Women in Mining Canada Voting
Please register here to attend the Annual General Meeting here, taking place virtually on Wednesday, April 19th, 2024 at 1PM ET: Register Now.
The voting period closes April 12th, 2024 at 5PM ET. Please read the following text carefully before voting. There are five sections:
- Letter from the Chair
- Financial Statements
- Board Member Candidates
- Outgoing Board Members
- Continuing Board Members
Part 1 – Letter from the Chair
Part 2 – Financial Statements
Part 3 – Board of Directors Candidates
You will be asked to vote for up to five (5) candidates to be appointed to the Women in Mining Canada Board of Directors for a 3-year term. The candidates presented below have been vetted by the current Board of Directors. The candidates listed include any incumbent Board Directors looking to be re-elected for a second term. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by first name. To view the candidates’ LinkedIn profiles, please click on their names.
Alina Shams
Women in Mining Experience:
N/A
Description:
I’ve taken an unconventional career path into the mining industry. With a background in marketing, international trade and migration policy, my original career aspirations leaned towards roles within the public-sector and multilateral organizations. However, the multi-faceted and complex nature of the mining industry intrigued me, leading me to apply for a role within a mining company on a whim.
Transitioning in from a role with a local municipal government, I have dedicated almost seven years to the mining sector. Initially, I harbored preconceived notions about being a woman in mining, but I’m happy to be pleasantly surprised by the industry’s inclusivity and advocacy of women. Along the way, I’ve met remarkable women who have helped shape my career via invaluable guidance and encouragement.
Now, I aim to give back to the same community. As a first-generation immigrant woman of colour, I understand that many women may not fully grasp the opportunities available in this industry. My unconventional career path, along with my current role in sustainability, has equipped me with a unique perspective that allows me to tackle challenges with creativity and innovation.
Joining the Board of the WIM Canada will allow me to bring that same creativity and innovation approach to the forefront. I’m eager to foster non-traditional partnerships and opportunities and work with others on the board to amplify the organization’s impactful work.
June Lutchman
Women in Mining Experience:
N/A
Description:
With over a decade of experience as a Director of Corporate Governance in the mining industry, I am deeply commited to driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. My journey in mining has revolved around fostering Sustainable Governance practices and empowering underrepresented groups, particularly women. Founding JL Governance Advisory Inc., I’ve dedicated my career to championing DEI and strategic initiatives, collaborating closely with companies to implement frameworks promoting gender equality and inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
My community engagement extends beyond boardrooms; in Ghana, I’ve actively supported initiatives breaking barriers for women in engineering, geology and other male-dominated mining areas including mining inspectors and UG workers. By facilitating access to education and resources, I’ve empowered numerous women to pursue fulfilling careers in mining.
Additionally, my involvement in fundraising and community-driven projects underscores my commitment to effecting meaningful change on a grassroots level. Through event organization, educational program sponsorship, and advocacy for policy reform, I’ve consistently elevated the voices and opportunities of women in mining, both locally and internationally.
Joining the Women in Mining (WIM) Board perfectly aligns with my deeply held ethos and mission. I am fervently commited to leveraging my extensive experience in corporate governance, strategic planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to drive forward WIM’s noble vision of fostering an inclusive and empowering mining sector. Together, united in purpose, we possess the power to forge a future where every woman, regardless of her background or gender, is afforded equitable access to opportunities within the mining industry.
Kristl Tipton
Women in Mining Experience:
Previously a board member of Women in Mining-Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan
Description:
My name is Kristl Tipton and I am the Manager of Exploration for Nutrien. I am a geologist that has worked in the mining industry since 2002. I have had the great fortune of working in exploration, operations, and corporate settings in the uranium, environmental, and potash industries. I am interested in a director position with Women in Mining Canada because of their mission to educate, elevate and empower all women in mining and affiliated industries. I have had a career that has been riddled with challenges related to issues that I believe resonate with many women in the industry. I have also been part of employee resource groups and listened to the challenges others continue to face. My passion is increasing diversity through retention. Women in Mining Canada is a platform that can affect real change in how we view roles in the mining industry. I hope to utilize my experience, in combination with soft skills and connections to change the mindsets related to the challenges women face in mining and associated careers. In addition to this I want to be able to drive home the message that equity measures help improve our industry for everyone regardless of gender.
I believe that Women in Mining Canada has the power to revolutionize the mining industry for the better, and I want to be part of that drive.
Lisa Thiess
Women in Mining Experience:
Attending WIM Canada and WIM Montreal chapter events. Volunteering at the WIM event at PDAC by handing out drink tickets and coordinating people once in the room.
Description:
Melissa Ng (incumbent)
Women in Mining Experience:
2022-2024 Women in Mining Canada Chair, President, & CEO
2021-2022 Women in Mining Canada Secretary
Description:
I join the board of Women in Mining Canada in 2021 with the motivation to give back and continue to drive change in an industry I have loved working in. These last three years have been such an exceptional journey with no regrets. My greatest joy has been meeting all the inspiring people that are also making a difference in this industry.
I wish to continue these efforts by being elected to the board for another term. During my time on the board and the last 2 years being the chair, I have fostered many great initiatives. We saw a newly developed website, a partnership that published the Belonging Study, an exponential increase in sponsorship and sustainability of those sponsors, our first drilling company sponsor, new research initiatives including scholarships, 15 trailblazer award winners, and 3 more successful Mining for Diversity events to name a few.
As an individual I have written articles and been on several panels. I worked on a paid partnership with MiHR to develop learning tools for mining companies, and as chair have protected the Women in Mining Canada brand as we continue to evolve forward.
For the future I hope to facilitate a new strategy session to help visualize where this organization is going and develop new steps forward. I hope to be able to continue to lead change in this industry as a director for Women in Mining Canada.
Milauni Desai
Women in Mining Experience:
Volunteered with WIM Canada by actively contributing to the Trailblazer Award application review.
Description:
I’m driven by a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion in mining, making me eager to contribute to the Women in Mining Canada (WIM Canada) Board. From my early days as Geology Club Secretary in university to my current involvement with Young Mining Professionals (YMP) and WIM Canada, I’ve immersed myself in the industry.
My track record speaks for itself: organizing successful fundraising campaigns during my university tenure and facilitating sponsorships for WIM Canada while at Alamos. Though I lack direct board experience, my professional background has equipped me with a solid understanding of governance and protocol development.
What fuels my passion is not just professional acumen, but personal experience. As a woman navigating various mining environments, I’ve encountered and overcome challenges firsthand. Now, I’m eager to leverage these insights to advocate for women’s needs and ensure diverse voices are represented.
I’m ready to commit 8 to 10 hours monthly to WIM Canada, channeling my energy into meaningful impact and empowerment. Joining the board isn’t just an opportunity; it’s a chance to drive tangible change and foster inclusivity in the mining sector.
Penny White
Women in Mining Experience:
N/A
Description:
As a fervent advocate for women’s empowerment, I am committed to advancing Women in Mining Canada’s mission to Educate, Elevate, and Empower women in our industry. My leadership roles in founding and leading companies such as Lancaster Resources Inc. (CSE: LCR) have provided me with a unique perspective on the importance of fostering an inclusive and diverse mining sector.
As a board member, one of my primary goals would be to spearhead the organization’s initiatives to connect with the younger generations. I am particularly passionate about establishing partnerships with universities, colleges, and high schools across Canada. By partnering with these educational institutions, I believe we can inspire and inform young people about the myriad opportunities available in the mining industry, particularly for women.
As someone who has navigated the complexities of the mining sector and capital markets, I recognize the importance of mentorship, professional networking, and access to board training in empowering women to achieve leadership roles. I am eager to contribute to creating safety, acceptance, and community for women in mining through education partnerships and by leveraging my network to enhance their career opportunities.
Joining the board of Women in Mining Canada would allow me to actively participate in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for the mining industry. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated members and board to inspire and support the next generation of women in mining, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and recognition needed to succeed.
Sabrina Perron-Fortin
Women in Mining Experience:
N/A
Description:
Throughout my 12-year journey in mining, I have personally experienced and witnessed women facing real barriers. Despite our workplace’s efforts in eliminating some of these challenges, I feel that women are often left alone to grapple with internal obstacles, such as self-doubt, fear of taking risk or advocating for oneself, internalizing negative messages received throughout our lives, and bearing the majority of housework and childcare responsibilities. My own experiences, including all the mistakes from the list above that I have made and that I continue to make, fuel my unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive environment that empowers women to thrive and find their places, wherever they chose it to be.
I want to join the Women In Mining Canada’s Board as my passion for advancing the cause of women in the mining industry aligns seamlessly with its mission. My goal is to unite a diverse mix of active and passionate women – daughters, wives, mothers – to share their experiences, inspire, and support each other. Additionally, I intend to create partnerships and sponsorships to provide women in mining with access to networking, mentoring and educational opportunities. I firmly believe that increasing access to a broad women’s network, quality training, mentorship programs, and resources will enable women to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities as men. Finally, being on the Board would provide me with a genuine opportunity to advocate for the many wonderful women in mining and contribute to creating a more inclusive industry.
Sonia Gupta
Women in Mining Experience:
N/A
Description:
“When one of us succeeds, all of us succeeds.” That has been one of my personal maxims throughout my life and is the reason why I’m running for a position on the WIM Canada board, which reinforces my conviction in WIMC’s mission to educate, elevate and empower.
My career thus far has allowed me to work in a diverse set of professional areas, from a law firm in New York City to a major oil and gas company in Calgary. Like mining, both of those industries are still very male-oriented, so I understand the unique considerations and challenges we face as women across multiple industries, and I have also experienced the creative solutions needed to overcome them. The diversity in my background coupled with my personal lived experiences can help to further support and augment the incredible work that WIM has undertaken thus far, which I was exposed to when I recently volunteered to speak on WIMC’s climate change panel.
I’m excited about the trajectory of our industry and the critical role it will play in society’s future. Mining has evolved and made a lot of progress. However, through my current work as Director of Sustainability at Dundee Precious Metals, I’m constantly exposed to the complexity of the challenges we face and am convinced that the solutions require everyone to have a seat at the table. Representation will be an important element of our industry’s ability to adapt and respond to global issues like climate change or the pending talent gap and is a powerful signal that elevating each of us can work to empower all of us.
Should I be elected to the WIM Board, I would be interested in exploring how we can further connect women within our industry and across other non-mining industries as well. I’m passionate about encouraging the workforce of tomorrow, particularly young women and girls, to consider the mining field as a profession where they can find fulfillment and make a difference. I endeavor to listen and contribute to our members and collaborate with the Board to create more spaces in which women can excel. I deeply believe in the objectives of WIM and hope that together, we can collectively empower women to continue to thrive in our industry.
Part 4 – Outgoing Board Members
Women in Mining Canada would like to sincerely thank the following Board Members, who are stepping down. Their contributions to the organisation are greatly appreciated.
Kassandra Del Greco
Elected March 10, 2021
Description:
Ms. Del Greco is an Associate at Resource Capital Funds, working for the Opportunities Fund. Kassandra began her career as a field-based exploration geologist in Quebec, working for companies such as Goldcorp and Eastmain Resources, before relocating to Denver to begin a career in private equity.
Kassandra is a registered professional geologist in the province of Quebec, holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Victoria with a specialization in tectonics and structural geology, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University in Earth and Planetary Science. In addition, she is a member of the Women in Mining U.S.A. Denver chapter, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, the Association of Mineral Exploration of British-Columbia, and Toastmasters USA.
Within the mining industry, Kassandra is passionate about the promotion of diversity and inclusion, mentorship for early career professionals and students, and ESG. She is a mentor for the Young Mining Professionals mentorship program and works within Resource Capital Funds as a champion for diversity and inclusion.
Suzanne VanSligtenhorst
Elected April 12, 2023
Description:
Suzanne VanSligtenhorst has almost thirty years of legal experience with both law firms and corporations. She joined New Gold in July 2019 as Corporate Law Clerk and is now Corporate Governance Associate. She is a Fellow of The Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario and has sat on its Board of Directors for over ten years as Co-Chair of Education, Chair of Public Relations and most recently as Secretary to the Board. She is a recipient of the 2022, 2021 and 2020 Modern Governance 100, a program dedicated to the recognition of influential governance leaders who have demonstrated resilience, dedication and empathy in the face of complex and challenging times, when good governance matters more than ever.
Sheila Colman
Elected April 20, 2022
Description:
Sheila is the Vice President, Legal and Corporate Secretary of Lundin Gold Inc., owner of the Fruta del Norte gold mine in Ecuador. Sheila has executive oversight responsibilities for legal, governance and compliance matters for the Company. Before joining Lundin Gold in 2015, Sheila served as Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Denison Mines Corp., a uranium mining company, and Corporate Secretary and counsel to Uranium Participation Corporation. Sheila has almost 20 years of experience working with public companies and boards of directors in the mining sector at various stages of development and in different jurisdictions. She has extensive experience in board governance matters and risk oversight and leads on aspects of ESG at Lundin Gold. She is co-leading Lundin Gold’s DE&I work, including the alignment of the Company’s practices with the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and is also co-leading on Lundin Gold’s climate action, including the adoption of TCFD. Sheila is a member of both the British Columbia and Ontario Bars and has a Global Competent Boards designation (GCB.D) from Competent Boards.
Mélanie LaRoche-Boisvert
Elected March 10, 2021
Description:
Mélanie is an open pit mine planner with DRA Global, where she works on various studies for new and expanding mining projects around the world. She holds a B.Eng. in Mining Engineering from McGill University as well as an M.Eng from McGill University, focusing on integrating mine-to-port transportation into the simultaneous stochastic optimization of open-pit mining complexes. She is a past Executive with Young Mining Professionals (YMP) Toronto and YMP Scholarships, and has previously been a volunteer with Women in Mining Canada for four years before joining the Board.
Part 5 – Continuing Board Members
The following Women in Mining Canada Board Members will be continuing on, as their terms are not yet complete.
Valeria Cardozo Noriega
Treasurer, elected April 20, 2022
Description:
Valeria Cardozo is a Senior Manager in the audit practice of KPMG Canada’s Energy and Natural Resources. Valeria has over 15 years’ experience providing audit, risk, and control services to large and medium sized corporations over a wide variety of industries including mining. Her experience includes conducting business in Latin America, Peru for over 10 years with an additional 2 years in the United Kingdom.
Valeria is currently involved in internal activities at KPMG to support inclusion, diversity, and equity. In her role as president of Ibero-America Network (Hispanic people network for the past 5 years), she develops, promotes, and executes community/business related initiatives focused on Latin America in the Greater Toronto Area.
In addition, Valeria has been involved in leading the first external mentorship program for senior female managers for the mining industry launched in 2021.
Other volunteering activities within the Hispanic community includes her involvement as a member of the board of Directors in the Peruvian Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Toronto.
Sekai Musoki
Elected April 20, 2022
Description:
Sekai is a Civil Engineer and Women in Mining Canada Research Lead dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the mining industry. Currently a part of the Field Engineering Team for the Jansen Mine Site in Saskatchewan, she is working closely with BHP to achieve the company’s construction digital strategy. Outside of her responsibilities at BHP, Sekai also heads a research working group with the goal of improving the availability of quality research in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion in mining. Her team is enthusiastic about awarding the first WIMC grants for graduate students this year and is committed to establishing WIMC as a significant contributor to this area of research.
Alina Antonie
Elected April 20, 2022
Description:
Alina has extensive governance and compliance experience in the mining industry. Alina has professional competency in Board Leadership, Corporate Governance, Strategy, Audit and Enterprise Risk Management, both as Chair of the Finance Committee and Board Member of a not-for-profit organization based in Toronto, and also from extensive interactions with Boards in the private sector.
Alina was fortunate to meet some exceptional women who have had a significant impact on her professional and personal growth. Also, she had the unique opportunity to travel to the sites and meet teams with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. And, although in many places the representation of women is low, the constant feedback is that women are instrumental in enhancing the safety culture, identifying ways to improve the wellbeing of the team, and driving positive results.
Alina is passionate about community development and mentoring, and a strong supporter of hands-on volunteering. Alina will be honoured to give back and help other women succeed in the industry as part of WiM Canada.
Maria Vallejo Garcia
Elected April 20, 2022
Description:
Maria is an experienced business professional with a background in mining engineering with a focus on novel techniques for financial valuation, and problem-solving strategies for complex mining projects. With more than 13 years of experience, she has worked with large-cap mining companies as well as prestigious equity firms and consulting companies. Her global knowledge spans mining ventures at all stages of development and across a variety of commodities.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mining and Metallurgy Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, a Master’s degree in Stochastic Mine Planning from McGill University, and a number of certifications and post-graduate diplomas. Maria is a firm believer in the importance of the economic empowerment that education and job opportunities can bring to women in STEM. Her own story of success and empowerment is her motivation to keep working for women’s rights, opportunities, participation, and retention in the mining industry. Maria is an advocate for mental health programs, reflecting her personal commitment to the importance of recognizing mental health as a pillar for the success of women in the workplace. In addition, Maria is an executive member of Hispano Mine and a professional mentor for CIM.
Jennifer Cameron
Elected April 20, 2022
Description:
Jennifer Cameron is the Director, Investor Relations at Dundee Precious Metals, a Canadian-based mid-tier gold producer. Jennifer has over 16 years of experience as an investor relations professional with publicly-listed mining companies. Prior to joining Dundee Precious Metals, she spent 15 years with Kinross Gold Corporation in progressively senior investor relations positions, and has extensive experience providing investor relations support during a significant number of M&A transactions, equity and debt financings and leading various communications initiatives. Jennifer previously served as a volunteer with Women in Mining Canada’s Communications committee prior to joining the Board in May 2021.
Rashida McLean
Elected April 20, 2022
Description:
Ms. McLean has 12 years of legal, corporate governance and regulatory compliance experience in the mining, renewable energy, banking, and oil and gas sectors. She is presently Corporate Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Africa Oil Corp., a Canadian oil and gas company with producing and development assets in deepwater Nigeria; development assets in Kenya; and an exploration/appraisal portfolio in Africa, as well as Guyana. Prior to joining Africa Oil Corp., Ms. McLean served as Corporate Counsel for Lundin Gold Inc., a Canadian mining company that owns the Fruta del Norte gold mine in southeast Ecuador. Ms. McLean has been involved in a broad range of corporate transactions and corporate governance matters for several publicly listed companies. She has served as Corporate Secretary for Orca Gold Inc. a Canadian resource company focused on exploration and development opportunities, prior to the company’s acquisition by Perseus Mining Limited. She has also served as Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Finavera Wind Energy Inc., now Solar Alliance Energy Inc. Ms. McLean graduated
from the University of Toronto with a B.A.(Hons) and then received her law degree from the University of Victoria. She is a member of both the British Columbia and Ontario Bars.
Uchitta Vashist
Elected April 12, 2023
Description:
Uchitta is the Principal Operational Technology Analyst at Lundin Mining Corporation. In her role, she is responsible for technology research, evaluation, and analysis of digital technologies for automation of mining operations. Uchitta holds Masters in both Mining and Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University and has almost 5 years of experience in the mining world which includes academic research, metallurgy operations & development projects, and most recently in operational technology. Uchitta joined Women in Mining Canada as a Volunteer in 2022 with the motivation of continued involvement in initiatives that support underrepresented groups and has been part of the Chapters committee. As an international student too, Uchitta was actively involved in the community and part of multiple student leadership roles at Queens University including Vice President (community relations) of the graduate student government. She has been a continuous member of international support groups promoting diversity as deputy international commissioner and co-founder of a culture awareness and peer mentorship club which is active and growing since its inception in 2019.