Abby Sams is a force to be reckoned with, and her story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. But how did she go from a career in sustainability to becoming a Paralympic hopeful?
A Career Shift and a Dream Unveiled:
Abby Sams, a resident of Huntsville, Alabama, embarked on a journey that few could have predicted. Five years ago, she joined the Baker Hughes Sustainability team, but her path to this field was not straightforward. Sams, who uses a wheelchair, never envisioned herself as a future athlete, let alone a member of Team USA. But life had other plans.
Balancing Sustainability and Sports:
Energy Forward sat down with Abby to uncover the secrets of her remarkable journey. As an analyst within the strategy and performance group, Abby plays a crucial role in compiling the company's annual Corporate Sustainability report. She manages the online support tool, collaborating with customers on their sustainability strategies. But her passion for the environment began much earlier.
A Childhood Fascination and a Health Challenge:
Abby's love for marine life started at a young age, and she planned to study marine biology in college. However, a genetic muscle disease changed her course. "I became a wheelchair user during my early college years, and I had to reconsider my field research options," she recalls. A sustainability project assigned by a professor ignited a new passion, leading her to transfer to sustainable business.
A Proud Achievement: The Annual Report:
Abby takes immense pride in the company's annual sustainability report, a 100-page masterpiece that showcases their progress towards net-zero goals. "It's a team effort, and we improve every year. The report is proof of our commitment," she says. This dedication earned them the Best Sustainability Report award at the Corporate Governance Awards in New York.
Inclusion and Community at Baker Hughes:
Beyond her professional role, Abby is an active member of the Baker Hughes Enabled Employee Resource Group (ERG). "It's like a club, but better," she says. The ERG brings together people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and their family members. Abby's curiosity and enthusiasm shine as she organizes events for International Day of People with Disabilities and publishes newsletters during International Month of Hiring People with Disabilities.
The Call from Team USA:
But the real twist in Abby's story came when she was approached by USA Triathlon. They recognized her potential in paratriathlon, a sport she had never considered. Every two months, she submitted her run and swim times, and the national team coaches saw her development potential. After months of hard work, she improved her times significantly, impressing the USA Triathlon representative.
Training Camp and the Road to Paralympics:
Abby was invited to a five-day Team USA camp, where she trained with certified coaches and potential competitors. "I was the oldest one there at 27, but I held my own," she recalls. This led to an invitation to join USA Paratriathlon, and she joined the Science Performance Center resident team in Birmingham, Alabama.
A Supportive Team Behind the Athlete:
Abby's success is a team effort. She has a dedicated team of coaches, including a dietitian, strength coach, conditioning coach, and a coach from the non-profit 'Dare to Tri'. They create her training program, and she also has access to a sports psychologist. "I couldn't have done it without them. They keep me organized and motivated," she says.
Balancing Act and a Proud Moment:
Abby maintains a strict work-life balance, training three times a day during peak season. She juggles her job at Baker Hughes with intense workouts, including strength sessions, long-distance runs, swims, and bike rides. Her dedication paid off when she was selected for Team USA, aiming for the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is Abby's story an exception or the norm? Are companies doing enough to support employees with disabilities in pursuing their passions? And how can we create more inclusive environments that foster such remarkable journeys?
Abby's journey is a powerful reminder that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but the foundation for incredible achievements. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's keep the conversation going!
