I am a Petroleum Engineer from the Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno in Bolivia.

I became an SPE member seven years ago, and after four years in different roles within the Bolivian Section, I became the section chair. During this time, my experience as an SPE volunteer has been gratifying and enriching. I have committed to my aspiration to belong to one of the largest non-profit organizations in the E&P industry.

Within the Bolivian Section, we have organized academic, athletic, and networking events to develop soft and technical skills but also to implement key values such as responsibility, integrity, and teamwork within our members.

We founded four SPE student chapters and had the first Petrocruz to help students get ready for the Petrobowl® Championship. In addition, we held the first PETROTON. More than 450 participants (children and adults) joined the 5K walk/run to support the VIVE Foundation which aids in the rehabilitation and social reintegration of our homeless.

Besides participating in the community, we are organizing the SPE Workshop on HSE and Sustainability being held 14–15 September 2017 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. This highly focused workshop features keynote speaker Luis Alberto Sánchez Fernández, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy, Bolivia.

Being an active SPE volunteer is a privilege and a wonderful way to serve the community. I encourage members to take advantage of SPE’s volunteer opportunities and share their time, knowledge, and experiences with others.

(SPE)