Women in Leadership: Breaking down barriers, crossing cultures

Rice University’s 23rd annual Women in Leadership Conference attracted a record-breaking 550 students and business professionals, both men and women, discussing equitable choices for women in the workplace. 

The theme “Every Woman. Every Voice,” took on a personal tone with woman across industries sharing stories of challenges, successes, and pivot strategies while navigating their careers. Panels and interactive workshops engaged attendees throughout the day with topics such as “Power and Influence,” and “Building Your Personal Brand.” 

Breaking down barriers, crossing cultures and continents
Rania B. Biltagi, director of Public Affairs, Aramco Americas, who has 24 years of experience working at Aramco, served as a panelist for “A Woman in the Workplace,” offering her perspective, noting women breaking down barriers crosses cultures and continents. “Stay focused and excel at work,” advised Biltagi. “Lean into your network, take big leaps, and be authentic.” 

The conference is organized by Rice University’s Jess H. Jones Graduate School of Business, highly rated by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review for its exceptional Master of Business Administration programs. Business schools are seeing more women in the MBA pipeline as they strategically plan their career path by adding advanced degrees. 

Aramco was a President’s Level partner for the conference. Aramco Americas sent representatives from departments across the affiliate such as Human Resources, Research and Development, Upstream, and Public Affairs to participate in the day-long dialogue held Feb. 10. 

Caption for top photo: Rania B. Biltagi (left) joined four other panelists discussing workplace experiences. She touched on the advances in Aramco’s workforce empowerment programs, including diversity and inclusion and mentorships.