pursue careers in fields where they are underrepresented. Her efforts to uplift women go beyond mentoring.

She facilitated the Maiden Nigeria Business Council for Sustainable Development, bringing together over 30 foreign and local CEOs to promote sustainable practices across the industry. Her passion for empowering women and driving sustainable development earned her accolades and recognition within the industry and beyond.

As Corporate Relations Adviser for deepwater projects, Stella oversees critical operations that require navigating complex regulatory frameworks and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.

She has been instrumental in preempting statutory infractions and implementing innovative non-technical risk mitigation strategies. Her ability to work with multidisciplinary teams to identify and resolve risks, even during politically charged periods such as Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections, underscores her strategic acumen and resilience.

Stella’s career embodies the power of determination, strategic thinking, and compassion. Her success challenges stereotypes and inspires the girl child to dream big, even in industries traditionally dominated by men.

Beyond her professional achievements, Stella’s volunteer work and commitment to community development reflect her belief in giving back and creating opportunities for others. Her legacy is a call to action for organizations to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.

By highlighting the achievements of women like Stella Chinyere Emeka, the industry can encourage more girls to explore careers in oil and gas, knowing they too can break barriers and make a difference.

Stella’s journey is a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable and that with passion and perseverance, women can lead and transform industries. As we celebrate her accomplishments, we hope her story inspires a generation of young girls to see no limits to what they can achieve.

Stella has overcome series of personal challenges which she has also used a ladder to re-train herself as a Trauma Coach, helping women in Corporates to navigate life’s challenges and still keep their heads above water.