Think Bigger Than What Is in Front of You: Reflections of the Black Women in Energy Summit

About a month ago, I had the privilege to attend an intimate gathering of women in energy. As a photographer, my connection to the event was surface level. However, as someone fresh out of college and early in my career, I am constantly looking for something that resonates with me. This event did just that. It provided clarity, inspiration, and a new perspective gained by seeing a room full of Black women at every stage in their career. It left me with one message echoing in my mind: think bigger.

Think bigger about what you want to achieve. Think bigger about who might be willing to stand in your corner. Think bigger about what you're actually capable of.

Being in a room filled with Black women who are also leaders, builders, and mentors illuminated a different perspective about careers for me. The participants modeled how you can be committed to your own success and equally dedicated to uplifting others. There was a shared understanding that growth isn't a solo endeavor. It takes community. It takes intention. It takes people who are willing to support you, challenge you, and tell you the truth with clarity.

That realization shifted something in me. I often experience work as isolating effort, but this space showed me that there are environments where collective success and personal growth are deeply intertwined. Where people are thinking bigger together.

The energy in the room was undeniable. It was uplifting to witness a range of interests, perspectives, and experiences all coexisting. Despite different paths, the women shared an alignment in mindset. They were all committed to continuous learning and building meaningful spaces. Every speaker reinforced the power of asking questions and growing from each other. And to never stop pursuing an avenue that inspires you.

I left with a different understanding of how there is space for everyone, even if we have to create it.

Most importantly, I found myself thinking about how my perceived internal limitations restrain my growth. My perception of what success is and where I "should" be has shaped my reality. What I believe about myself determines how I move, what I pursue, and how far I allow myself to go. If I believe I am capable, I act accordingly. If I don't, I shrink.

The takeaway is that I must trust myself. Listen to my intuition. Align my narrative with where I actually want to be, even if it seems outlandish. Because the likelihood of you getting where you want to go is probably two connections away from where you are. So, the action starts with asking: Where do I want to go? Who do I need to become to get there? Who will support me, and who can I uplift on my journey to get there?

One phrase I kept hearing from the women in the room was that "it might be necessary to accept defeat to move through it." This reaffirmed for me that failure can simply be a redirection that is a necessary step towards where you are meant to be.

This space was everything and more. The way everyone chose to show up authentically was likely the reason for the wonderful energy radiating out of the room. The impact of Black Women in Energy has created a ripple effect. Good begets good, continue growing, and inspire others to do the same.