Profiles
Cynthia Thibodeaux, Beaumont Refinery Controls Advisor Erika Arango, BAES Business Analyst I began my career at ExxonMobil as an alkylation contact engineer after graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. My first role at the Beaumont refinery gave me the opportunity to learn more about alkylation technology and develop my technical skills, while working in the field with operators and contractors to mitigate risks in our endeavor for operational excellence. The experience equipped me with a good overall knowledge of ExxonMobil work process and business, laying the ground work that would help me during my next role as the light-oils systems improvement engineer. During this time, I was proud to collaborate with others in supporting the Crude A turnaround as a process engineer. I considered it a once in a lifetime opportunity. In my current role as Beaumont Area Engineering Specialist business analyst, I’m leading a change in After graduating from Lamar Institute of Technology in 1985, I joined ExxonMobil’s information technology (IT) department as an operator working the 4 a.m. to noon shift. Those could be grueling hours, but I learned a lot. Following long days at work, I went to school at night. After several years, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology from the College of Industrial Engineering at Lamar University. That experience set the foundation for my next business assignment as the lead of the North America refining IT controls network at ExxonMobil. I focused on the Beaumont and Baytown refineries, and from there I became Controls Advisor at the Beaumont refinery. In a previous role, I collaborated on a follow-the- sun support model project for Lotus Notes regions (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific). I helped train folks on what to do during server outages at their prime time. It was enriching to learn more about other cultures. Working at ExxonMobil
Cynthia Thibodeaux enjoys watching professional football with family and friends. The Dallas Cowboys are her favorite football team.
has given me the opportunity to have an exciting career doing what I love. Above work, my number one job is being a mother of two and a wife. I am an active member of St. Jude church where I serve as lector and commentator. I’m also a member of Lamar University’s College of Industrial Engineering Industrial Technology Advisory Council. When asked to give advice to young professionals, I always share my motto, “Never give up, and always do your best.”
Erika Arango enjoys singing and was in choir during her school years.
how we perform purchase requisitions that gives second-line supervisors more control and ownership over their budget and spending. I’ve really enjoyed the different roles I’ve had at ExxonMobil and look forward to a challenging and rewarding career in the organization. I enjoy dancing salsa and boating with friends and family. I’m a foodie at heart and enjoy trying new cuisine. My motto is one my parents shared with me all my life, “Always forward, never backwards.”
Editor’s note: Starting with this issue, we’re expanding our profiles section beyond the leadership teams to include our colleagues at all levels. If you’d like to nominate someone to be featured in the next issue, contact Sarai Demien.W
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