Over the course of the year, the World Affairs Council brings in approximately 100 speakers in their mission to promote a “better understanding of the world.” This makes for busy day-to-day operations, but their workload is amplified once a year, when they host the Jones Luncheon and present the “Jones Award” for International Citizen of the Year. This year, with speakers such as Ambassador Mark Satterfield, author Daniel Yergin, and Bruce Neimeyer, they awarded their “International Citizen of the Year” Award to Michael Wirth, CEO of Chevron.
LEAP Students were sufficiently fortunate to attend, leaving at 8:15am from Huntsville for Houston…
…and volunteering with check-in and some basic set-up, while also continuing to benefit from the World Affairs Council’s extensive generosity to students. For us, this was another learning opportunity, folded into a volunteer opportunity as a bonus.
Ten LEAP students attended, helping as needed. Volunteers greeted guests at the entrance, distributed name tags, managed sign-ins, and assisted with table assignments, while others welcomed VIP members to their private lounge. Their professionalism and enthusiasm reflected LEAP’s continued commitment to civic engagement and hands-on learning experiences.
The awards ceremony featured a three-course meal.
…followed by remarks by many of our favorite people: the World Affairs Council Staff: CEO Maryanne Maldonado…
…the “International Citizen of the Year” Award Winner Wirth…
…Chief Programs Officer Ronan O’Malley…
… Chief Advancement Officer Sandija Bayot…
…Director of Programs Jahan Jafarpour…
…Director of Education Ethan Eyre…
…Data Analytics and Engagement Coordinator Eli Quezada…
…and local luminaries…
…and we also had the chance to work with Leo Scarparo, Maria Guarache, Cheri Rocha, and David Dennis, making it an enjoyable experience for us all.
Author and energy expert Daniel Yergin moderated a discussion with CEO Wirth, and the two discussed extensively the massive changes in the energy sector over the past forty years.
And even with these changes, eighty percent of all energy is derived from fossil fuels, which remain the most affordable and accessible sources of energy. And Texas, as it turns out, is the country’s largest producer of gasoline and natural gas–about twice as much as Florida or Pennsylvania, which rank second in the nation.
Following the moderated discussion, the World Affairs Council staff presented their “Global Leader Awards”–recognizing leaders in various contributions of international relations. With as many WAC events as we attend, it’s no surprise that we knew some of the winners, and it was nice to see some of our friends such as Emilio Armstrong be recognized for their good works.
While the main ceremony was wrapping up, the students had a chance to visit with Bruce Neimeyer, President of Shale Exploration with Chevron, discussed career opportunities in the industry, energy, and a general discussion of energy making. The students were well prepared, and we had an opportunity to see the students of Eric Tanner at Caney Creek High School, with whom we are partnering on a major project over the next year!
The key takeaway of this segment was that key skills can aid individuals in career diversity, allowing them to learn and grow, moving in different directions. Being open to opportunities and challenges was a key theme in the overall program, and a rewarding one for students who are seeking to understand themselves and others.
For most LEAP students, this was their first time attending the Jesse H. Jones Awards Luncheon. Regardless of experience, all agreed it was an inspiring and rewarding day; one that strengthened their understanding of global affairs and reaffirmed LEAP’s mission to connect students with leaders shaping the future.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 