On Thursday, February 11, more than 100 local high school students from the Coastal Bend attended "This One's for The Gals," a conference sponsored by AEP Texas, Bechtel, Exxon and other industry partners to highlight career opportunities in the electrical and related industries close to home. The event was founded to encourage young women to pursue professional paths without leaving their communities. It ncluded career panels, networking with industry professionals, and an opening performance of "Girl on Fire."

Students left the conference energized and better informed about local career pathways, having asked thoughtful questions and explored options they might not previously have considered. An AEP representative noted the importance of events like this in showing young women they belong in every field.