feature story Exclusive session addresses the D&I challenges and opportunities in the sector

Chevron Brasil promoted an exclusive session on the challenges and opportunities in the diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the industry. The event, held during Rio Oil & Gas, gathered the Global Exploration Vice-President, Liz Schwarze, and Chevron Brasil Country Manager, Mariano Vela, to an unwind conversation about the importance of D&I for the company’s organizational environment today.

Before starting the interview with Liz, Mariano reinforced our commitment with a diverse and inclusive workplace as a key value to encourage the humanity ingenuity and creative problem solving. For him, this is only effectively possible through leadership behaviors that inspire and foster a safe environment for all.

He also gave a brief professional presentation of Liz and began the interview by asking curiosities about her personal and professional life and how she prepares before an important panel like the one that took place at Rio Oil & Gas. 

During the conversation, Liz also talked about the D&I role to build safe and inclusive places within organizations. For that, she said, representation is essential, not only in the top leadership positions but also in middle levels. She mentioned as example positive experiences that made difference in her professional career as the luck of having had two female leaders throughout her career who inspired and encourage her professional development.

She also highlighted the affinities’ groups as important inclusion tools by connecting people across the entire company to break down conscious and unconscious silos and biases and then bring different voices to build a better place within the company. Liz and Mariano addressed the challenges of the most critical diversity dimensions for our industry in Brazil and worldwide and how Chevron has contributed to reduce these gaps through employee networks, volunteer committees and social investment programs.