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In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring just a few of the amazing women at Select Water Solutions who are leaders, influencers, and changemakers. We’re inspired by their contributions that strengthen our company and our communities. Keep reading to hear from this year’s #WomenInWater about their diverse and varied career experiences, the people who have inspired them along the way, and their advice for women interested in pursuing a career in energy.
Q: What does your job entail?
Whitney Faircloth: I manage four recycling facilities with a wonderful team of 15 hardworking individuals. I work closely with safety, customers, vendors, business development, and our exceptional management team. My job is mostly ensuring the correct people, parts, supplies, and tools are in the correct place at the correct time to get the job done as safely and effectively as possible.
Samantha-Anne Horwitch Nadolny: I oversee all aspects of the company, including corporate governance, transaction negotiation and drafting, labor and employment law, regulatory compliance, litigation management, M&A, real estate, intellectual property, licensing, corporate governance, and legal department operations.
Joye Harrell: I am responsible for leading the vision for our Well Testing business unit and ensuring success. That involves establishing clear financial and safety goals, fostering innovation, and ensuring alignment with the overall objectives of the organization.
Q: How long have you been with the company?
Whitney Faircloth: 4 years
Breigh Mills: 12 years
Sheridian Oliver: 2 years
Samantha-Anne Horwitch Nadolny: 3 years
Lucy Krahl: 16 years
Tiffany Richard: 9 years
Joye Harrell: 18 years
Q: Can you share your experience navigating your field as a woman?
Breigh Mills: Legal sometimes gets a bad rap and I try to remind everyone that we are here to help protect you, protect our product(s). Getting people to realize that can be challenging and I try to relate to their concerns. At the end of the day, we always want what is best for Select and our customers.
Sheridian Oliver: Being a woman in a job mostly filled with men has its challenges, but I’ve managed to do well. I’ve had to be tough, make connections with others in the industry, and keep improving my skills. By staying confident and being myself, I’ve not only succeeded but also inspired other women to go after their goals in fields usually dominated by men.
Samantha-Anne Horwitch Nadolny: I have always tried to look at my journey as one that wasn’t shaped by gender. I wanted to be the best lawyer there was, not just the best female lawyer. In my mind, the playing field was even, and the opportunities were equal. Approaching it with my mindset allowed for me to see the challenges as something to overcome to be excellent, not an obstacle in front of me as a woman. There are different challenges to everyone in each industry and how you choose to navigate them makes your path individual.
Lucy Krahl: I navigate like anyone else. Stay focused on tasks that most benefit the company, produce quality work, try to support coworkers and treat everyone with kindness.
Tiffany Richard: I believe navigating any field can be difficult, as a woman. Fortunately, I have not had any negative experiences. I contribute this to the team that I work with.
Joye Harrell: When I transitioned from accounting to operations many years ago, I noticed a scarcity of women in the field. Many times, I found myself as the lone woman sitting at meeting tables. One day, a colleague asked me how it felt to be the sole woman in the room. It caught me off guard, as I hadn’t previously considered it from that perspective. Reflecting on it, I realized that perhaps the men around me were more aware of it than I was. Nevertheless, I always felt comfortable in my role and responsibilities, and I was determined to excel at whatever task was at hand. Growing up as the eldest on a dairy farm, with parents who consistently pushed me beyond what I believed I could achieve, instilled in me the belief that women are capable of handling hard challenges. This upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of “grit,” which proved to be the most valuable trait throughout my career.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a career in the energy sector?
Whitney Faircloth: I began with Select as my first oilfield job. When taking interviews, I was looking for a place that would allow me to feel the connection my family has with their community. I found that connection in Select.
Breigh Mills: I have worked in several legal settings. From Litigation, Real Estate, Family Law, and when I was given the opportunity to join the Select legal team it was something I was very excited about. Each day is something new and I continue to grow and learn more and more.
Sheridian Oliver: I was drawn to the energy sector because I saw how it could change the world for the better. Seeing how renewable energy and sustainability can make a big difference inspired me to be a part of it. I believe by working in this field, I can help create a cleaner and brighter future for everyone.
Samantha-Anne Horwitch Nadolny: I grew up in Houston, which is the heart of the energy sector, so it felt like a natural career path when I moved home after law school. I never fell in love with one particular area of the law, so a law firm with a set practice area wasn’t going to be the right fit for me. I more wanted to be able to use my legal education in a strategic way to support the business, so going into the home industry made the most sense. I have spent my entire career in construction, energy, and oil and gas.
Lucy Krahl: I wanted a local job where I could use my management skills and experience. I knew Select had an excellent leadership team, and I wanted to be a part of its growth and success.
Tiffany Richard: I entered the energy sector by chance. It was a “When One Door Closes – Another Door Opens” kind of situation. At 9 years and counting, I am excited about my career path in the energy sector and with Select.
Joye Harrell: Twenty years ago, the Barnett Shale “boom” was attracting individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, myself included. Initially rooted in accounting, I dedicated my early years to absorbing knowledge about operations, recognizing it as the realm where I could make the greatest impact. Becoming part of a network of interconnected companies united in the mission of fueling the world ignited my passion. The intricacies involved in orchestrating the drilling of a well, completing its operation, and channeling the raw product through the sales pipeline for transformation into a usable commodity fascinated me. The more I learned about the “oilfield”, the more I wanted to know. The capacity for learning and advancement knows no bounds in this industry.
Q: Seeing women in leadership roles can inspire girls and young women to reach higher and dream bigger. Who or what has influenced your ambitions?
Whitney Faircloth: The way I grew up is my biggest inspiration to pursue the career I have today. My parents and sister are the hardest workers I know and always make time to serve their community. Melissa Slate and Melissa Hernandez have worked with me for years now. Their willingness to take the time to help me grow to be a better operations manager inspires me to help others grow their careers. James Sandoz’ unrelenting work ethic is a constant inspiration. The amount of hours he puts in and the lengths he is willing to go to each and every day is impressive. James’ ability to overcome obstacles and continue to invest his time and energy is contagious.
Breigh Mills: I would have to say my mother and the wonderful women that I work with at Select inspire me to be better on a daily basis. My mom is a very energetic, independent woman that taught me at a very young age to stand up for myself and be a leader. The wonderful women of Select also teach me daily about being confident in what we do.
Sheridian Oliver: Seeing women in leadership roles has been incredibly inspiring for me and countless others. Witnessing their determination, resilience, and ability to break barriers has motivated me to aim higher and dream bigger in my own pursuits. One of the most influential figures in my life is my daughter, who embodies leadership qualities beyond her years. In her current role, she not only leads but also seeks to empower and uplift those around her, especially other women and young girls, by nurturing their potential and encouraging them to reach for their dreams. Her passion for lifting others up serves as a constant reminder of the impact that strong female leaders can have on shaping the aspirations and ambitions of future generations.
Samantha-Anne Horwitch Nadolny: I have worked for a number of strong women who have invested in me and my career throughout the years, and all of them have had an impact in helping me grow as a professional, a lawyer, and as a female. I am thankful for all of them and hope that I have the same opportunities to inspire, lead, and mentor other women in the industry.
Lucy Krahl: I have benefited from watching and learning from many top-notch role models both male and female. Some have been my supervisors, and some have been my peers. I especially appreciate the mentorship I received from Kitie Hermes, former VP Procurement, who expanded my responsibilities and provided valuable leadership guidance.
Tiffany Richard: My Mom and Grandmother.
Joye Harrell: I’ve been fortunate to have several transformative mentors throughout my career journey. It all began with the Assistant Controller, at a previous company before Select, who served as both my boss and mentor. She played a crucial role in instilling confidence in my abilities as an accountant and constantly pushed me to learn more and take on more. Along my accounting career path, that eventually led to a Controller position, I’ve was fortunate to have the support of strong and selfless mentors who invested in my growth. Fast forward to my entry into operations, where the VP of Operations and the President of our US Land Division made a pivotal decision by promoting me from GM to the role of Vice President of Operations, making me the first woman to hold that position in our company. This moment was truly significant, particularly in a male-dominated field, and it acknowledged many years of perseverance. I held that position for five years before being further promoted to Business Unit President in 2023, marking another historic milestone for women at Select.
Q: What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector?
Whitney Faircloth: My best advice is to take chances and be tenacious in your efforts to attain your goals. Never say, “That’s not my job.” Put in the work, ALL the work, and remain flexible to more opportunities because your exceptional work ethic WILL produce opportunities.
Breigh Mills: Go for it! More and more women are joining this heavy male populated industry in the office and in the field. I love when I see that we have women driving our trucks, leading a business unit. Diverse teams perform better. Women can bring different skills and expertise.
Sheridian Oliver: For women aspiring to pursue a career in the energy sector, my advice would be to embrace your passion and fearlessly pursue your goals. Don’t be deterred by the male-dominated nature of the industry; instead, view it as an opportunity to break barriers and make a meaningful impact. Seek out mentors and allies who can support and guide you along the way, and never underestimate the value of networking and continuous learning. Most importantly, stay true to yourself, leverage your unique perspective, and believe in your ability to contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future through your work in the energy sector.
Samantha-Anne Horwitch Nadolny: Be exceptional. The most important thing you can do is to be amazing at your craft. You want anyone you work with to remember you for your skill, your knowledge, and your work ethic. Anything else you bring to the table is just extra.
Lucy Krahl: Treat others with respect and work as a team. Engage in learning opportunities that expand your knowledge and skills. Never underestimate the value of kindness and a little humor to brighten someone’s day.
Tiffany Richard: Be bold, be strong, be innovative, and remain committed to your success.
Joye Harrell: Engage in the work. Strive to improve upon yesterday’s efforts, each and every day. Embrace mentorship as a tool for growth. Refuse to let the fear of failure hinder your progress. Should setbacks occur, view them as opportunities for learning and development. Be unafraid to seek guidance, request assistance, or venture beyond familiar territory. Be willing to adapt and change career paths. Remember, your potential exceeds your perception. Above all, seize the chance to pay it forward to another woman within your circle when it arises. A quote that has resonated with me throughout my professional journey is by Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”