that strong community relationships are the foun- dation of a sustainable mine. She taught me that listening is just as important as communicating, and that building trust takes time, transparency and consistency. That principle continues to guide how I approach every partnership. What lessons have you learned that you want to share with new miners? Be curious and stay humble. Mining is a complex, fast- paced industry with a lot of moving pieces. There’s always more to learn, whether you're in operations, engineering or community relations. Also, never under- estimate the power of teamwork. Mines succeed when everyone pulls together, from the haul truck driver to the environmental engineer to the community liaison. What would you do differently? I wish I would have hopped in a haul truck sooner for a ride-along! I was fortunate to be in the field quite a bit my first year and I think that understanding the science and operations behind the work gives you a deeper appreciation for the decisions being made and helps you better represent the industry to the public. It definelty helped me give more in-depth tours to youths and adults alike! What was one experience you will never forget? Attending the groundbreaking and first gold pour for Manh Choh with tribal and village leaders was incredibly powerful. Standing on land with deep cultural and historic significance, sharing stories and hearing the hopes of local residents reminded me why responsible, respectful development matters. What do you love most about this business? The people. Miners are some of the hardest-work- ing, innovative, most down-to-earth folks you’ll ever meet. I also love that this industry offers real opportunities for Alaskans, good jobs, training and a pathway to stay and thrive in the state we love. Where do you see mining in Alaska in 50 years? I see a future where mining continues to be a pillar of the Alaskan economy, powered by innovation, guided by sustainability and driven by a workforce
FACES OF MINING: BRENNA SCHAAKE
that reflects the diversity and resilience of our communities. Our ability to mine responsibly while partnering with local and Indigenous stakeholders will be the key to long-term success. What do you see as our biggest challeng- es? And opportunities? The challenge is earning and maintaining public trust in an increasingly complex social and regula- tory landscape. The opportunity is to lead the way in showing that responsible mining is possible and that it can coexist with environmental stewardship, Brenna, who was named Miss Alaska USA in 2024, has enjoyed volunteering for a number of causes, including breast cancer awareness.
Brenna Schaake (center) says community engagement remains a top priority for mining operations across Alaska.
What is your role and how did you get into the industry? I'm the Community Relations Manager for Kinross Alaska, supporting both the Fort Knox and Manh Choh operations. My role focuses on community engagement, strategic communications, stake- holder relations and supporting social perfor- mance initiatives across the state. I came into mining with a background in public relations and community outreach. What drew me in was the opportunity to work for a resource development company that cares about the com- munities they operate in.
Who was your mentor in this indus- try and what did they teach you that remains true today? I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors, many coming from resource development like Meadow Riedel and Marisa Sharrah, but one who stands out is Anna Atchison. She championed the idea Brenna Schaake is Community Relations Manager for Kinross Alaska. We asked Brenna to tell us more about her career in mining as well as how Kinross is helping better the communities the company serves.
cultural respect and economic progress. What keeps you awake at night?
Making sure we’re doing right by the communities we work in. I think a lot about how our actions today shape perceptions for the next generation, especially in places where mining hasn’t always had a positive legacy.
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THE ALASKA MINER - THE MAGAZINE OF THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
SUMMER 2026 | ALASKAMINERS.ORG
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