“HSE fits me well as it allows me to care for people physically and mentally and while I came into it by chance, it’s the most natural thing for me”.
Kelene Arjoon, HSSE Lead, IAL ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD has been immersed in the energy sector before she could even grasp the enormity and complexity of what it entails. In her words. “I have seen the skyline change in my community and have witnessed the industry evolve in Point Fortin”. She is a patriotic resident of Point Fortin, a community marked by its tranquil rural roots, and is the eldest of seven children in a very close-knit family. She is the first in her family to attend university. Today she is understandably pleased with all that she has achieved, having dedicated herself to being an HSE professional with 15 years’ experience to date, in the energy sector. Having come from a humble home, to pursuing degrees in environmental management and marine biology, her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of following one’s dreams, despite the obstacles.
Kelene’s story took an unexpected turn when she became a young mother shortly after graduating. But she didn’t let this derail her. Faced with the challenge of finding work as a graduate with a newborn, she juggled various jobs, from waitressing long hours for a meager $100 a day, to selling food. Rather than allowing these challenges to deter her, Kelene sought new opportunities, eventually obtaining her NEBOSH certification. This pivotal step opened the door to her first health, safety, and environment (HSE) role at ASCO Logistics, a moment that would set the stage for her impactful and life-changing career in the energy sector. Although it was not really part of what she planned, her passion always having been marine biology, on reflecting she admits that “HSE fit me well as it allows me to care for people physically and mentally and while I came into it by chance, it’s the most natural thing for me”. This experience also led to introspection, and she had this bit of advice for young persons who may be at a crossroad or stuck in something and still searching for their path, “Do what you have to do and work at it diligently, until you get your break”.
Her professional journey was not without challenges; Kelene often found herself as the sole female in both operational and HSE roles, navigating a predominantly male environment. One of the most defining moments of her career occurred during a recovery operation. During that moment of crisis, Kelene’s leadership and resilience shone through, showcasing her ability to thrive under pressure and inspire those around her. She derives tremendous reward from the knowledge that what she does and how she manages her team is central to safe operations which means that people get home safely at the end of the day.
Through her experiences, Kelene learned the vital importance of work-life balance, especially for women in her field. Many women lead very hectic lives which leave them with very little time to take care of themselves. The advantage of her professional experience is that she can apply some of it to her personal life and she finds herself conducting risk assessments of various areas of her life and finding ways to mitigate against the challenges faced. While she is encouraged by the barriers that she and other women in HSE have been able to surmount, her desire is that “opportunities and access to certain careers will not be so elusive to women; there are still too many areas within the sector where women are still to achieve ‘a first’ and the sector needs to safely accommodate them”.
A constant source of inspiration and strength for her, has been her mother, a janitor, who by example instilled in her a strong work ethic and the value of treating all colleagues with respect, regardless of their position. This lesson became a cornerstone of Kelene's approach to her career, as she consistently advocates for both equality and the recognition of every individual's contribution within the workplace.
Today, Kelene is not just a professional in the energy sector; she hopes to inspire young women and girls who dream of similar paths. Her involvement in women's groups where she shares her professional journey exemplifies her commitment to empowering others. She hopes to inspire more women to enter the energy sector, reminding them that their aspirations are valid and achievable, no matter their starting point.
Kelene is excited about her future growth and professional development as she considers how the industry has already shaped and influenced her “I have been encouraged and motivated by the feedback and advice of those within my team; I am much more competent in areas which I once found intimidating, such as public speaking; this is now second nature for me and I get a deep sense of satisfaction when my team is receptive and able to benefit from what I share”. Another aspect of her job which she is passionate about and finds rewarding is leading successful audits and certifications.
Kelene’s story is one of courage, perseverance; Her journey from a young girl in Point Fortin to a leader in the energy sector, is a “powerful reminder that with determination, support, and an unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible.” Grateful for what she has already achieved, Kelene is also excited about what still lies ahead in an industry which inspires “pride in knowing that I can contribute to my country and lead my team in a manner that keeps them physically and emotionally safe daily”.
Her involvement in the Energy Chamber’s Women in Energy task force is a source of pride and motivation for her “I am not completely where I need to be professionally, but this opportunity to sit in a room with powerful and accomplished women from whom I can learn and be inspired is very encouraging; perhaps I too will help open doors and motivate and support young girls and other females to reach their full potential in a sector that offers so many opportunities”.