Five inspiring women working in the resources sector and an outstanding company have today been recognised at the 2015 Women in Resources Awards presented by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME).
CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith presented the awards at a breakfast ceremony, attended by more than 1,000 people. The event also featured a panel of industry leaders and experts discussing how to gain competitive advantage through gender diversity.
The awards celebrate the inspirational women we have working here in Western Australia, men and women who are champions for gender diversity and the efforts of companies in the sector to improve participation of women in our workforce.
“For the resources sector the benefits of a diverse workforce go well beyond the argument for equality. Workforce diversity is strongly associated with improved business performance,” said Mr Howard-Smith.
“Resources companies have been at the forefront of this movement, with senior management driving policies to achieve cultural change. These are changes that make smart business sense,” said Mr Howard-Smith
Research has established the benefits to companies with a diverse workforce including; improved financial performance and competitiveness; improved problem solving and innovation; increased access to and retention of the best talent; and improved shareholder and community perception.
“It is clear diversity builds better and more prosperous companies,” said Mr Howard-Smith.
The winners are:
Outstanding Company Initiative – Atlas Iron: Women in Atlas
Over the past two years Atlas Iron has had clear objectives to improve diversity and the work environment for its women through the establishment of the Women in Atlas initiative.
Women in Atlas has representatives from across the business including a cross section of geographical regions, work types and levels. The group actively provides opportunities for women to help themselves and others to grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, mentoring and networking support.
The Women in Atlas group has driven awareness of gender issues and increased diversity at Atlas. They have consulted widely, identified initiatives, developed action and implementation plans to achieve objectives around pay parity, paid parental leave, mentoring, company-wide female participation, participation of women at leadership levels and networking for women.
Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Woman in Resources – Margeaux Janenko (Kentz Engineering and Construction)
Margeaux Janenko is a talented female tradesperson and passionate advocate for social change. Working as an Electrician at Chevron’s Gorgon site for Kentz Engineering and Contracting, Margeaux maintains a positive energy during a demanding work schedule. Away from work Margeaux is an enthusiastic volunteer ambassador for female tradespeople in her role as board member for the Western Australian based not-for-profit TradeUp Australia.
As one of the few female tradespeople on the extensive Gorgon project, Margeaux stands out through her high quality of work. Margeaux also stands out in her electrical trade by possessing a unique combination of specialised qualifications which include hazardous areas and rope access. These skills are highly desirable for current and future resources projects in Western Australia, and by having the foresight to gain extra certifications in her field, Margeaux has proven to be an example of the capacity for females to thrive in the resources sector and become leaders in their trade.
Outstanding Woman in Resources – Bronwyn Barnes (Alliance Mining Commodities)
Bronwyn Barnes’s 15 year mining career has included roles at companies from BHP Billiton to emerging juniors in director, leadership and operational roles. She has a passion for the industry, and an outstanding track record of ensuring effective corporate governance, winning government endorsement and approval and driving equity for Indigenous people. She has steered major projects from exploration through to operation, and connected the Western Australian resources sector with international mining investment.
Bronwyn holds a number of director positions stretching beyond the resources sector which reflect her interests in corporate governance, Indigenous affairs, education and political life. Bronwyn actively promotes women’s involvement in mining and she mentors and supports other women to participate in the resources sector.
Outstanding Young Woman – Kalpana Maharage (Rio Tinto Iron Ore)
Kalpana Maharage is an accomplished Mining Engineer. She was selected for Rio Tinto’s graduate program in 2009, and within a year of completing the program achieved a promotion to Superintendent with Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Greater Paraburdoo mine operations. This promotion made Kalpana, at 26 years of age, the youngest operational Superintendent on site.
In the year between finishing her graduate program and progressing to Superintendent, Kalpana undertook the role of Shift Coordinator where she managed a production crew of 30 male Operators. She was not only the first female to undertake this role, but also the youngest.
In addition to her role as a frontline operational leader, Kalpana has established herself as an active community member in the Pilbara town of Paraburdoo, where she resides on a permanent basis. Kalpana’s work ethic and leadership style clearly aligns with Rio Tinto’s core business values of respect, integrity, accountability and teamwork. She has demonstrated throughout her career to date that she isn’t afraid to take on new challenges, and takes every opportunity to learn from others.
Women in Resources Champion – Linda O’Farrell (Fortescue Metals Group Ltd)
Linda O’Farrell is a senior human resources executive with 18 years’ experience in the Western Australian resources sector. During her career Linda has helped break new ground for women in leadership, holding executive roles for leading resources companies including BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Mount Gibson Iron. She is now leading the People function for Fortescue Metals Group (FMG).
In each of these roles Linda has championed women’s growth and development in the sector, by speaking at industry and diversity events, participating in studies and committees with an interest in people and diversity issues, and supporting diversity networks and working groups.
Being a working parent with two young sons, Linda understands there are real challenges in supporting family and work needs. She has inspired women to take on the challenge through sharing her story, implementing flexible work practices for men and women, promoting and mentoring women and celebrating their contributions through awards programs and providing leadership development opportunities.
People’s Choice Award – Geeta Thakorlal (Worley Parsons)
Geeta Thakorlal has had a highly successful and inspiring career spanning over four continents. She has 28 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry and has held various project and management positions.
With a proven track record of leading specialist teams of engineers and scientists to deliver significant and measurable outcomes despite challenging circumstances, Geeta is an exemplary advocate for a fulfilled career and family life. She is passionate about transferring her knowledge and mentoring others to recognise and reach their professional and personal potential. Geeta mentors talent both locally and abroad and is a mother to two children.
