Grace Hutson’s purpose in life is far greater than personal gain. It’s about “family, community, and kingdom”—a mission to make a lasting impact. As a proud Guyanese, Grace is determined to succeed and help her country and region thrive. Her journey from being a university student to becoming a key player in the energy sector reflects her passion, resilience, and commitment to her community.
“Where do you want to have influence?” a professor asked her in 2014. This led Grace to realize her calling.
“We were talking about food and energy security, and that’s when I realized that energy is where I wanted to make a difference,” she explained.
She became fascinated by the role of energy in economic growth, poverty reduction, and geopolitical power. This passion would later fuel her work in the emerging energy markets of Guyana and Suriname with Halliburton, a global leader in energy-related products and services. Today, Grace’s commitment to the energy sector goes beyond business. She is focused on the transformative power of energy to improve lives.
“Energy can transform lives—whether it’s by attracting investment or empowering women and young people,” she said. “It’s about building a legacy of empowerment, not just profits.” Her role in supporting Digital Transformation strategies for International Oil Companies, National Oil Companies, and Regulatory Agencies in Guyana and Suriname involves bridging the gap between tradition and technology. “I help our clients rethink their workflows, integrate data-driven decision-making, and adopt technological solutions that increase efficiency and sustainability,” Grace explained.
She says digital transformation is “adding a turbocharger to a tried-and-true engine”— upgrading the fundamentals without replacing them. Digital tools, like predictive technologies for reservoir management, help improve precision, reduce operational risks, and make the energy sector more sustainable. “It’s not just about transforming operations, it’s about data driven empowerment,” she adds.
“I’m reshaping how we do business, one megabyte at a time.” Navigating the oil and gas industry as a Guyanese woman has been quite challenging. “It’s like walking through an endless maze in steel-toed boots,” she reflected.
“One of the biggest challenges was establishing credibility in an industry where technical expertise is often associated with being male.” In the early stages of her career, Grace often felt she needed to prove herself before speaking. She met this challenge head-on with preparation, knowledge, and authenticity. “I learned to be unapologetically myself and deeply knowledgeable,” she explained. Work-life balance has also been tough, with high-stakes projects and long hours.
“It’s a juggling act, sometimes with f laming torches,” she admitted. “But I’ve learned that progress is more important than perfection.” Her support network, including male and female mentors, helped her persevere. “They showed me the importance of staying resilient, learning continuously, and celebrating small wins,” Grace said. “My drive comes from believing in our region’s potential and the importance of our role in the global energy landscape.” Grace is deeply committed to promoting Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) within the oil and gas industry.
“For real progress, we need a culture shift, not just policies,” she said. The first step, she believes, is creating inclusive pathways into the industry through mentorship, targeted recruitment, and internships. “We need visible role models—leaders who reflect the diversity of the Caribbean,” she asserted. Representation is crucial in breaking stereotypes and showing how anyone can succeed in oil and gas. She stressed that D&I initiatives must go beyond surface-level efforts. “It’s about training teams to understand the value of diversity as a business advantage,” Grace added.
Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and problem solving approaches, benefiting everyone. Support networks and advocacy groups, such as Halliburton’s Women Sharing Excellence Caribbean Resource Group, are essential.
“When women and allies lift each other up, that’s when change happens,” she continued. Ultimately, Grace envisions a more inclusive oil and gas sector where diversity is seen as a core strength, not just a “nice-to-have.” “That’s when we’ll see the industry reach its full potential.” As chair of Halliburton’s Women Sharing Excellence Caribbean Resource Group, Grace has led several impactful initiatives, including the EMPOWER Leadership Program.
“This program is more than just technical training. It’s about personal and professional growth,” she said. The program helps women develop leadership skills, strengthen networks, and improve their business acumen.
“What’s particularly powerful is the sense of community it fosters,” Grace added. “Women in our region are learning to take ownership of their careers and become leaders.” Through programs like EMPOWER, Grace hopes to create an environment where women can lead, innovate, and inspire others in the industry. Grace is also committed to engaging the youth in the energy sector.
“Young people are the future innovators and leaders who will shape the industry,” she said. As the Energy4me Coordinator for the SPE Georgetown Section, she leads initiatives to inspire students to pursue careers in energy. Through interactive workshops, field trips, and talks with industry professionals, students learn about the diverse roles in the energy sector.
“We want to show them that energy isn’t just about oil rigs and pipelines,” Grace explained. “It’s about data science, environmental management, and technology. There’s a place for everyone.”
She believes these initiatives plant the seeds of curiosity and ambition, encouraging students to see energy as an exciting and impactful field. A key turning point in Grace’s career came when a former Halliburton executive challenged her to embrace her authenticity.
“It wasn’t just about work. It was about owning who I am,” she recalled. Initially, she had doubts about her place in the technical side of the energy industry, coming from a non-STEM background. But mentorship helped her turn that doubt into determination.
“Mentors helped me realize that I could use my background in International Relations and Business Administration to drive innovation and inclusion,” she said. “That moment of mentorship taught me that leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about shattering it.” Grace balances her technical responsibilities with her advocacy work, acknowledging that it’s a “constant juggling act.”
She believes that diversity and technical innovation are interdependent, each enhancing the other. Grace remains intentional with her time, ensuring that both areas receive the attention they deserve. Her motivation stems from her core values: making a difference, breaking barriers, and opening doors for others. “It’s about being both a leader and an advocate,” she says. Grace offers empowering advice to young Guyanese women contemplating careers in the energy sector.
“Equip yourself with knowledge, stay updated on industry trends, and seek mentorship.” Be bold, confident, and resilient.” She encourages women to carve their niche, pursue their passions, and stay true to themselves. “The energy industry is evolving,” she says, adding, “Your perspective and talents can help shape its future.”
Grace is focused on creating a lasting positive impact. Professionally, she aims to continue contributing to groundbreaking projects and take on more leadership roles at Halliburton. She intends to intensify her advocacy efforts by focusing on mentorship programs and educational outreach in collaboration with local stakeholders.
“I want to ensure the next generation feels equipped and inspired to lead,” she said. “I hope to leave a legacy of equity, innovation, and a more inclusive energy industry.” Through her work, she is not just transforming the industry—she is paving the way for future generations of women and young people to lead confidently and with passion and purpose.
