A mentor’s perspective on empowering women in mining

The mining industry has long been regarded as a bastion of male dominance — a boys’ club where women are often overlooked, underestimated, and excluded from key decision-making processes. Breaking into the mining world as a woman can quite frankly feel like crashing a guys-only party. Yet, armed with determination and a passion for the industry, I embarked on a journey that would challenge me, empower me, and redefine my perspective on what it means to succeed in mining as a woman. 

From the moment I set foot in a boardroom, I was met with skepticism and raised eyebrows. As one of the few (if not only) women at the table, I knew I had to prove myself — prove that I belonged, that I was capable, and that I could hold my own. Every day brought new challenges, from overcoming stereotypes and breaking down barriers to earning the respect of my male colleagues. But with each challenge came an opportunity to defy expectations and show the guys that gender had nothing to do with success in the mining world. Instead of trying to change the system overnight, I made it a point to set high standards for myself, show integrity in everything I did, and tackle challenges head-on. 

With every step I took in my mining career, I found myself navigating leadership circles dominated by male voices and despite the progress I have made, there still are instances of dismissiveness, mansplaining, and even outright hostility toward my contributions. But rather than allowing these obstacles to deter me, I use them as fuel to drive my determination to effect change, seeing it as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the table — to challenge conventional wisdom, champion diversity, and drive meaningful change within the industry. 

As I rose through the ranks, I recognized the importance of building bridges and fostering collaboration across gender lines. Instead of viewing my male colleagues as adversaries, I saw them as allies — partners in a shared mission to drive innovation, efficiency, and safety in mining. Through perseverance and resilience, I began to see small victories — a seat at the table during crucial discussions, recognition for my contributions, and eventually, opportunities to lead. These successes not only affirmed my place in the industry but also served as inspiration for other women aspiring to break through similar barriers. My journey in the mining industry has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, challenges, and triumphs. While the boys’ club mentality persists in some corners, I am proud of the progress we have made towards a more inclusive and equitable industry. As I continue to navigate these spaces, I am committed to paving the way for future generations of women, ensuring that they too have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. 

Through mentorship, I can not only share my experience and knowledge, but I get to inspire others and empower the next generation of women in the industry. Drawing from my own experiences and insights gained throughout my career, I strive to provide mentees with valuable guidance and perspective. Whether it is overcoming professional obstacles, or finding work-life balance, I share stories of triumphs and setbacks, offering practical advice and lessons learned along the way. By sharing candidly about my journey, I hope to inspire mentees to persevere in the face of adversity and seize opportunities for growth and development.

One of the most fulfilling moments as a mentor is witnessing the success and accomplishments of mentees and the transformative impact that mentorship can have on the lives and careers of aspiring women in mining. Whether it is landing a dream job, receiving a promotion, or achieving a personal milestone, celebrating these achievements with mentees reaffirms the value and impact of mentorship. As mentees flourish and grow in their careers, I take pride in knowing that I played a small part in their journey toward success. 

A notable example of this has been my recent experience mentoring Jacqueline Pashley, a bright and ambitious young woman with a passion for mining. After working in administrative roles for various service and supply companies, she decided it was time to take on a new challenge and opted to enhance her learning via Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines’ Mineral Resources Industry Leadership Certificate Program.

The training features an incredibly unique and experiential learning environment, designed to foster leadership, character development, and resource industry stewardship. Each participant is paired with a mineral resources industry professional who acts as a mentor for the duration of the program, and I was lucky enough to be matched with Jacqueline! As a mentor, I saw myself in her — a determination to succeed, a hunger for knowledge, and a drive to break barriers in a male-dominated industry. I knew right away that I wanted to support her.

Our mentorship journey began with sharing experiences — both triumphs and challenges. I opened up about my own journey in the mining industry, the obstacles I faced, and the lessons I learned along the way. Through candid conversations, we explored topics ranging from navigating workplace dynamics to setting career goals and overcoming self-doubt.

One of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring Jacqueline is watching her grow and develop as a professional. From honing her technical skills to refining her communication style, she embraces every opportunity to learn and improve. I encourage her to step out of her comfort zone, take on new challenges, and never settle for anything less than her best.

Jacqueline recently achieved a milestone in her career — landing her first sales job in mining. I celebrate her success and want her to know how proud I am of her progress. As she continues to grow and thrive in the mining industry, I am excited to see where her journey takes her. Mentoring Jacqueline has been an extremely rewarding experience. Through our mentorship relationship, I have had the privilege of supporting and empowering a young woman as she navigates her path in the mining industry. And while I may have served as her mentor, I have also learned and grown immensely from our shared experiences. Together, we are proof that mentorship has the power to change lives and shape the future of the mining industry for the better.

Mentoring women in mining is a privilege and a responsibility that I hold dear. Through nurturing talent, sharing experiences, fostering growth, building networks, and celebrating success, I strive to empower mentees to reach their full potential and make their mark in the industry. As we continue to mentor and support aspiring women in mining, let us collectively work towards creating a more inclusive, diverse, and empowering environment where every woman can thrive and succeed. 

Jacqueline’s perspective: Finding my path with a powerful mentor

As a student at Laurentian University’s Mineral Resource Industry Leadership Program, I have had the privilege of being mentored by Marla Tremblay, the executive director of MineConnect. Having a strong female role model has been invaluable in helping me navigate my career path with confidence.

Marla is a force to be reckoned with — her passion for continuous improvement in mining is contagious. By surrounding myself with like-minded professionals who share her vision, I have been able to accelerate my own growth. Marla has shown me the importance of always striving to become a better version of myself, both personally and professionally.

Through her guidance, I have learned that self-improvement is the key that unlocks so many doors. As I focused on developing myself, I have noticed an incredible alignment starting to happen in my life. The right people, situations, and circumstances seem to present themselves as if by magic.

Most importantly, Marla exemplifies how to be both professional and personable. She brings her authentic self to every interaction while maintaining boundaries. I admire how she can mix witty humour with knowledgeable insights to build real connections.

As I continue forging my path in this industry, I am grateful to have such an inspiring mentor. Marla’s guidance and our shared vision for mining’s future excellence have been key drivers of my success so far. This experience has been a reminder of what can be achieved when you make a commitment to continuous improvement and align yourself with the right people. I see a bright future for the mining sector with positive role models like her and cannot wait to see what doors open next. 

Marla Tremblay is the executive director of MineConnect.