Brandi Andrews Sheely, Class of 2007, attended Oklahoma State University, where she majored in industrial engineering and management and minored in sports management. While there, she became an NCAA DI Indoor Track All-American and also ran cross country. She served on several athletic academic boards and was also very active in the National Society of Black Engineers. Post college, she entered the energy/oil and gas sector, working first for ExxonMobil and now with Shell. Over the past 10 years, her roles have been in technical, sales, and marketing, and she’s covered various segments, channels, and regions within North America. Today she leads a team of technical advisors supporting the North America Lubricants business.
Q. How did you get into what you’re doing now? Did you always know you wanted to do something like that?
A. After interning with ExxonMobil, I was offered a job within the downstream lubricants business. I figured it would be a great chance to get experience and start my career and that I’d see where I wanted to go after giving it a try. I didn’t even realize the role that lubricants played in the energy sector, much less everyday life.
Q. Why are you passionate about what you do?
A. Lubricants impact everybody on the Earth in some way, whether they allow the equipment in the power plant/windmill/solar farm to operate, or your car’s engine to run, or the components needed to assemble your battery-powered car. It’s also pretty cool to learn behind the scenes how things are made and how processes operate that allow for daily functions that most people don’t think about.
Q. What were your favorite traditions at GPS?
A. GPS/McCallie vs. Baylor rivalry sporting events. Competition is one of my top five strengths, so this tradition of a strong rivalry fueled that need for competition.
Q. If you could offer one piece of advice to current GPS students, what would it be?
A. Find the learning in every situation that you encounter, even if it’s what not to do in the future.
Q. Do you still keep in touch with your GPS classmates?
A. Yes, they are like my sisters. We live life together no matter how far apart we are physically. We encourage, support, and reminisce with each other through the various seasons of life.
Q. How did GPS prepare you for your future?
A. Self-confidence and boldness. No matter the situation I am placed in, I keep my identity and am able to succeed, especially in situations in which I am the minority. There were very few college classes and haven’t been many meetings during my professional career in which I was not the only Black female or female in general.
Q. What is a GPS girl to you?
A. A girl with integrity who knows who she is and will compete, perform, and achieve the goals that she has at the highest levels.
Q. What is your greatest accomplishment thus far?
A. NCAA DI All American | 2011 indoor Track DMR (distance medley relay, 800-meter)
Q. Are there any quotes that guide your daily pursuits?
A. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5
Q. Are there any experiences or memories from your time at GPS that really stand out?
A. Becoming May Queen—to realize that I had positively impacted so many people who I may or may not have even known was a very humbling experience.
Q. Why is Black History Month important to you and why is it important that we acknowledge and honor the month here at GPS?
A. It’s important because it allows us to celebrate, honor, and learn about Black history and people who embodied many of the very same values that GPS’s Founders had while overcoming great obstacles. It’s important to me because it's foundational to my identity. Knowing about what my ancestors endured and preserved through encourages me to keep pushing for progress for future generations.
.png?width=5000&height=1855&name=Torch2022_InitialMark_White%20(2).png "GPS Crest")