SSA Area Coordinator for Africa

Within several months our coordinator was transferred, and I took over until September of 2000.... It has been so inspiring to see how SSA has continually developed, expanded and focused since then.

My husband, Steve, joined Schlumberger in 1979, days after graduation....We married a month later, two 21 year olds on a big adventure. Our four children were born in 3 different cities in Alberta Canada. Sarah is now 27 and married. Stephanie (25), Amy (22) and Luke (19) are all still in school. We were thrilled when Steve was offered an IM position just as Luke graduated from high school in 2006. We were off to Africa.

Port Harcourt was beautiful, and the local people we met: warm, caring and well spoken. It was hard, when before the national election, expat wives were moved away from our husbands , and temporarily evacuated to Lagos--another interesting, vibrant place to see. SSA welcomed us as newcomers, (despite our feeling that we were temporary 'visitors'), and included us in all activities. We were soon revelling in shopping and restaurants..... And now friendly, sunny Tripoli, on the shores of the Mediterranean. I contacted Brigitte, the SSA Coordinator here, within minutes of hearing Steve was being transferred, and we wrote back and forth...me with questions, and she with descriptions of life, housing, traffic, stores and even came to visit me on my second day here!

Abigail Roma Miguel

SSA Area Coordinator for Asia/Australia

I always believe that reaching out to people no matter who they are and where they are can change us infinitely. I love to meet other people and learn about their culture because in that way I believe that we can learn a great deal from each other and make the experience richer and unforgettable.

I enjoy quite times with my family especially my three young kids. It’s amazing how they make you smile with just a tiniest actions and make you laugh at the same time. They keep me busy all day yet it is all worth it. And at night when all are quiet I love spending time with my husband just watching TV or talking about the whole day.

I started as a Brunei Chapter Coordinator and through this wonderful position in the local board I begin to realize the importance to SSA and how satisfying it is to welcome new members and be there for them. And through this experience I begin my journey in the SSA community. And having a very supportive SSA here in Brunei is quite a joy.

My vision for Australia and ASIA is to be able to open more chapters to those SLB locations who have none, emphasize the importance of open communication in whatever mode and importantly be there for every person, chapters and as a whole for the SSA community.

I always believe that the all SSA members no matter where they are located are all bonded together by one common thing; we are all living away from our home and trying to make a home in a foreign land. This what make SSA unique…we make every members feel welcome to every locations they go and help them adjust in their new home.

Maria Gabriela Corvalan Apestegui

SSA Area Coordinator for Latin America

Oh well I have to admit that SSA is my passion. I strongly believe that SSA is the best passport to feel any land as our homeland, also the best helping hand in a big natural disaster and an endless source of amazing new friends.
Experience… as a Local Coordinator in Macae and Lafayette, as a Regional Area Coordinator in LAM and NAM.
About me, I was born in Mendoza, Argentina. I am married to Eduardo and a mother of two wonderful kids. Maria Pia (13) and Javier (10). Now we are all living in Rio de Janeiro City known as cidade maravilhosa.


Maria Gabriela Corvalan Apestegui
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Vanessa Wattley

SSA Area Coordinator for North America

To my SSA Family:

It is with great honour that I accept the position of NAM coordinator on the Global SSA Board. I hope that I can continue the great work that all those before me have done.

My name is Vanessa Wattley and I am from the beautiful twin-island republic of Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean. It is there that I met and married my best friend and husband Kevin. In 2002 our adventure began with our first transfer to Whitecourt, Alberta. We were there for a year and a half before we accepted the bold and exciting challenge of life in Mumbai, India. We both loved it there – the people, the culture, the vibrant colours everywhere! Mumbai became our home for two years until we were transferred to Red Deer, Alberta. In September of 2007 we packed up our bags (and our three kids) once more and relocated to Vernal, Utah, which is where we live now.

From my very first interaction with the SSA back in San Fernando, Trinidad I knew that I would one day have the opportunity to share my strengths with the Organization. I have always had great respect for the members of the Global SSA Board and it has since been my goal to serve at the global level. I look forward to working closely with each one of you.

To all NAM SSA members: I truly hope that I can be the support you need. My wish is for all Schlumberger spouses in our area to be confident in the knowledge that I am here to support you, help you and guide you as we share this part of the globe with each other. If I am unable to assist you I will be sure to find someone who can.

As Mahatma Ghandi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” The smallest act of kindness can have the greatest impact on someone’s life.

Vanessa Wattley
Kellyville/Tulsa, US