Alumna Maria Martinez ‘01, MBA ‘06, will receive the Leadership Excellence Award at the 17th Annual National Diversity & Leadership Conference to be held virtually over several dates in late April. The conference will focus on the POWER of diversity, equity and inclusion. She is one of 50 leaders who will receive this award from various industries.

Martinez, who serves as vice president for Human Resources and Administration at Murphy Oil Corporation, said, “It is truly an honor to be recognized among a group of accomplished leaders from various geographies and industries. One of our company values is to ‘do right always,’ and each day I find opportunities to make things better and lead by example. In my community, I actively participate in leadership roles with organizations that support our industry and give back to our communities. I find this to be very rewarding both personally and professionally.”

Martinez also will contribute as a panelist at the conference. “I will speak on two topics: ‘Reach Your Full Potential’ and ‘Leadership: Presence, Influence & Inspiration,’” she said.

Martinez thanks UST for providing her with a robust educational and ethical foundation, which continues to influence her leadership approach. “Through the strong framework that UST instilled in me, I am proud of my decision-making, which is always in the best interest of my company as well as our employees,” she said