Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.
Karla Saludares
Owner/Founder @ Texican Oil & Gas LLC
Karla has volunteered with Girlstart in the past, and loved speaking at our summer camps. She is truly passionate about inspiring the next generation of women to thrive in various STEM fields, and we are so excited to have her on the blog today to share her story as an Engineer.
What sparked your interest and made you want to volunteer with Girlstart?
As a young girl, I was never exposed to science and math in a way that made it cool or inviting. As a mother to a young girl, I want to let girls know that there are many careers within STEM where they can flourish. I really believe that it is our job as a community to help raise the next generation. We are here to help as mentors, volunteers, teachers, parents and counselors.
Can you give us a brief overview of your career path?
I am a petroleum engineer (graduated from The University of Texas at Austin). My job has involved how to most efficiently and economically find and produce oil & natural gas from the earth and bring it to the surface. Specifically, for most of my career, I was a reservoir engineer. We are essentially project managers that collaborate with various disciplines such as drilling, completions, land, regulatory, and management so that we can execute a drilling program.
Was there any influence in your life growing up that pushed you towards STEM?
I knew I wanted to be an engineer because I loved math. My junior year in high school I visited the college/counselor room and saw a bar chart on what the starting salaries were for different types of engineers. Well, petroleum engineering was at the top; I went for my BS in Petroleum Engineering and enjoyed all the challenges and problem solving!
Do you have any words of encouragement you would like to share with girls interested in a STEM career?
If you are a girl and are considering a STEM career, jump in! Start by learning as much as you can about math, science, and technology. Your job for the first few years of your life is to learn as much as possible. Ask your question in class. Raise your hand. Work hard. No one can stop you. Ask for help when you need guidance.
Why do you think confidence in STEM important for girls?
The ability to have confidence in STEM for girls is the beginning to powerful and meaningful change in the world. It is a step for true equality, for innovation.
