Her Story
About Michelle
I began my career in the mining industry in 1996 as a drafting and design engineer, where I specialized in creating detailed technical drawings. After more than a decade in that role, I transitioned into purchasing, a field in which I have now spent the past 15 years building extensive experience and leadership expertise.
When I entered the industry, it was uncommon for women to work in technical drafting and design within the mining sector. I take great pride in having established myself in that space and consider my early technical drawings to be among my most significant professional accomplishments.
Today, I serve as Purchasing Manager for my company. While the role is fast-paced and demanding, I genuinely enjoy the challenges it brings and the strategic impact it has on our operations. The mining industry continues to offer meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement, and I am proud to contribute to its ongoing success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and perseverance. When I entered the mining industry in 1996 as one of the few women in the field, I understood that resilience and a strong work ethic would be essential. That determination has guided me through every stage of my career, enabling me to grow, adapt, and build a successful and rewarding career spanning nearly three decades.
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02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was simple: focus fully on whatever you’re doing. That guidance has stayed with me throughout my career and has been instrumental in my success. By giving my full attention and commitment to each role, I was able to excel in drafting and design early on and later transition successfully into purchasing, continuing to grow and perform at a high level in every stage of my career
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to be resilient and willing to work hard. Early in my career—especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field—I quickly learned that earning respect required confidence, consistency, and results. At times, it felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether I had chosen the right path.
However, pushing through those early challenges made all the difference. Over time, the obstacles became opportunities for growth, and what once felt difficult became deeply rewarding. My advice is to stay determined, trust your abilities, and persevere through the tough beginnings—because the long-term success and fulfillment are absolutely worth it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my biggest challenges right now is the sheer volume of work—there are days when it feels like it would take two of me to manage it all. However, I see that challenge as a positive sign. The workload reflects the strength of the industry and the abundance of opportunity within it.
As Purchasing Manager, I have a clear view of how much potential there is for advancement and growth. The demands are high, but so are the opportunities. It’s a dynamic field that continues to expand, offering meaningful career paths for those willing to step up and take them.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are dedication, reliability, and giving your best effort every day. I believe in showing up prepared, staying committed until the job is done, and taking pride in the quality of your work. Whether the task is large or small, I approach it with full focus and accountability, striving to deliver consistent, high-quality results and to be someone others can depend on.
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