Chevron : Renewable fuels VP takes on challenge of lifetime

Nuray Elci has been overcoming obstacles since childhood, when her father's sudden passing set a difficult upbringing in motion.

His death left the family, which had just moved from Germany to Turkey, with no income, a half-built home and a mother tasked with raising five children alone.

"It was a tough adjustment and trying time for all," Elci recalled. "It also simultaneously instilled in us the virtues of resilience and determination."

Elci persevered by focusing on her education, later being admitted to a gifted program where she graduated at the top of her class.

Today, she's facing the most consequential challenge of her career.