BELONGING IN THE MEETING ROOM

• My first solo drill line-up.
• Presenting my geologic interpretations to the VP of Exploration, as a summer student.
• My first map to get published in a News Release.
• Planning a drillhole that hit gold, for the first time.
• Getting looked in the eyes by the new drill foreman as he asked, “where is the boss?” to which I replied, “I am the boss.”
• Quitting a job for the first time, in tears.
• Feeling the unwavering support of my boss even as I felt like an imposter making big decisions.
• Negotiating my salary “like a man would” and coming out on top.

This is a small sampler from a long list of early career moments that still give me chills and put a smile on my face. Growing up on a farm in rural Alberta with two sisters, I was never taught that being a woman would define any aspect of my life or successes. In hindsight, my mom did a pretty great job of shielding us from that reality, even though she herself, and her generation, had been strongly defined by it. As a jack-of-all-trades, I went to university with no plans and dabbled in arts, philosophy, and math before settling on geology, knowing nothing about what a career in the industry would look like. It took only 1 professor and 1 class (that soon became my first mentor and 2 degrees) to spark my interest and inspire my career in the mineral exploration industry. I chose this path without knowing that in a few short years I would often find myself the only woman in the meeting room, and the only woman part of the conversation.

But I am part of the conversation.

There is no denying that the mining and mineral exploration industry is a tough career path. There are many nights spent away from home, and many personal sacrifices to be made along the way, for both women and men. I have been guided through my early career by amazing mentors who believed in me and helped me achieve my goals, and much more. I have been exposed to career advancement and financial opportunity that, in my experience, has not been limited by gender or age. I have been supported and cheered on by male and female peers from all industry disciplines. And right now, there is an essential movement within the industry which encourages diversity of thought and diversity of skillsets.

There has never been a better time to join and advance through the industry, thanks to the women before us who have paved the way. Besides, who else can say they get paid to look for treasure?