Debra Clark Stewart is Director of Supplier Diversity and Diversity Outreach for Shell. In this role, she leads a team responsible for developing and implementing strategies and programs that support U.S. supplier diversity, a critical component of U.S. local content, and for leading Shell’s collaboration with major U.S. diversity advocacy organizations.
With a Bachelor and Master Degree in Polymer Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Debra began her career in R&D and technical sales roles with Exxon Corporation. As a result of her early R&D work, Stewart and her co-patent authors in 2001 were awarded ExxonMobil Chemical’s Most Valuable Patent Award for the success of a new line of materials for automotive applications. In 27 years with Shell, Stewart worked across a spectrum of businesses in roles of increasing responsibility in market and business management, technical management, international marketing, mergers/acquisitions/divestitures and project management prior to assuming her current role in 2010.
Throughout her career, Stewart has also served as a leader in support of the external community and diversity in Shell. In the ‘90s she led in the start-up of employee affinity groups in the company and serves as executive co-sponsor of POWER, Shell’s inter-network for multicultural women. She is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum (Class XXXVI), serves on the board of directors of Target Hunger, a Houston based United Way agency, and on the advisory board of Pink Petro, an innovative social media enterprise aimed at connecting and developing women in the energy industry. She chairs the Petrochemical & Energy Industry Group of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council, serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and is active in many other regional and national organizations supporting economic development through supplier and workforce diversity.
Under Stewart’s leadership, Shell has been recognized by numerous organizations and publications for excellence and leadership in supplier diversity and STEM workforce development. Individually she has been repeatedly recognized by Minority Business News and Women’s Enterprise USA publications as one of the country’s top leaders in supplier diversity. She is a frequent speaker for diversity events both inside and external to Shell. Stewart was inducted into the 2013 Hall of Fame of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
A native of Chicago, Stewart and husband Tony have two adult sons, a grandson and granddaughter. She has a wide variety of interests, including reading, dancing, and studying, teaching and writing about the Bible. She holds a graduate Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, and serves as church Administrator for LifePoint Church, a new church in the Houston area.
Debra Clark Stewart
Director of Supplier Diversity & Diversity Outreach
Shell Oil Company
debra.stewart@shell.com
