Previous Winners

2021

Monica Moretto

Vice-President, Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, Pan American Silver
Trailblazer

Monica Moretto is an experienced CSR and Inclusion and Diversity professional with more than 20 years’ experience in communications and social responsibility. Ms Moretto holds a BA in Communications from Argentina and has been employed by Pan American Silver Corp (“PAS”) for the past 13 years, specializing in stakeholder engagement and, recently, leading the Inclusion and Diversity Department. During her tenure with PAS, Monica strengthened and developed the Social Sustainability department, which has become a model for other agencies to follow. During the last 3 years, she has incorporated the Inclusion & Diversity portfolio into her role and is leading the ‘Building Respect Together’ program in all PAS operations. In addition, Monica regularly travels to remote mining communities throughout Latin and South America to develop relationships with workers and their families and to advocate for their concerns to local governments, industry leaders and international NGOs.
Monica has received the much-regarded Robert R. Hedley’s award in Sustainability from AME BC in 2018. Canada welcomed her and her son (and their late dog Mickey ) in 2003, and they became proud Canadian citizens in 2007. As a result of first-hand experience with local communities, Monica developed a passion for championing women’s rights – not only abroad but in corporate North America as well.

Leona Aglukkaq

Director of TMAC Resources, politician and government administrator
Indigenous Trailblazer

Leona Aglukkaq is a highly-experienced politician and government administrator from the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. She was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2008 and, in 2009, became the first Inuk in Canadian history to be appointed to Cabinet (as Minister of Health). In addition to her Federal government experience, Ms. Aglukkaq has broad public government exposure, including international diplomatic experience as a Chair of the Arctic Council (2012-2015), a leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic states, Arctic Indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic. Ms. Aglukkaq also has territorial government experience as both an elected official and a public official in the governments of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, and in Institutions of Public Government (as defined by the Nunavut Agreement), as a founding member of Nunavut Impact Review Board.

Taryn Cutler

Community Liaison and Office Manager, Seabridge Gold
Indigenous Student Trailblazer

Taryn Cutler is a third-year student of Bachelor of General Studies with a minor in management at Thompson Rivers University, while maintaining a full-time position with Seabridge Gold and running a heavy-duty mechanic business with her husband.
Ms Cutler joined the Seabridge Gold team in 2011, and has since become the Community Liaison and Office Manager. As a Community Liaison, she has had the opportunity to travel to many Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, participating regularly in career fairs, business expos, mining forums, trade shows, open houses, seminars, conferences, and other networking events, to build awareness around careers in mining. She also assisted with designing and implementing a scholarship program with Seabridge Gold that has been ongoing for the past six years. This program assists students from northwest British Columbia further their education and training and consequently develop a strong, educated workforce in the region.
Taryn is a proud member of the Tahltan Nation, and has utilized every opportunity to educate and inform Indigenous communities and to inspire other women to consider mining as a viable career option.

Lori Manoukian

Ph.D. Candidate, P.Geo, McGill University
Student Trailblazer

Lori Manoukian is a proud Canadian of Armenian origin who is passionate about sciences, languages and the outdoors. Lori holds a BSc Hons in Earth Sciences from Dalhousie University, a MSc in Environmental Geochemistry from Queen’s University and is a second year PhD student in Mining and Materials Engineering at McGill University. She is currently the VP Finance on the Mining and Materials Graduate Student Association and the graduate student representative for Materials engineering in the graduate committee. She was an NSERC CREATE recipient and student representative during her MSc. Throughout her graduate work, she has been a teaching assistant for multiple courses and has co-supervised students. In terms of research, the focus of her PhD is on nutrient recovery from water treatment processes using microorganisms, as well as material characterization. Her master’s thesis allowed for a comprehensive characterization of waters and co-existing minerals at gold mines El Indio, Lagunas Norte and Pierina. Furthermore, Lori has over 4 years of industry experience having worked as a geochemist at Golder Associates Ltd. and as an environmental metallurgist at AuTec Innovative Extractive Solutions. She is passionate about environmental management during the mining process, water treatment and water management.

Dr. Jeanne Paquette

Associate Professor, Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, McGill University
Rick Hutson Mentor

Born in Montreal (1961), raised in rural francophone Quebec, Jeanne made a leap to McGill University and into geological sciences, where she became fascinated by the history of life and mineralogy. After a M.Sc. in sedimentology, she pursued a Ph.D. at SUNY at Stony Brook, NY, to explore the effect on impurities and aqueous chemistry on the morphology of calcite crystals. Back to McGill University since 1991, her research interests have spanned environmental geochemistry, economic geology and biomineralogy. An Associate member of the Redpath Museum and of the McGill School of Environment, she teaches undergraduate and graduate students in geology, environmental sciences and mining engineering programs.

2020

Anne Thompson

Economic Geologist and Communicator
Trailblazer

Anne’s early career was spent as a field exploration geologist in Australia, the SW Pacific and western USA. Family life as a dual-career couple, however, demanded a rethink in an industry with few role models. Anne founded PetraScience Consultants in 1995, and the company focused on alteration studies of mineral deposits with application to exploration, mine development and remediation. A key service was the early application of field spectrometers to map mineralogy. Anne co-edited the Atlas of Alteration (1996), delivered workshops on spectral analysis globally and recently led the development of short courses on alteration mineralogy. Anne has supported inclusion and diversity throughout her career by informal mentoring, supporting a variety of organizations and helping develop strategy.

Alberta Malcolm

Indigenous Trailblazer

Alberta sits on the “Metis Women’s Council for Economic Security” for the GOA. Advising, making recommendations to the GOA on current, pertinent issues that are important to Indigenous women. Alberta recently retired after a 25 year career in the Mining and Oil industry from Syncrude Canada. As a Power Engineer and an advocate for women, Alberta’s role as an Industry Liaison was a platform to encourage women to seek non-traditional careers in Mining and Oil. Alberta and her husband Fred reside in Wandering River, they have 4 grown children. Established the International Women in Mining session at SME in 2016 to inspire diverse populations – especially women and young professionals – to create their future in the mining industry. In 2021 it will be renamed ‘International Diversity in Mining’.

Martha Manuel

Manager, Indigenous Relations, New Gold Inc.
Indigenous Student Trailblazer

Martha is proud to have roots with the Neskonlith Indian Band, which is one of the 17 communities within the Secwepemculecw (Shuswap territory). Her education includes Business Management, Public Administration, Critical Incident Management and is pursuing a Masters degree in Business Administration, Indigenous Business Leadership through Simon Fraser University (SFU). Much of what she’s learned about building effective community-industry relations was taught to her by her late father, Grand Chief George Manuel (founder of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples) and her mentor, the late John Jules of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc. She enjoys spending time on the land and believes that the water and mountains are the best medicine to help guide her work. She brings over 20 years of experience leading Indigenous related programs to new levels of success. Her team effort approach is crucial in developing communication strategies between community and industry. She considers personal development/wellness, education, traditional healing and land stewardship as essential in striving for sustainability with Indigenous communities. She began work as the First Nations Liaison in 2008 and has since transitioned to the Manager of Indigenous Relations. She is a member of the Mining Association of Canada, Aboriginal Affairs Committee (MAC AAC), the Industry Training Authority, Mining Sector Advisory (ITA MSA). And is a Board Member with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). Martha recently received the Michelle Pockey Leadership Award which is named in honor of the memory of a prominent lawyer and community activist, Michelle Pockey, who dedicated herself to making a positive impact with energy, mining, environmental and Indigenous issues, increasing the economic success and impact of women. As she continues her work with communities and New Gold, she continues to strive for the development of strategic initiatives that will create long term benefits for the communities.

Joy Carter

M.Sc. Candidate, G.I.T.
Student Trailblazer

Joy Carter is a fourth-year student specializing in Geology with a minor in Geographic Information Systems at the University of Toronto. As the current Chair of the Women in Mining Student Chapter and past Industry Liaison of the Undergraduate Earth Science Association, Joy is an active member of the Earth Science community at UofT. Joy has worked as a structural geology field assistant in the Grenville Province, and most recently was the Senior Geological Assistant with Wallbridge Mining Company Limited at the Fenelon Gold Project. Her interests include mineral exploration, field mapping and prospecting. She is also passionate about equity in mining and hopes to work closely with Indigenous communities throughout her career. Joy will be completing her final semester at the University of Otago in New Zealand and will be returning to UofT in September to pursue a Master’s degree in Economic Geology.

Celina Wan Chun Wah

Engineer - PMO, ArcelorMittal Mines and Infrastructure Canada
Rick Huston Mentor

Celina Wan Chun Wah was born in Toronto and grew up in Mauritius. She returned to Canada for her post-secondary studies, initially completing a B.Sc. in Biology and Mathematics at McGill University. During her first degree, she became interested in the mining industry and decided to pursue a career in mining. During her B.Eng., she did internships in the oil sands in Fort McMurray as well as in iron ore with ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, where she now works full time. As the recipient of four scholarships, she always encourages students to apply to every scholarship available. Her most rewarding university experience was an exchange semester at the University of Queensland in Australia and she highly encourages students to go on an exchange as it is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain in self-confidence and have a greater appreciation for cultural diversity abroad. She backpacked the East Coast of Australia and South East Asia before starting her full-time job. During her time off, she enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, and cooks delicious food. She is passionate about travelling and is always looking forward to her next adventure.

2019

Nean Allman

Principal, Allman & Associates Corporate Communications
Trailblazer

In 1960 when Norah Jean (“Nean”) Allman applied to study geology in her hometown at the University of Edinburgh, she was warned that as a woman her choice of jobs would be limited. Fifty years later, she could look back with considerable satisfaction on a lifetime of fulfilling employment. Her past experiences include research for the British Antarctic Survey and at the University of Toronto; writing for The Northern Miner newspaper, primarily as Features Editor; working in the corporate public and investor relations fields with Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting, Northgate Exploration and Corona Corporation; establishing her own corporate communications business to help mining companies tell their story; and managing the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremonies and representing the CMHF in the development of the CMHF Gallery at the Royal Ontario Museum. A 1969 article written by Nean in the Northern Miner about the few but increasing numbers of female geologists working in Canada’s mining industry would eventually lead to the founding of Women in Mining groups across Canada. She directed a 1976 study of the status of women geoscientists in Canada for the Geological Association of Canada, and served as its first female president in 1981-82. For six years she served on the federal energy, mines and resources minister’s National Industrial Advisory Committee to the Geological Survey of Canada. She continues to follow with great interest the progress of younger generations of women making their way in today’s mining industry.

Mary Caesar

Indigenous Trailblazer

Mary Caesar is a Kaska Dena elder, artist, writer, poet, mother, grandmother, cultural presenter and residential school survivor. Mary is a member of the Liard First Nation in Watson Lake, Yukon. Mary was born in Upper Liard, Yukon, on Oct 4, 1995. Her parents Alfred and Minnie Caesar taught her the traditional teachings and skills of the Kaska Dena. Mary attended Lower Post Residential School in Lower Post, BC, for four years, from 1961 to 1964. Her experience in Lower Post Res. School devastated her life, her family, her community and affected every aspect of her life. After she left Lower Post Residential School, she attended St. Anne's School in Watson Lake, Yukon, then on to Watson Lake Secondary. Mary has two sons, and numerous grandkids. In Sept. 1999, Mary left the north to study Fine Arts at the Malaspina College University, now Vancouver Islan University in Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island for 4 years. Mary obtained a 2 yr Fine Arts Diplome from Malaspina University. In Sept. 2005, Mary travelled to Switzerland with 10 other Yukon First Nation's artists to exhibit her art at NONAM Art Gallery in Zurich, Switzerland for a week. In May 2010, Mary travelled to Germany with 3 other artists from the Yukon for a 6-week art project in Germany. Then in March 2014, Mary travelled to Germany for her book launch and book tour with her publisher, for a 3-week book tour. Her book "My Healing Journey" was published by TraumFänger Verlag, a publishing company in Germany. Mary's art and her book have helped her on her healing journey. Although her experience in the residential school was devastating, Mary has learned to survive and thrive. Her upbringing and teachings from her parents and Kaska elders have instilled in her a pride for her Kaska culture and identity. Mary teaches art workshops in the Watson Lake schools, Adäka Cultural Festival in Whitehorse, Yukon and in the communities of Watson Lake and Ross River, Yukon. She's a cultural presenter and storyteller and shares the stories that her parents have passed on to her and also her stories of being survivor of the residential school system. Mary is currently learning to speak her Kaska language. Mary is involved in the Elders in Residence program with the Golden Predator Mining company in Kaska traditional land. Mary feels that the Kaska elders need to be pro-active in the mining industry and need to speak up for the future and well-being of our Kaska Nation.

Gabrielle Samek

Analyst, Global Markets Program at RBC Capital Markets
Student Trailblazer

Gabrielle grew up in Toronto, ON and studied Mining Engineering at Queen’s University. She undertook several professional internships during her undergraduate degree, including 4 months on the engineering team at Barrick’s Hemlo mine and 12 months on the short range planning team at Teck Resources’ Fording River mine. Gabrielle was also very involved in the Engineering Society at Queen’s and held several roles such as co-chair of the Queen’s Global Energy Conference, co-founder of the Queen’s Women in Engineering and Applied Science Conference, and key member of the organizing committee for Engineering Orientation Week. Gabrielle was also the President of the Queen’s Women in Mining chapter. Upon graduation in Spring 2021, she started a role in Capital Markets as an Analyst in RBC Capital Markets’ Global Markets Program. Her hobbies and interests include skiing, mountain biking, camping, and tennis.

Heather Jamieson

Professor, Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University
Rick Hutson Mentor

Heather Jamieson is a Professor who holds appointments in both Environmental Studies and Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering at Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada. Her expertise is in environmental geochemistry, particularly the mineralogical controls on the mobility of metals and metalloids in mine waste. She has pioneered the application of automated mineralogy and synchrotron-based microanalysis to metal speciation in mine tailings, soils and sediments. Much of her research has focused on arsenic associated with gold mine waste in Yellowknife and Nova Scotia, and her recent focus is on the environmental mobility of critical metals. She has supervised more than 70 graduate students, approximately half of whom have been women. Dr. Jamieson was awarded the 2017 Peacock Medal from the Mineralogical Association of Canada which is given to a scientist who has made outstanding contributions to the mineral sciences in Canada. She was the 2018 Adrian Smith Lecturer at the University of Waterloo. In 2019, she was awarded the Rick Hutson Memorial Award for Mentorship from Women in Mining at the 2019 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual Meeting Much of her fieldwork is in the Canadian North but she has also conducted research in Nova Scotia, Chile, Peru, USA, Spain and Australia.

2018

Heather Bruce-Veitch

Director Communications & External Relations, Iron Ore Company of Canada
Trailblazer

A graduate of Memorial University, Heather began her career with IOC in 1980 as a French language instructor providing training to employees and their families. Following a three-year period, she left the business but returned in 1990 and has held various roles within the company in human resources, communications and public relations. Her vast experience and dedication allow her to maintain lasting relationships with various government and community partners located near IOC’s activities in both Labrador West and Sept. Iles . Heather has a strong set of personal values that align well with IOC’s, particularly with regards to respect, teamwork and integrity, and she is committed to creating an inclusive working environment for those around her. She received the Women in Mining Canada Trailblazer Award in recognition of her efforts to encourage the participation of women in the mining industry, most notably through mentorship. Past President of CIM NL, Heather is currently the Chair of Mining NL. Her greatest achievement has been defining success on her own terms which has resulted in her ability to have a dynamic rewarding career in the mining industry while also enjoying life to the fullest with her husband, her children and granddaughters. A sense of adventure led her down a path of her own but, a path doesn’t become well-worn unless you tend to it, pushing back branches and removing rocks until the ground, once unsteady, beckons others to explore. So, tend it she did.

Patricia 'Patti' Tirschmann

Retired, Former Vice President, Exploration, North American Nickel Inc.
Trailblazer

Patti Tirschmann is a specialist in magmatic nickel-copper sulphide deposits with over 29 years of exploration experience. Ms. Tirschmann obtained her BSc Hon and MSC degrees in Geological Sciences from the University of Manitoba. During her career, Patti held the position of Vice President, Exploration for both North American Nickel Inc. and Continental Nickel Limited and of Senior Geologist, International Nickel Sulphide Exploration with Falconbridge Limited/Xstrata plc. She developed, implemented and supervised exploration programs in the major Canadian nickel belts of Sudbury, Thompson and Raglan and has international experience on projects in Tanzania, Norway, Greenland, Alaska, Chile and Australia. In Tanzania, she established and led an exploration team that discovered new nickel sulphide zones and established NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimates at the Ntaka Hill Project. Throughout her career, Patti has supported the hiring, training and mentoring of young geologists and geology students and has acted as company liaison for geological research studies. More recently, she has enjoyed mentoring female geology students from the University of Manitoba.

“I firmly believe that key ingredients for a successful career are equal opportunity from employers, mentoring from supervisors and mutual respect of colleagues. With this platform, the individual will take care of the rest.”