When Maricela Caballero joined Chevron Phillips Chemical in 2000, the year Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Phillips Co. created the joint venture, she had a front-row seat to the company’s origin story. Today, as senior vice president of Human Resources, she is still helping shape its future.
“I’ve seen two distinct cultures come together to create something truly special,” Caballero said. “It’s been a journey of growth, change and purpose, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Creating space for women to thrive
Caballero is especially proud of CPChem’s commitment to supporting women in the workplace. At CPChem, 70% of employees work at
manufacturing facilities, and 20% of the employee population are women. With an aim to create an environment where employees feel a sense of belonging and have access to opportunities, CPChem has resources like STRIVE, one of the company’s employee resource groups, which is open to all employees. STRIVE focuses on unique challenges for women in the workplace, with a mission to provide support and guidance in personal and career development. The group also provides a safe space where employees can bring their authentic selves to work and opportunities to develop future leaders and increase employee engagement.
“Thriving doesn’t mean changing who you are — it means owning who you are,” Caballero said. “You belong here. Your voice matters. The future of leadership is brighter because of women like you.”
Culture that connects across continents
Tiffany Sunwall, recently plant manager at CPChem’s Singapore facility, has held leadership roles across Texas and Asia since joining the company in 2014. For her, CPChem’s culture is constant.
“No matter where you are, office or plant, Texas or Singapore, you feel it,” she said. “There is a deep respect for different perspectives. It is not just about getting the job done; it is about how we do it together.”
Sunwall credits mentorship as a key part of her journey — both receiving it and paying it forward. “Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can change how you see a challenge,” she said.
Building belonging from day one
Heather Matthews, now sustainability planning manager, still remembers her first CPChem interview as a college student. “I had my first
kolache and heard about a local corporate challenge where teams competed in weekend sports,” she said. “I immediately felt like I belonged.”
Since joining in 2006, Matthews has worked across engineering, finance, safety and more. She also helped launch STRIVE in 2020.
“I try to lead with transparency and authenticity,” she said. “Sharing our experiences, across genders helps build understanding and inclusion.”
Challenging the status quo
Matthews recalled a time when there was a perception that women were not considered for roles in the Middle East. “It was a blind spot,” she said. “But when we speak up, w
e help others see what they might have missed.”
Only by raising the issue can change and improvement follow. Today, more women are recruited for roles across every continent in which CPChem operates.
Sunwall echoed that sentiment. Early in her career, she tried to blend in. Now, she embraces what makes her different.
“Being the only woman in the room can feel isolating, but it can also be empowering,” she said. “It is a chance to lead by example.”
Leading with purpose
Caballero believes that diverse teams, like those led by Sunwall and Matthews, drive better results. “When people feel safe, seen and supported, they show up as their best selves,” she said. “That is when real innovation happens.”
She shared five principles that have guided her leadership journey:
- Lead with competence and confidence. Do not wait to be invited, show up prepared and ready.
- Build credibility through consistency. Deliver results and make decisions with empathy and data.
- Stay true to your values. Lead with emotional intelligence and a people-first mindset.
- Challenge without alienating. Speak up but keep the room involved with you.
- Find your allies. Change happens through partnership, not in isolation.
Looking Ahead
The career paths of Caballero, Sunwall and Matthews have not always been linear, but they have been meaningful.
“The hours can be long, and the road isn’t always smooth,” Sunwall said. “But the experiences have been invaluable, and now I get to share that perspective with others.”