Ola Balbaa, a seasoned Wells Engineer at BP and TOP 50 Women Forum’s member, was nominated as one of the Top 100 Brilliant Women in Renewable Energy for 2024. As the only Egyptian on this distinguished list, she is making significant waves in the global energy sector, not only for her technical expertise but also for her remarkable contributions to diversity and inclusion in male-dominated fields.
With a career that spans across the energy industry, Balbaa is known for her outstanding work in deepwater high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells, showcasing her technical acumen and her ability to navigate complex challenges in energy exploration. Her journey began with a strong academic foundation, having earned a Master’s degree in Petrochemical Engineering, followed by focused research in Renewable Energy and Biofuel Technology. This blend of skills has positioned her as a leading figure in both traditional and emerging energy sectors.
A Strong Advocate for Women in Engineering
Balbaa’s expertise goes beyond the technical sphere. She is a passionate advocate for women in engineering and renewable energy, dedicated to supporting and mentoring the next generation of female leaders. As a frequent speaker at renowned conferences, such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), ADIPEC, and the Women’s Global Leadership Conference in Houston, she uses her platform to encourage more women to pursue careers in energy.
Her involvement in leadership and advocacy initiatives has garnered widespread recognition. Her insights on the challenges faced by women in male-dominated careers have also led to appearances on TV shows and podcasts, where she shares her personal journey and encourages women to overcome obstacles and embrace leadership opportunities.
Leading Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
In addition to her engineering expertise, Balbaa has been a driving force behind Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) efforts at both the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Young Professionals (YP) and BP Egypt’s Women in Wells Network. As a leader in these initiatives, she has worked to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women pursuing careers in the energy sector. Through her mentorship, Balbaa has helped countless graduates navigate the challenges of engineering careers, ensuring that they feel empowered and equipped to succeed.
Her role as a mentor and advocate extends beyond the workplace, where she fosters the personal and professional development of her mentees. Balbaa’s passion for teaching, mentoring, and advocacy underscores her commitment to uplifting others, especially women, in the engineering and energy fields.
A Career Driven by Passion and Innovation
Balbaa’s dedication to innovation in the energy sector is evident in her work with BP, where she has worked on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of what is possible in the energy industry.
Balbaa’s ability to balance technical expertise with leadership and advocacy makes her an exceptional role model for aspiring engineers worldwide. As the only Egyptian among the Top 100 Brilliant Women in Renewable Energy, Ola Balbaa’s recognition is a source of immense pride for the global community. Her achievements inspire women in the Middle East and beyond.
Balbaa’s nomination is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her contributions to the energy industry, her commitment to empowering women in engineering, and her unwavering dedication to advancing renewable energy technologies. The future of energy is undoubtedly brighter with pioneers like her leading the way.
