Each day at Howard Energy Partners begins with the same purpose: to deliver positive energy that powers our communities safely, reliably and with intention.

As Senior Director of Engineering, I have a front row seat in making that happen, through leading a team focused on engineering, project execution, and operational technology across a diverse energy infrastructure portfolio.

I was born in South Korea, and my family always encouraged me to broaden my horizons and gain exposure to the world. That support led me to participate in an exchange student program here in Texas — an experience that ultimately inspired me to stay and pursue higher education in the United States.

In 2008, I enrolled at Texas A&M University to study chemical engineering, though at the time, I did not have a clear idea of what would come next. With no family or friends in the energy industry, I was navigating new territory. Then one summer, I was fortunate to land an internship at an energy company.

Jennifer Yang Credit: Courtesy / Howard Energy Partners

That hands-on experience opened my eyes to a dynamic, collaborative environment that was both fun and full of potential. I saw a place where I could grow and make a meaningful impact, and I have been in the industry ever since.

Today, I work at Howard Energy Partners, a San Antonio-based midstream company that develops and operates infrastructure across the United States and Mexico. Our assets span across gas gathering and processing, pipelines, terminals and logistics. We are also exploring new frontiers like power generation and providing energy for data centers. My team is at the center of turning those ideas into reality.

Most of my workdays start at our San Antonio headquarters. On any given day, I am in meetings with our business development, operations, and finance teams or collaborating with external stakeholders to move a project forward. My role involves frequent interaction with contractors, whom we like to refer to as partners because they serve as a critical extension of our team. I review conceptual designs, cost estimates, and project scopes, making sure we’re on track technically, financially, and strategically.

Recruiting and resource planning are a major part of my scope as well. Ensuring that our team members are supported, balanced in their workload, and set up for success are top priorities. When I am not reviewing contracts or project updates, I may be visiting one of our sites for M&A due diligence, a construction check-in, or a post-startup visit. These visits offer valuable opportunities to connect with our field teams, recognize the efforts of those on the front lines, and stay connected to the purpose of what we do as an operations-driven company.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is how dynamic it is. At Howard Energy, one of our core values is “Embrace Change, Because It’s the Only Constant.” A mindset that truly resonates. It keeps me curious and constantly learning, an approach I bring into conversations with all kinds of stakeholders — from senior leaders to interns, contractors to community partners.

I also deeply value the opportunities to give back through community outreach and university engagement. This year, I’ve had the pleasure of leading our internship program and mentoring the next generation of engineers, something I find incredibly meaningful. I have also volunteered as a judge for university senior design projects, which reminds me how much talent and passion is coming up in this industry.

Outside of work, I shift gears into my most important role — being a mom. Like many working parents, balancing home and career can be hectic, but it is also what keeps me grounded. Spending time with my family and exchanging stories about our day brings everything into perspective.

Looking back, I am grateful that a chance internship led me into this industry.

Now, being part of a company like Howard Energy Partners where core values are not just words on a wall, they are guiding principles that we live by. I have grown not just as an engineer but as a leader, thanks to the mentorship, culture, and relationships built along the way. It is exciting to be part of a team helping shape the future of energy in a way that is thoughtful, forward-looking, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.