By Isqil Najim
On 6 October 2022 in Richardson, Texas a Nigerian young engineer, Mrs. Mistura Wuraola Yusuf was honoured by Society of Petroleum Engineers, SPE International with SPE Giovanni Paccaloni Young Professional Service Award from Society of Petroleum Engineers
The award was presented at the SPE’s Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition held 3-5 October in Houston, Tx.
Mistura Yusuf, a Graduate Engineer at Dangote Oil Refining Company was recognised for her demonstrated passion for the development of students and young professionals (YPs).
SPE serves more than 124,800 members worldwide, sharing technical knowledge. Each year, SPE presents awards that recognize members whose efforts have advanced petroleum technology, as well as their professional achievements and contributions to the industry and the society.
Speaking at the event, Kamel Ben-Naceur, 2022 SPE President remarked that; “It is an honor to recognize Mistura for her commitment and dedication to the oil and gas industry with the SPE Giovanni Paccaloni Young Professional Service Award.
According to him. “SPE international award winners were nominated by their colleagues and selected by their peers for their achievement and contributions and it’s my pleasure to congratulate Mistura on receiving this prestigious international award from SPE,”
The SPE Giovanni Paccaloni Young Professional Service Award recognizes individuals who transcend their technical prowess to make a significant impact on the broader community. The award intended to encourage interests among the young professional members of the Society that are broader than the profession.
Mistura exemplifies this spirit through her unwavering dedication to leading Ambassador Lecturer Programs, Energy4me sessions, and tirelessly mentoring countless young professionals (YPs) and students.
“Giovanni Paccaloni’s unwavering dedication to young professionals is a constant source of inspiration,” says Yusuf. “His vision for empowering the next generation serves as a guiding light for my own endeavors.”
Mistura’s initiatives extend beyond mere accolades. Her programs translate into tangible benefits for students and YPs. The Ambassador Lecturer Program acts as a bridge, connecting seasoned professionals with aspiring minds. These interactions provide invaluable knowledge and career guidance, equipping young minds with the tools to navigate the complexities of the oil and gas industry with confidence.
Her mentorship extends far beyond the confines of programs. Mistura dedicates significant personal time to guide and support young professionals as they navigate their careers. This one-on-one approach allows her to tailor advice and provide targeted support, empowering young engineers to overcome hurdles and achieve their full potential.
Her dedication transcends individual mentorship and serves as a powerful call to action for the entire industry. “We have a collective responsibility to invest in the future,” she said. “By nurturing young talent and fostering a spirit of innovation, we can collectively ensure a brighter future for the oil and gas industry.”
The award was named after Giovanni Paccaloni who was the 2005 SPE President, an Honorary Member of SPE, a towering mentor, and a beloved inspirational figure for YPs around the world. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 75 years.
In the early 2000s, the former SPE President Giovanni Paccaloni brought YPs together with a vision to start YP programs in SPE.
Paccaloni inspired, guided, and helped launch many successful SPE YP programs. The Young Professionals Coordinating Committee, now known as the Young Member Engagement Committee, and the initial YP workshops he started between 2003 and 2007 were incubators for section YP activities.
These programs changed the demographic of SPE and accelerated the professional membership growth. Other programs launched during his time as president are the e-Mentoring Program, the Ambassador Lecturer Program, The Way Ahead publication, and the SPE Certification program.
