an industry cannot afford to let die with them. We have a responsibility as the next generation to carry it forward. Additionally, it is essential to engage with your community and the communities where you want to do business. The value of our social license to operate is greater than the value of any commodity we produce. Mining cannot and will not continue without genuine commitment to giving back to the people and places that make our work possible. What would you do differently? Honestly, I can say I wouldn’t change a thing. My path wasn’t always smooth, and it certainly didn’t unfold the way I expected but the outcome and where I am now is better than I could have ever imagined. If I were to change anything, it would be to get involved sooner with Alaska Miners Association and Women in Mining, to do more within our communi- ties, and to work more directly with the mines earlier in my career. What was one experience you will never forget? My first trip underground to retrieve a broke down haul truck. It was so big and felt like I would never be able to find my way around. It was intimidating and amazing all in one. That was the day that I found my true love for mining. I never did stop getting lost underground when I had to fill in on the lube truck and the Redpath guys were my saviors. What do you love most about this business? For me, this is a tie between the people and the heavy equipment. In my experience, the mining industry is full of some of the most amazing colorful people you’ll ever meet who are passionate about the industry we work in. The men and women I’ve had the privilege of working alongside have been instrumental in fueling my love for this industry. At the same time, I have always had a passion for heavy equipment. While I enjoy all of it, muckers, haul trucks, bolters … nothing quite compares. Any chance I have to check out equipment new or old, I’ll take it. That excitement never really goes away.
is the workforce. We’ve got an incredible generation of miners, mechanics, and tradespeople who have built this industry, but many of them are reaching retirement that creates a real knowledge gap and puts pressure on us to bring in the next generation of trades and make sure they’re set up to succeed. On the flip side, those same challenges open the door to opportunity. New technologies are changing the way we mine — making it safer, more efficient and more sustainable. And the new generation coming into the industry is bringing fresh ideas and different ways of thinking. Pair that energy with Alaska’s vast resources, and the potential for growth is exponential. If we can pass on the knowledge, embrace innovation, and keep strong community relationships, the future of mining here is bright. What keeps you awake at night? What keeps me up at night is wondering if I’ve done enough — if there is something I’m missing or some- thing I could be doing better. I think about whether there is advocacy we’re overlooking, or if there’s a conversation that we should be having that we aren’t. A big part of that is communication: how do we share what mining really means to Alaska with people who aren’t directly involved in it? We know the value mining brings-jobs, resources, opportuni- ties-but if the broader public doesn’t see or under- stand it, then we haven’t done our job in telling our story. Making sure we earn that support and keep it is something I think about often. What does AMA mean to you? And why do you recruit others to join AMA? For me, the Alaska Miners Association means com- munity, connection and education. It’s a place for like-minded people to come together with a shared goal: to grow Alaska’s mining industry and keep it strong and prosperous for generations to come. Through AMA, I’ve seen how much value there is in learning from each other, collaborating and working toward common ground. We aren’t competitors but instead a united force for industry. This is why I encourage others to join. The more members we have, the stronger our collective voice becomes.
AMA gives us the tools to educate, to better under- stand the issues we face, and to advocate effectively for the future of mining in Alaska. When we stand together, we’re not just representing an industry — we’re building a legacy. Anything else you want to share? I consider myself lucky to work for a company that not only allows me to take part in volunteer activ- ities and community engagement but encourages it and not only in Alaska, but also the states that I will be working in in the western half of the United States. That freedom is rare, and it has given me the chance to pursue the work I love while also giving back to the industry and people that have given me so much and strengthening our collective mining voice. Over the last year I have been able to be an active member of the Women in Mining Alaska chapter, participate in many community events with some amazing people from mines across the state, and combine my love of running with mining by partic- ipating in most of the Usibelli Coal run series and runs/walks sponsored by Northern Star and Kinross. Next year I will plan my travel schedule so I can do all the races. "For me, the Alaska Miners Association means community, con- nection and education. It’s a place for like-minded people to come together with a shared goal: to grow Alaska’s mining industry and keep it strong and prosperous for gener- ations to come. Through AMA, I’ve seen how much value there is in learning from each other, collabo- rating and working toward common ground. We aren’t competitors but instead a united force for industry. "AMA gives us the tools to educate, to better understand the issues we face, and to advocate effectively for the future of mining in Alaska. When we stand together, we’re not just representing an industry — we’re building a legacy."
Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? I believe that mining in Alaska will still be thriving 50 years from now. The passion and drive of the people committed to the longevity of this industry com- bined with rapid growth of technology will carry us well into the future. With continued focus on safety, environmental impacts, and effective management, we can create an environment that not only sustains long-term operations but also fosters new growth. When paired with ongoing improvements to Alaska’s infrastructure the prospects for mining in our state truly feel endless. What do you see as our biggest chal- lenges? And opportunities? For me, the biggest challenges come down to people. Gaining and maintaining the social license to operate is always at the top of the list. If our communities don’t trust us, nothing else matters. The other piece Walking in the Golden Days Parade with Kinross for Women in Mining Alaska.
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THE ALASKA MINER - THE MAGAZINE OF THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
FALL 2025 | ALASKAMINERS.ORG
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