Women in Energy: Keila Aires Diamond, Quantum Energy Partners

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[Editor's note: Influential Women In Energy 2023 is a supplement to the February 2023 issue of Oil and Gas Investor magazine. Subscribe here.]

As a sustainability professional, Keila Aires Diamond sees the energy industry as a place where one can have real—and lasting—societal impact. Whether it’s the operations floor, out in the field or in the boardroom, she has developed and implemented sustainability programs and ESG best practices at organizations across industries and countries. She understands that success comes from integrating these practices into every aspect of an organization—and it starts at the top.

As managing director and head of ESG for Quantum Energy Partners, Diamond strives to bring the company’s already robust ESG program to the “next level” in supporting the clean energy transition.

Diamond holds degrees from Harvard University and Duke University, as well as Brazilian schools the University of Campinas, the Federal University of Rondônia and the Brazilian Luther University.

Outside of work, Diamond supports various efforts to increase higher education access for young women in Brazil and spends time with her family, which includes her spouse, baby boy and a cat.

A common desire

“I have had the privilege of working in various industries and many different places around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. I’ve learned different cultures and different ways of doing business—and how to adapt.

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“I have also seen firsthand that while societies and individuals are unique wherever you go, there is a common desire to be respected, included, heard and recognized. Throughout my career, I have gained a deep appreciation for the importance of diversity of thought and strongly believe having more diverse perspectives around the table makes us more successful as a team. That’s something all of our teams at Quantum benefit from, and I believe it’s played a significant role in the firm’s continued success.”

Part of the solution

“Energy is essential to the growth and well-being of humanity. The global population today is growing rapidly and becoming wealthier, two factors that continue to drive increased demand for energy. Simultaneously, as countries and providers race to meet that demand, we are faced with a need to dramatically reduce energy-related carbon emissions.

“Throughout my career, I have gained a deep appreciation for the importance of diversity of thought and strongly believe having more diverse perspectives around the table makes us more successful as a team.”—Keila Aires Diamond

“It’s a dual challenge, and one that requires collaboration from numerous stakeholders, a broad commitment to decarbonize hydrocarbon operations and significant [private and public] investment in clean energy sources and decarbonizing technologies—all while we work to maintain and expand access to affordable and reliable energy.

“Quantum remains focused on being part of the solution as we continue to seek new and innovative ways to invest private capital in the businesses that are powering the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

Ensuring tangible impact

“In 2023, I anticipate increased demand for credible ESG disclosures. Investors, regulators and the broader public are exercising greater scrutiny of corporate ESG and sustainability efforts, calling out what they perceive as mismatch between words and action. Organizations increasingly need to ensure sustainability commitments are having a tangible and measurable impact.

“I am proud of the leadership Quantum has shown in this area—our focus on ESG principles has been at the core of our business philosophy since our inception almost 25 years ago. I am confident we will continue to make important contributions as we invest and partner with exceptional and innovative businesses that are powering the transition.”

Advice for young professionals

“If you are a sustainability professional looking to effect real societal change, the energy industry presents enormous opportunities. Don’t be afraid to set ambitious goals for yourself and your career—as long as you’re prepared to follow through on what these goals might ask of you.

“I pursued two separate master’s degrees while working full time because I knew they would position me for the career I wanted. It was a long journey, one that taught me the value of resilience in the face of constant setbacks, but it was worth the effort, and I could not be more proud of my career and the impact I have had.”

Three more things

1. I grew up in a small town in the middle of the Brazilian Amazon region. I left after college and have traveled and worked in all continents except Antarctica, which I still hope to visit.

2. I have supported four young women paying for their undergraduate and graduate programs, and I hope to scale this effort to reach a larger number of underprivileged students through the startup of a non-profit organization to provide scholarships.

3. I am passionate about forests, and I own and am investing in the restoration and preservation of over 200,000 acres in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.

View the full list of this year’s honorees at Hart Energy LIVE.