Women's history luncheon to honor women in oil, gas industry

This year the ninth annual Louise Daniel Women‘s History Luncheon and Women’s Equality Day Celebration will honor women in the oil and gas industry — past and present — in the Texas Panhandle.

Juanita Malecha, director of land management and VP of Pantera Energy Co. in Amarillo is the featured guest speaker at the Friday, Aug. 24, luncheon.

Malecha will share her story, "From Confused to Confident to Chair," of how a girl who grew up on a Umbarger farm has maintained a 27-year career at Pantera, starting as one of the first women landmen in the Panhandle.

The luncheon committee is preparing a list of women honorees who have served in top positions with petroleum companies in the Panhandle, and is seeking names of those it may not have. To suggest a woman landman, engineer, scientist, geologist, company owner or co-owner, email Jane Harlan at ejharlan@suddenlink.net. Include the woman’s name, employer, her position and any special, but brief additional information by Aug. 17.

The  luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk St. It is held near the end of August to coincide with Women's Equality Day, which commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution giving women the right to vote.

Tickets may be purchased at louisedaniel.org or by sending a check to the Amarillo College Foundation, PO Box 447, 79178. If paying by check, note the purchase is for the Louise Daniel Luncheon. Prices are $15 for students and $30 for the general public. Tables of eight may be purchased for $350. Reservations should be made by Aug. 17.

Proceeds will benefit the LDWH Fund at the foundation. The luncheon honors the founder’s last wish, to remind women of all ages of the struggles and efforts of earlier women to overcome barriers to equality and to celebrate their contributions to Texas Panhandle history.