SBM Offshore Guyana, in collaboration with the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA), successfully hosted its second ‘Kickin’ Conversations’ empowerment activity on April 23, 2025, at Park Rayne. With over 60 young female athletes and their coaches in attendance, the event provided an opportunity for participants to engage directly with inspiring women professionals from the SBM Offshore Guyana team.
Under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence, Creating Futures with Grace,” the initiative blended football, leadership, etiquette, and career exposure with empowering workshops, mentorship moments, and engaging conversations.
During her keynote address, ‘Beyond the Field – Women Leading in Energy and Leadership’, Kiana Wilburg, the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, underscored the important lessons that can be taken from the exhilarating sport.
Wilburg said, “For the avid followers of football and those who participate in this sport, there are five critical lessons that we learn. These include the importance of collaboration, the power of effective communication, discipline in skills development and execution, and effective time management…These principles are just as important as raw talent in sport, academia, and especially, the world of work.”
With respect to the oil and gas industry, the CEO was keen to note that Guyana welcomed her fourth floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel into her waters and she was built by SBM. By 2027, Wilburg said Guyana is expected to have six FPSOs producing over 1 million barrels of oil per day.
“What does this mean for you? It means you are living in Guyana during a chapter that makes every career pathway possible for you–whether this is in oil and gas, agriculture, food and nutrition…or even engineering!
“It means you are living in Guyana during a time where women not only have the opportunity to shatter glass ceilings across multiple industries, but your country is eager for you to claim that birthright!,” said the CEO.
She also urged the young ladies to stand up for what they believe in at all times and develop a work ethic that is second to none. Gwenetta Fordyce, Sustainability Lead at SBM Offshore Guyana, also reinforced the value of such initiatives led by SBM and VMFA.
During her remarks she commented, “Seize every opportunity, equip yourself with industry knowledge and mentorship to break barriers and take bold steps towards diverse professional pathways.”
Participants also heard from female leaders at SBM Offshore Guyana, who shared career insights spanning engineering, operations, leadership, and corporate transitions. Yeolena Callender, International Mobility Specialist, presented on the topic, ‘First Impression Matters: Personal and Professional Etiquette.’
Deborah King, Etiquette and Protocol Consultant and Director of HAROBED Training, facilitated a session on dining and social etiquette. Dr. Shivon Lewis-Isles, Occupational Health Doctor, and Shivaughn Wilson, HR Business Partner led an ‘Aspiration Workshop’ focused on mental resilience and long-term success strategies.
Karla Coimbra, Technical Manager, conducted a session on ‘Leadership and Teamwork through Sports,’ emphasising the importance of collaboration, initiative, and trust. These sessions created a dynamic exchange among aspiring professionals and industry mentors.
The Girls in Football Development Programme is designed to not only teach football skills but to empower young girls through mentorship and exposure to a wide range of career paths. It aims to build confidence, ambition, and the tools necessary to succeed – on and off the field.