Centenary alumna named 2012 Young Entrepreneur

SHREVEPORT, LA — The Houston West Chamber of Commerce recently named Courtney Stephens '01 a 2012 Young Entrepreneur. The Chamber announced winners at its annual luncheon and recognized them for bringing employees as well as positive influences and economic shifts to West Houston.

Stephens was recognized for her work as founder and president of QED Energy Associates, a company that trains engineering technicians for the oil and gas industry. Since 2011, Stephens has grown her staff from three to sixteen. The group trains up to 30 individuals each quarter. Last June, QED opened a West Houston office to add classroom-based training courses. Gross revenues have grown proportionately with the business.

Stephens notes that her acquisition of leadership skills began at Centenary:

"Centenary gave me the leadership experience necessary to start my own business. At Centenary, I was a founding member of the Residence Hall Association, a founding member of our National Residence Hall Honorary chapter, and was president of the Math Club," said Stephens. "All of these leadership opportunities helped me to understand how to start up and run organizations."

For more information about QED, visit http://qedenergytraining.com.