Faces
Community leader channels his mother’s teachings to uplift others
Mary Armstead pins a boutonniere on her son, Lance, at his wedding in August 2000. In the back is Lance’s great aunt, Helen Cheatem, who was the family’s oldest living relative before she passed away several years ago at the age of 99.
BY GUS MORGAN
If Lance Armstead’s mother could see him now, tears of joy would flow.
That’s because the late Mary Armstead devoted her life to helping others, and Lance now proudly carries on her legacy of kindness and giving back, doing God’s work to strengthen communities.
“It's all about making our communities better,” Lance said, “and if we're going to make our communities better, it starts by helping one person at a time. It’s what my mom meant by living a life that counts, a willingness to have an impact and influence on the folks around you. So, if there's an opportunity to help somebody, I'm willing to jump right in and do it.”
In February, ConocoPhillips honored Lance with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his impact on helping others and elevating the communities where he’s lived. ConocoPhillips bestows this prestigious award upon an exemplary employee who, over two decades or more, has exhibited extraordinary volunteerism and unwavering dedication to community development.
‘A great, great feeling’
“Winning this award was a huge surprise. I just go out and serve, but I guess word gets around. I got home one day and there was a letter that said I’d won the award. I got a little emotional at the time because I was like, ‘Wow, this is awesome.’ And I just thought about my mother. I can only imagine what she'd be thinking if she saw this. It was just a great, great feeling.”
As the reserves director for the Lower 48 business unit, Lance plays a pivotal role in a dedicated team that oversees the meticulous management and accurate reporting of the company’s verified oil and gas reserves.
In addition to his professional commitments, Lance dedicates his time to a diverse range of volunteer efforts. He mentors young individuals, offers family and financial guidance, and assists the elderly with tax preparation. As an ordained minister, his commitment to service is deeply influenced by his spiritual foundation and ministerial experience.
AT A GLANCE
Lance Armstead’s dedication to empowering others through education and mentorship has been a beacon of hope for many. For over 20 years, his unwavering support has touched lives across Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
- Mentoring initiatives: Lance established the Boys-To-Men Mentoring programs, aimed at cultivating leadership skills among minority youth at risk.
- Academic assistance: He founded the Academic Interest Mentoring Society (AIMS), offering mentorship, academic tutoring and life coaching to middle-schoolers.
- Community service: Lance has committed over 15 years to Junior Achievement and Big Brothers, fostering self-esteem and decision-making abilities in young people.
- Financial education: For three decades, he has provided complimentary financial workshops and one-on-one coaching, assisting families in establishing financial security and stability.
- Inspirational journeys: Lance collaborated with other leaders to orchestrate an educational excursion for 100 young men to visit historic Black Colleges, inspiring them to realize their academic aspirations.
Forged by faith
Lance, along with his seven siblings, was raised in a housing project situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“We didn't have a whole lot. But my mother provided for us and made sure we had everything we needed to thrive and survive in life. She made lots and lots of sacrifices.”
The family’s life was deeply intertwined with their church, a sanctuary nestled on the periphery of the housing projects they called home. This sacred space shaped their convictions and life’s mission.
“Our mother was adamant about our involvement in the church community. Attendance was a given, not a choice — it was our cornerstone.”
Lance’s mentoring approach is profoundly shaped by his personal journey. Growing up without a father figure, he experienced firsthand the impact of having positive male role models during his formative years. His uncle and a high school teacher filled this void, leaving an indelible mark on him.
This experience instilled in him the importance of stability, guidance and the transformative power of believing in someone. As a result, Lance is committed to being a consistent and reliable presence in the lives of the youths he mentors, especially understanding the challenges faced by young African Americans. Offering support and encouragement, Lance strives to be the role model he once needed, a living example of what can be achieved through perseverance and faith.
‘Never give up on yourself, no matter what’
Whenever Lance has the opportunity, he imparts a compelling message of resilience to the youths he guides, particularly to young black males: “Never give up on yourself, no matter what. I don't care if everybody else around you is giving up and throwing in the towel. Don't throw in the towel on yourself. There's more to life.”
Throughout Lance’s years of mentorship, he’s found that simply being present to listen, engage in dialogue and express faith in young individuals can be life changing.
“Our objective is to demonstrate to these young men that success is attainable; we serve as living proof and are committed to guiding them towards excellence in every aspect of their lives.”
As a Louisiana State University graduate, Lance’s flair for finance and numbers is just a slice of his identity; his true essence is reflected in the deep and positive impact he creates in the lives of those around him.
“I’m extremely fortunate and blessed for the experiences and opportunities that have positioned me to be able to help others. My goal in life is to have a positive impact and influence on other people. That's what life is all about. It’s changing a narrative in other people's lives, and that's what I want to do. I love helping. I love giving. I love sharing. It's just in my DNA. That's just who I am.”