Manager, Taxation, Latin America
Teck Chile
Length of Service: 3 years

What advice would you give to young women entering the workforce or your line of work?

My advice is to never stop believing that it's possible.  Women before us had to sacrifice many things to achieve what we have today.  There will be those who will make you believe that you have to choose between work and family, career or children, growing professionally or your hobby.  It's not true. You're entitled and you can have it all.

Production Superintendent, Specialty Products
Trail Operations
Length of Service: 8 Years

What advice would you give to young women entering the workforce or your line of work?

If an opportunity comes up take it. It’s normal to be nervous or unsure about taking on a new challenge but don’t let it hold you back. Although it sometimes doesn’t feel like it in the moment, the more experiences you have, the more you’ll learn and the better you will be for it.

Lead, Social Responsibility
Cardinal River
Length of service: 6 months plus an 8 month coop in 2012

What advice would you give to young women entering the workforce or your line of work?

Social Responsibility is a diverse field that can be integrated into many different lines of work. It’s about integrating sustainability into all business functions; where positive social change and impacts align with a company’s bottom line.

As a business major with an interest in risk management, I learned that working in the social responsibility field you get to work with multiple departments based on your skillset. This field integrates with and teaches you about various business functions from environmental, to accounting, to operations, and more.

My advice for anyone wanting to enter into social responsibility is don’t be afraid to reach out, make connections, and ask questions that will help you understand how your skills can adapt to the field and how you want to grow your career in social responsibility.

Chemist 
Quebrada Blanca 
Length of Service: 10 years 

What achievement are you proud of during your time at Teck?

In the years I've been at Teck, the thing I'm most proud of is having completed my higher education. I began my studies at the Arturo Prat University in 2011 and in 2015 I graduated as a Senior Technician in Chemical Analysis. This degree allowed me to apply for the current position I hold. 

Recruiter
Coal Business Unit, Shared Services
Length of Service: 2 co-op terms and 3.5 years full-time

What advice would you give you women entering the workforce?

Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Say yes to new opportunities and tough challenges, even if they intimidate you. The more exposure you get, the more you develop new skills, grow your value, meet new people and ultimately enjoy your career.

Ask for what you want, say what you mean, and don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in!

Ximena Retamal 
Superintendente Medio Ambiente, Environment
Carmen de Andocollo Operations 
Length of Service: 4 years

What bold action have you taken in your career?
The boldest action I’ve taken is choosing to study chemical civil engineering when I was just 16 years old, knowing it was a field reserved mostly for men—less than 10% of the graduates from my program were women. Thankfully, over the years, this has changed and the proportion of women in engineering is much higher, demonstrating that women are entering new fields of work, with new opportunities.

What I like most about my role as an Environment Superintendent is that it matches my life principles. Protecting the environment is a way of life that I have embraced ever since I was a child. In my family, we recycle and practice the efficient use of resources, including energy conservation.

I also love that, in my work, I learn something from every person, from the youngest member of the team to those who have more experience, and my managers and other co-workers. All of them can provide an important lesson, and share ways to improve.

Working at Carmen de Andacollo also provides opportunities to have work-life balance, which I value. I enjoy spending time with my family: my husband Eduardo and my children Francisco, who is 9 years old, and Felipe, who is 6 years old. As a family we enjoy outdoor activities and the Region of Coquimbo lends itself to that, with good weather almost year-round. On weekends we go to the beach or to a pool, or we do excursions in the Elqui Valley. I also play guitar, sing and I am a floral therapist (Bach flowers).

Monitor Technician
Elkview Operation 
Length of Service: 9 years 

What advice would you give a woman wanting to work in mining?

I have always felt that I have been given equal opportunities and I would encourage any woman who has an interest in mining to go for it—there are many opportunities available. I was very fortunate to have an amazing mentor at Coal Mountain who always encouraged me and took the time to answer my questions. I would encourage others to seek out a mentor who you trust and respect, and listen and learn from him or her.

When I first moved to B.C. from Lethbridge, Alberta, I worked for a small trucking company that serviced many of the coal operations in the Elk Valley. I became very intrigued by all the equipment at the sites and also became very interested in mining. I started at Coal Mountain in May 2010 and, since then, I have had opportunities to operate the dozer, be the crew safety representative, be a blaster’s helper, perform some pit utility work, and, work dispatch. During all these experiences, I felt fortunate to work with senior operators who shared their experience with me, helping me grow my own skills and knowledge. In 2017, I started at Elkview Operations as a Monitor Technician which provided an opportunity to take on new challenges.

Environmental Coordinator
Highland Valley Copper
Length of Service: 8 years

What would you say to the women of tomorrow on how to  #BeBoldForChange?
Follow a path you are passionate about. Where there is change, there is likely resistance. This passion will offer you some comfort through the inevitable discomfort of the push for change and will serve as a reminder of what you offer and  your value as an individual.

I first started at Highland Valley Copper (HVC) in 2010 as a co-op student in the Assay Lab. This was my first hands-on exposure to the mining industry; at the time, little did I know how much this would fundamentally influence my  career trajectory.

As my student career came to a close, and my passion for sustainability had only just begun to grow, I joined HVC full-time in 2012. In 2015, while working as a Metallurgical Technician, I recognized my goal was still very much environmental work, so I began assessing how to shift my role in this direction. I approached my supervisor about pursuing a graduate degree in Environmental Science, and have not looked back since.

Starting the conversation about my aspirations has enabled me to shift my career in a direction that aligns with  my passion. The guidance and support  I have received within the respective departments has been invaluable—one of the best things about my experience with Teck has been working with diverse teams and individuals who are passionate about what they do.

My passion continues to fuel my pursuits at HVC, where the atmosphere inspires us to think outside of the box and to continually do better with how we interact with the environment. These pursuits enable me to build meaningful relationships with others across the mine site and with the surrounding communities, demonstrating how we are all interconnected, and the continual need to work together in a socially just and environmentally sound manner.

Superintendent of Integrated Operations
Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 Project, Operational Readiness
Length of Service: 1 year 

What achievement are you proud of during your time at Teck?

During my time at Teck, the integrated operations area has matured and grown with the hiring of several members of the team I lead for the implementation of the Quebrada Blanca integrated operations centre. We have developed new pioneering systems in the global mining industry related to making decisions from our centre in Santiago quickly and accurately, shift by shift and in an integrated manner in the value chain and with the leaders on site.

Making the Quebrada Blanca team a diverse group of people in terms of skills, ways of thinking, gender, among others, is a great achievement of which I have also been a part. To build a motivated and committed group that optimizes our business with the respect that the safety of people and the environment deserve, is my main challenge. I am committed to Teck for a successful start-up by leading a team of great people.

Kate Parejko-Kompa 
Senior Production Engineer
Trail Operations 
Length of Service: 10 years

What advice would you give to young women entering the workforce or your line of work? 
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, pay attention to details and plan your time carefully.

I still have a fresh memory of coming to Trail for the job interview in the early spring of 2010. Before I even realized it, I had fallen in love with the breathtaking beauty of the Kootenays. During the site tour, I was impressed by the complexity of the operation, the potential for professional development, and the welcoming environment. When the job offer came, I accepted it without hesitation.

In my role, I appreciate being given independence and flexibility, and a variety of tasks and projects as well as the opportunity to work with talented and hard-working people.

The most challenging assignment I had so far was during the lead smelter shutdown in 2014, when I took on technical responsibility for KIVCET and the fuming furnace boilers wash and treatment. I spent plenty of time on detailed preparations and then my stamina was heavily tested as we executed the plans over the course of several days. In the end, I realized it was a great experience to see how successfully all these tasks were completed and how well all the teams worked together.

The Kootenays are a great area to raise a family and relax after work. All you need is just to step outside. I take full advantage of it and, together with my husband, daughter and son, continue to enjoy the surroundings while hiking, biking, skiing, sailing and playing tennis.

Director, Geoscience Services, Exploration 
Vancouver
Length of Service: 23 years

What advice would you give to young women entering exploration and mining?
From a technical perspective, a career in exploration and mining is an exciting path to solving nature’s complex geological puzzles around the globe. On the social side, it provides a rewarding opportunity to develop partnerships with traditional and cultural stakeholders, giving us invaluable perspective on sourcing minerals for future generations.

As a mother of two young boys, being a role model and leader at home is just as important as on the job. I grew up in a family in which our mom’s full-time professional career was never in the way of a happy, fulfilling childhood.

After years of working with Teck, the philosophies we bring to our parenting are inspired by our experiences on the job and around the world where our work has taken us. The ability to embrace change, adapt to new situations and be the agent for change when required are key learnings we aim to teach our children.

It takes a team approach to make exploration and mining families work. A supportive and dedicated partner who takes on the challenge of ‘single parenting’ while mom is away on business or working late hours to meet business needs is the ‘new normal’. The challenges for women at work are as much a challenge for the men that stand by them in support of their career journey.

Senior Market Research Analyst
Shanghai 
Length of Service: 6 years 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I think nowadays, International Women’s Day encourages women to be confident and independent, overcome obstacles, and achieve their career goals.

I have had some kind of connection with Teck ever since I started to work as a metal market analyst. Five years ago, not long after I worked in the Shanghai Metals Market as a zinc analyst, I met Zhang Lin (General Manager, Shanghai Office) and Michael Schwartz (Manager, Market Research), who were my clients. During our discussion, I was thinking that it would be great if I could join Teck some day, as the company was one of the most important zinc producers in the world.

Three years later, when Zhang Lin asked me to recommend an analyst for the position of Market Research Analyst, I recommended myself. Not only could I learn more about zinc and lead, it allowed me to study copper as well. I’m glad I seized the opportunity.

During free time, I enjoy exercise like jogging—it’s a good way to stay energetic. I also like travelling on vacations, learning about different cultures and most importantly, tasting all kinds of food.

Shift Leader, Fertilizer Production
Trail Operations
Length of Service: 7 years

What advice would you give to young women entering exploration and mining?
The women I work with are all go-getters. My advice to women thinking about getting into the mining industry is to push your boundaries, get competitive, and embrace little failures.

I was fortunate enough to have my parents as very strong role models. My mom is a strong, supportive and fiercely independent woman. She went against almost all stereotypes for women in the 80s and 90s. She didn’t stay home to raise kids, she drove a combine and trucks on the farm, and she taught me that I could accomplish anything that I put my mind to.

My dad is an entrepreneur, a mechanic and a farmer. The most valuable thing he taught me is that taking risks usually results in higher rewards. Although he does sometimes give me pink tools for Christmas, my Dad has always made me feel like an equal to my two older brothers.

I really like working at Trail Operations because it is really diverse and intricate. I’ve been here since I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan. In my role at Trail, I am given as much responsibility as I can handle. We have a great support network that allows me to take on new challenges and learn things every day.

My Engineer-in-Training rotations have given me exposure to energy conservation projects, major capital projects, a plant engineering role and a plant support role. In my current rotation, I will get to work on plant improvement projects and people management. I’m excited that my projects can directly benefit the bottom line of our operations.