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From Rural Oklahoma to STEM Leadership: A Native American Engineer’s Inspiring Journey of Service, Advocacy, and Mentorship: Meet Bryce Fugate
Meet Bryce Fugate, a senior facilities engineer at bp in Denver.
What is your personal/professional story?
I am a citizen of the Osage Nation originally from Skiatook, Oklahoma. I currently work as a senior facilities engineer at bpx in Denver, CO, and serve as a board member for the Denver Indian Center. I attended the University of Oklahoma for undergrad, where I earned two degrees: a BS in petroleum engineering and a BA in international studies. Additionally, I received an MA in Latin American and Border Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso.
After graduating from OU, I started my career with Nalco in Houston (and later in El Paso), working as an engineer managing chemical programs in refineries. After spending more than five years with Nalco, I moved to Denver to work as a contractor petroleum engineer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In this role, I collaborated with Tribes to help them develop their resources—including oil, gas, helium, solar, wind, coal, aggregate, and hydrogen—as part of the federal Trust responsibility of the U.S. government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). I worked there for two years before transitioning to my current role at bpx.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, gardening, skiing, camping, traveling, and exploring different areas of my community. As a Native American, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a first-generation college graduate working in the STEM field, I strive to create opportunities that help others improve their lives and communities. Through my work with the Denver Indian Center and as a leader for the Indigenous business resource group at bp, I approach my efforts with great intentionality. One day, I hope to run for my Tribe's Congress to enact policies that improve the lives of Osage Nation members. I am committed to continuing my work with Indian Country to create more opportunities and improve the quality of life for all.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a leader, and I’ve worked hard to get where I am today. Growing up in rural Oklahoma, I didn’t see many opportunities for upward socioeconomic mobility. I knew I had to work hard to create opportunities for myself and achieve my goals. I’m very much an extrovert, and many people have called me a natural-born leader. I think this stems from a desire to help others become the best versions of themselves.
As the saying goes, "A rising tide lifts all boats." I truly believe that it takes a community rising together to create future opportunities. I’m a firm believer in creating pathways and spaces and then bringing others along instead of closing the door behind you. Seeing how my service and leadership positively impact others brings me immense joy. It refills my cup and energizes me to continue serving my communities.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
Growing up on a farm in rural Oklahoma had a significant impact on my life and career. My family operated a pecan and cattle farm, and there was always something to do. I witnessed firsthand how hard my parents worked to provide for me and my siblings. However, none of us could manage the farm’s operations alone—we had to trust and rely on each other to succeed. Whether it was harvesting pecans or caring for a newborn calf, these experiences taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork and perseverance.
While I often miss farm life, I’ve carried these lessons of hard work and collaboration into my career. Nearly ten years into my professional journey, I still find myself drawing on the principles I learned on the farm.
How can GlobalMindED help you realize your goals?
I encourage everyone to set lofty goals. Challenging yourself in this way can drive you toward success. However, you can’t go on this journey alone. I’ve had several role models and mentors who helped create stepping stones for me to reach where I am today. Seeking out mentors can be tough—it can feel awkward and vulnerable to ask—but ask, ask, ask! You never know who might help you secure an internship, find a scholarship, or provide valuable guidance from their experiences.
Be bold in your commitment to seeking mentorship from others. I often didn’t see people who shared my experiences in positions of power, and I knew I wanted to change that. I wanted to be the inspiration for others following in my footsteps. GlobalMindED can play a vital role in this journey by providing leadership development, networking opportunities, skill-building, and pathways to success.
Now, my question for you is: Are you ready to put in the work? If you’re nervous, that’s okay! I can’t tell you how many times nerves and self-doubt crept in. This is exactly why having a strong support network—like the one GlobalMindED offers—can help you overcome those feelings and achieve your goals.
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