Women in Energy: Amber Leger

Mar 01, 2022

In celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, LAGCOE is highlighting women who have been instrumental in the energy industry and supporters of our organization. Our intern, Meredith Privat, interviewed six women. Here is the first, Amber Leger. 

“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”

— Madame C.J. Walker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, social and political advocate, first female self made millionaire 

Women have had the challenge of being overlooked in history, though there have been many great contributions towards society that would not have been possible without them. We all know of famous names in energy such as Nikola Tesla and Albert Einstein, but what about Edith Clarke, inventor of the Clarke Calculator, or Lise Meitner, the scientist discovered nuclear fission? Americans highlight the overlooked figures by celebrating Women’s History this month. To commemorate the month of March, LAGCOE will be looking at some modern women in the Energy Industry who have worked hard in their positions in various companies. 

Name:  Amber Leger  

Company:  ARC Energy 

Position: Marketing and PR Manager

There are many women who have excelled through hard work, focusing on each task at hand to gain success in their position. Amber Leger attended Texas State University and has been working in the Energy industry since 1996. “I love my career and it started with NATCO in 1996.  I have enjoyed a great career in marketing and supporting our salesforce for 26 years.” During her time in this field, she has had a great attitude about her impact on the industry. “There are great reasons the energy industry has had a positive impact on my life and career.  Everyone uses Energy and its constantly changing and growing.  There is so much to learn, and the people are fantastic in our Industry.” 

Besides her current role at ARC Energy, she has worked with many companies, such as Spartan Energy Partners, Torrnet Energy Services, Cypress Engine Accessories, and Corporate Engagement Advocate. “All those I have gotten to work with in my past and today are really great examples of our industry and their love for what they do.  Other reasons are the many products and services we provide, and the global scale of energy and the impact it makes on the world.  We are always learning, and it’s been very interesting to watch and see how things in the energy industry are constantly changing, like today the focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) for example.  A very positive focus as we can always improve and protect our environment. I’m proud to have a career in the energy industry and to be a part of a great company like ARC Energy.”

Amber’s advice to young girls in the industry is to keep their eyes on future progress. “There are so many opportunities to innovate.  Just a few years ago people were scratching their heads as to how to get more solar and wind energy on the grid.” There are so many innovations that have yet to be discovered. These are the key to advancements in the oil and gas industry. She continues, “The fracking process has steadily increased oil and natural gas production. It has brought substantial benefits to the nation. Students today have a great opportunity to address the real-world challenges and advances in the energy industry and make a difference.”

While many women have felt like they were being pushed to the side in this industry, Amber’s work ethic and accomplishments have been valued. “I never felt at a disadvantage. If you work hard in this industry, you will be successful.”

With Amber’s long-standing career in the field, she has had many great opportunities seeing firsthand the women of the industry. “I have been very fortunate to have had great women that were mentors for me during my career.” When asked about what she is doing for other women currently working towards entering this industry, she says, “My example means guiding others through my actions and inspiring them to do the same makes it natural for people to feel like they want to do the best they can for the organization they work for.   When you lead by example, you can accomplish this and have a workplace that's full of trust, confidence, and purpose.” Her success story is based in confidence, determination, and hard work.

***

 Blog entry by Meredith Privat. Meredith is an intern with LAGCOE majoring in Visual arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.