As we bid farewell to 2023, I am reflecting on a year filled with significant achievements and learning experiences, both in my personal life and professional endeavours with Prairie Catalyst.
The year commenced with Prairie Catalyst providing a pivotal role in aiding two professional regulators' Diversity & Inclusion committees. Our engagement with staff, volunteers, and members was instrumental in refining EDI purpose statements, guidelines, and strategies. We celebrated when the Councils approved the outcomes of the committees' work! As 2023 closes, both organizations are further down the path of their EDI journey.
On a personal front, 2023 was a year of substantial transitions for my family. My husband embarked on his MBA journey, a testament to his dedication and professional growth, which we are incredibly proud of. Balancing my own PhD pursuits, I was heartened to see our kids taking on new responsibilities at home. We had just figured out how to manage our new normal and then we got a puppy! It's fair to say that this year has been particularly bustling at home. While these transitions sometimes felt overwhelming, they undoubtedly strengthened our family bond. Looking ahead to 2024, I eagerly anticipate celebrating the completion of our graduate degrees.
Professionally, the year has been equally enriching. I had the privilege of presenting at over 10 events, relishing the opportunities to share insights and engage with change-makers globally. My highlights involved sharing these experiences with my family, at the World Mining Congress in Brisbane, Australia and a press conference at the University of Saskatchewan. Collaborating twice with Leena Thomas to share our lived experiences as women engineers was particularly rewarding.
Beyond travelling and speaking, I published 2 journal articles, 2 thought leadership pieces — Leading DEI Transformations: What HR needs to know and World Mining Congress raises awareness of gender inequity from the mine face to the main stage. (Pg 22) — and the Canada Report for the Women and Mine of the Future project. I am especially proud of the Active Allies course, in which over 75 mining professionals participated this fall. The Activating Allies initiative, supported by IMII, Mitacs, Vanier Canada, and WIM Canada, represents a culmination of collaborative efforts spanning three years of my PhD program. I love hearing about the positive impact the course had on many individuals and figuring out what we can do to improve the content and experience the next time we offer it. Stay tuned for more about how you can participate in the Active Allies course in 2024.
Another aspect of my work involves the thrill of initiating and steering projects to successful completion. A notable challenge this year was making the difficult decision to step away from a project I was deeply passionate about. Despite the project's potential and a fantastic team, it became apparent that our expertise wasn't being fully utilized. The support I received during this time to make some tough decisions was invaluable.
However, with every closed door, new opportunities arise. This year was no exception, as I embarked on several new and exciting projects. At Prairie Catalyst, we've been instrumental in helping clients progress on their EDI journeys. We're concluding the year with primary research and an EDI baseline assessment, bringing fresh perspectives to leadership discussions, and offering recommendations to create more inclusive workplaces.
As I look forward to 2024, I am filled with enthusiasm for the continued growth and success of Prairie Catalyst. I am deeply grateful for your support and for joining me on this incredible journey. Here's to a year of further learning, growth, and success!