WHY CONNECTIONS MATTER, BY TERECIA MARTIN
July 24, 2026
I know 2028 seems like a long way off, but I am already looking forward to the 2028 WEN Conference. The WEN Conference is an event where connection becomes confidence, collaboration, and lasting impact. Some of my favorite people in the world I have met at a WEN Conference.
This is a premier conference with many reasons to attend: inspiring speakers, leadership development, practical workshops, exposure to new ideas, and the energy that comes from being in a room filled with ambitious women from around the world. But the most exciting—and arguably the biggest—benefit is something deeper than any single session or keynote: the power of connection.
The WEN Conference creates a space where women can see themselves more clearly, expand what they believe is possible, and build relationships that continue long after the event ends.
Connection Is the Catalyst
The most powerful moment at the conference is not always the one happening on stage. Sometimes it is the conversation over coffee with someone who understands the industry. Sometimes it is meeting a woman who has already navigated the challenge you are facing. Sometimes it is realizing that the questions, ambitions, and obstacles you carry are shared by leaders across countries, cultures, and career stages.
That kind of connection is transformative. It turns networking into relationship-building. It turns professional development into personal momentum. It reminds attendees that leadership is not a solo journey—it is strengthened by community, mentorship, and shared purpose.
A Global Perspective Expands What Is Possible
When women gather from different regions, professions, and lived experiences, the conversation becomes bigger than individual success. Attendees gain exposure to new leadership styles, emerging trends, creative problem-solving approaches, and perspectives they may not encounter in their day-to-day work.
This global perspective is especially valuable because it challenges assumptions. It helps women think beyond local norms, organizational habits, and familiar career paths. A premier global energy conference can become a window into how women are leading change across the industry, communities, and economies—and that view can inspire bolder goals.
Confidence Grows in the Right Room
One of the most exciting outcomes of attending a women’s energy conference is the confidence that grows from being surrounded by possibility. Seeing women lead boldly, speak honestly, and share both victories and lessons learned can shift how attendees view their own potential.
Confidence is not built only through applause or motivation. It is built through practical tools, honest conversations, and the realization that others have faced similar barriers and found a way forward. In that environment, women leave not just inspired, but equipped.
The Benefit That Lasts Beyond the Event
The sessions may end, the badges may be put away, and the travel may be over—but the connections remain. A meaningful introduction can become a mentor relationship. A panel discussion can spark a new initiative. A conversation with a peer can become a collaboration, referral, friendship, or source of encouragement during a future challenge.
That is the biggest benefit of attending a premier conference for a global women’s organization in the energy industry: it creates a living network of support and possibility. It connects women to ideas, to opportunities, and to one another in ways that can shape careers, strengthen leadership, and multiply impact.
Why It Matters
For women who are building careers, leading teams, launching ventures, serving communities, or preparing for the next chapter, this kind of conference offers more than professional value. It offers affirmation. It says: your voice belongs here, your leadership matters, and your next step does not have to be taken alone.
In a world where women are still working to close gaps, increase representation, and expand access to leadership, gathering together is not simply beneficial—it is powerful. A premier global women’s conference reminds every attendee that connection is not just a conference perk. It is a leadership strategy.
What mattered to me the most in 2026
This year the conference was in Fort Worth where our office is, which made it possible to invite one of my people to attend with me. This is someone I’m trying to mentor and build up to hopefully someday step into my shoes. I’m excited to say she came and would love to share an email sent to me after the conference:
Terecia,
I honestly didn't know what to expect walking into my first WEN Conference, but I left wondering why I hadn't gone sooner.
The first thing that stood out to me was the atmosphere. It didn't feel like walking into a room full of strangers. It felt like walking into a room full of women who genuinely wanted to see each other succeed and that isn't something you find everywhere.
The speakers were outstanding, but what I appreciated most was that they didn't just share their successes. They shared the challenges, the lessons they learned along the way, and encouraged all of us to keep growing. Every session gave me something to take home, whether it was a new perspective, a new idea, or simply a reminder to keep investing in myself.
One of my favorite memories was the casino night icebreaker. Networking can sometimes feel like you're supposed to walk up to complete strangers and magically start a conversation. This didn't feel like that at all. Everyone was laughing, playing games, and conversations just happened naturally. Before I knew it, I had met brilliant women from all over the country, and it never felt forced.
What made the biggest impression on me, though, wasn't the agenda or even the speakers. It was the people. Everywhere I turned, I saw women introducing one another, pulling someone into a conversation, sharing advice, celebrating accomplishments, and making sure no one was standing alone. That says so much about the culture WEN has created.
I'm especially grateful you invited me to come with you. You didn't just invite me to a conference, you gave me the opportunity to experience WEN in a completely different way. Seeing the organization beyond our local chapter gave me an even greater appreciation for what WEN is building across the industry.
One thing I've realized is that every WEN experience builds on the one before it. You start by attending a local event. Maybe you attend the Leadership Conference. Then you find yourself at Global, surrounded by women from across the country who all share the same desire to learn, connect, and lift each other up. It's pretty incredible when you stop and think about it.
When I look back on the conference months from now, I know I'll remember the speakers and the sessions. But more than anything, I'll remember how the conference made me feel. Inspired. Encouraged. Included.
The email above is the most important thing I got out of the conference. Someone I care about and want to have a big, brilliant and successful career got everything I could hope for out of the conference. That meant more to me than anything and is the catalyst for why I continue to support WEN.
I look forward to seeing you at the 2028 WEN Conference!
___
Terecia Martin, RPL
2026-2028 WEN Global Secretary
Vice President-Land, Texland Petroleum, L.P.
