Women's Network Committee

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Women's Network Committee

Overview

The Women’s Network Committee (WNC) supports and leads the Women’s Network of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and advises the SEG Board of Directors to assist SEG in continuing to achieve its tradition of excellence in education, professional development, new business generation, and engagement to cultivate a unique community platform that encourages collaboration and thought leadership for the advancement of geophysical science around the world.

The committee focuses on advancing participation, professional development, and visibility of women in geophysics and related disciplines, in alignment with SEG’s technical and educational objectives. The WNC makes recommendations to the SEG Board of Directors to provide access to membership, leadership, and participation in SEG activities for women and young girls in exploration geophysics, geosciences, and engineering professions. SEG, through the work of the WNC, seeks to provide access to SEG resources and opportunities, recognizing that different SEG members including (but not limited to) women may need different forms of support to achieve excellence.

Established in March 2011, the Women’s Network serves a global community of students, early-career professionals, and experienced practitioners across academia, industry, and research. WNC supports SEG’s mission of connecting the world of applied geophysics by recognizing the achievements and contributions of women professionals in industry and academia and by providing mentoring and professional development opportunities and fostering a collaborative community open to all SEG members regardless of specialty, career stage, gender, or other protected characteristic.

The committee highlights SEG’s role in the world of applied geophysics through lectures, workshops, networking events, and programs designed to support professional growth in geophysics and related fields.

This committee operates as a voluntary resource group which works to recognize and eliminate barriers that may inhibit participation in SEG. Participation in the committee and its activities is open to all SEG members and interested individuals, regardless of gender, who support the committee’s mission of professional development, advancement, and fostering an environment where all members feel empowered to contribute to the global mission of SEG and its aspiration to serve the international geoscience community.

SEG and all its committees, including the WNC, do not discriminate based on protected characteristics and will not promote or prefer one class of persons over another. The WNC always adheres to SEG’s Access and Culture policy.

(Join our Network!)

Mission

The mission of the SEG Women’s Network Committee is to:

  • Advise SEG leadership on initiatives that support excellence in education, professional development, business opportunities, and community engagement.
  • Provide access to leadership, participation, and career‑development opportunities for women in geophysics, geosciences, and related engineering fields.
  • Recognize and promote the technical and professional contributions of women within SEG.
  • Foster mentoring, networking, and knowledge‑sharing across generations and disciplines.

We also collaborate with the American Geophysical Union (AGU), American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the Association of Women Geoscientists (AWG).

Through these efforts, the committee contributes to maintaining a strong, diverse, and highly skilled technical community within SEG.

Activities and Programs

The Women’s Network Committee develops and supports activities that serve SEG members and the broader geophysical community.

Events and Networking

  • Technical and professional webinars focused on career development, leadership, and emerging challenges in geophysics.
  • Panel discussions featuring industry, academic, and government leaders.
  • Networking events held in conjunction with SEG conferences, including the SEG Annual Meeting and IMAGE.
  • Mentoring sessions and informal meet‑ups for students and early‑career professionals.

Publications and Resources Selected publications from the Full Spectrum column in The Leading Edge highlighting professional experiences and career pathways of women in geophysics include:

Community and Recognition

  • Support for award nominations and recognitions within SEG, helping to highlight technical excellence and professional achievement.
  • Collaboration with other SEG committees and groups to promote inclusive practices across conferences, programs, and governance.

Objectives

1. Outreach and Community Engagement

• Maintain an active outreach presence engaging the wider geoscience community to promote the committee’s mission.

• Use a variety of communication channels including social media, newsletters, and online platforms to share information about women’s achievements, mentoring, and career development resources.

• Ensure all outreach efforts and events are open and welcoming to all who support the committee’s goals regardless of gender.

2. Annual Networking and Technical Sessions

• Host an annual networking event at SEG’s technical meeting and exhibition featuring speakers, discussions, and Board involvement.

• Collaborate on technical sessions relevant to women in geophysics with other SEG committees and external organizations.

3. Honors and Awards Canvassing

• Identify and promote SEG members eligible for Honors and Awards, supporting nominations and recognizing achievements.

4. Mentoring and Career Advancement

• Develop flash mentoring initiatives and provide resources to assist young professionals in academic and industry career growth.

5. Additional Activities

• Undertake other initiatives consistent with the committee’s mission and aligned with SEG policies.

Value to SEG

The SEG Women’s Network Committee supports SEG objectives by:

  • Strengthening the technical workforce through mentoring, retention, and professional development.
  • Enhancing visibility of technical contributions made by women in geophysics.
  • Supporting a collaborative and inclusive culture that enables all members to contribute at their highest potential.

By connecting people, sharing knowledge, and recognizing excellence, the committee helps ensure the long‑term success of SEG and the geophysical profession.

Composition and Membership

• The committee is composed of a Chair, Vice Chair, Advisory Council (comprising former Chairs), Regular Members, two Student Leaders, and Volunteer Roles.

o The Chair is appointed by the President and serves two-year term.

o The Vice Chair is elected by the voting members of the committee and serves a two-year term. The Vice Chair acts in the Chair’s absence and is generally the primary candidate for Chair succession, subject to approval by the SEG President.

o Regular Members and Student Leaders are SEG Members in good standing, appointed by the Chair and Vice Chair based on their commitment and capacity to support the committee’s objectives.

o Volunteer Roles are appointed by the Chair and Vice Chair and are open to any individuals who support the committee’s mission and agree to actively participate.

o Committee member appointments are for one-year terms, with eligibility for reappointment based on continued participation and committee needs.

• The Chair, Vice Chair, and Regular Members form the Executive Committee responsible for leading initiatives and attending at least five meetings annually.

• Voting rights are held exclusively by Advisory Council members, Executive Committee members, and Student Leaders who are SEG Members in good standing.

• Committee governance and activities adhere strictly to SEG policies including, but not limited to, the SEG Access and Culture policy and framework.

Current Leadership (2026–2027):

Role Name
Chair Maria Beatriz de Santa Anna (2025-2027)
Vice Chair Joan Marie Blanco
Board Liaison Sandeep Chandola
Staff Liaison Robin Dupre
Past Chairs Adriana Sola (2024-2025), Teresa Santana (2023-2024), Cara Hunter (2022-2023), Elaine Mattos, Ellie Ardakani (2020-2021), Blair Benson (2019-2020), Hendratta Ali (2018-2019), Maitri Erwin (2015-2017), Maria Angela Capello (2013-2015; 2017-2018), Nancy House (2012-2013), Eve Sprunt (2011-2012)

Policy and Procedures

The official SEG Policy and Procedures Manual section for this committee can be accessed here: → SEG Policy and Procedures Manual

Annual Reports

Below are recent annual reports submitted to the SEG Board:

Meetings

• Monthly virtual meetings and an in-person meeting at the SEG Annual Meeting.

• Scheduling and coordination supported by the SEG Business Office and Staff Liaison.

Get Involved

SEG members interested in participating in the Women’s Network Committee or its activities are encouraged to join the Women’s Network, attend events, contribute content, or volunteer for leadership and program roles.

Additional information about the Women’s Network and current activities can be found on the SEG website and related committee pages.

Resources and Links

Contact

For questions or to express interest in volunteering for this committee, please contact: [email protected]

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