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The Bridge to Gender Equality Project is pleased to introduce you to Rayna Oryniak (She/Her) who is one of our Advisory Committee Members
What are you most passionate about?
In the work I do for Calgary Women in Energy, I’m most passionate about supporting and empowering women in the energy industry. When I first started in this industry, it was a very male dominated sector, and I often felt extremely overwhelmed or inadequate. When I became highly involved with CWiE, it was my personal mission to reach as many women as I could to make sure they didn’t feel the same as I did, and to make sure they never felt “alone”.
In my career with Prolium Industries, I’m passionate about building our business and building meaningful relationships with our clients. I love working in the energy industry, and I’m very excited about all the possibilities and opportunities that the energy transition presents. Canada can be a leader in this space, and I’m excited to be a part of it!
In my personal life, I’m passionate about many things! I love to travel, hike, and read! I try to live life to the fullest as much as I can.
Who is your greatest role model?
I actually haven’t thought a lot about this question. If I had to choose someone, it would have to be Susannah Pierce, President and Country Chair, VP Emerging Energy Solutions at Shell. When I first started in the energy industry, Women Presidents and/or CEO’s of energy companies were few and far between. Susannah is a role model because she has broken down barriers, and challenged the status quo. Although she is extremely busy, she always makes an effort to respond to my emails, or to say hi and spend a few minutes catching up at various conferences where we run into each other. She’s genuinely interested in what you have to say, and is always willing to support Calgary Women in Energy if she can. Although these actions may seem small, they go a tremendous way when you’re a young female in the energy industry trying to navigate your career. Having more female representation at leadership levels is something that I’m striving for.
What is your greatest accomplishment in your career trajectory?
To date, I would say my greatest accomplishment in my career has been volunteering my time to Calgary Women in Energy and watching the membership grow. When I first joined the group 6 years ago, there were maybe around 70 members…now there are over 200 members, and I couldn’t be more proud of how much Calgary Women in Energy has grown, and the value we bring to our members through different initiatives.
I could say something along the lines of receiving my first bonus, or working for a multi-billion dollar company…but when your greatest accomplishment is simply volunteering your time to something you believe in, and watching it flourish, and speaking to people who have said that I’ve made a positive impact on them, well, that just hits differently.
What advice would you give to new or emerging leaders who are building their careers?
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Even if you doubt yourself, you need to take risks and believe you deserve that promotion, seat at the table, job, whatever it is. You just need to go for it.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it’s okay to be vulnerable.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for the next generation?
I feel like this is a loaded question, cause there’s lots of challenges, especially in the energy industry. I actually think the next generation (in terms of being a young female starting out their career) has it a lot easier because SO much work has been done to break barriers, and smash the glass ceiling that it’s easier now for women to be recognized, accepted, and given an opportunity. I believe there’s been so much work being done in the DE&I space, that the momentum will continue to build and get stronger for the next generation.
About Rayna Oryniak (She/Her)
Rayna Oryniak holds an Undergraduate Degree in International Relations, with a Minor in Business Management and Society from the University of Calgary. She is currently pursing an MBA in Energy Management at the Vienna University of Business and Economics.
Rayna holds the position of President for Calgary Women in Energy and has been actively involved with the group for the last 6 years. CWiE is non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting, supporting, and empowering women in the energy sector. Throughout her work with CWiE, Rayna has developed a passion for advancing women in the energy industry and bringing thought leaders together to discuss ways in which we can all work together to advance women and other under-represented groups.
In addition to her role as President, Rayna is the Business Development Manager for Prolium Industries, a Berkshire Hathaway company. Prolium specializes in above ground storage tank maintenance and integrity services for the Canadian energy industry.
To learn more about the Bridge to Gender Equality Project, go HERE.