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Diversity & Inclusion Award

For exceptional contribution towards improving diversity and inclusion within the mining industry

Origins & Conditions

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Sponsored by the CIM DIAC (Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee), the Diversity and Inclusion Medal recognizes exceptional contribution towards improving diversity and inclusion within the mining industry in Canada. For clarity, within the concept of this award, the following definition of diversity and inclusion is used: 

Diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another including ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education and religion. 

Inclusion puts the concept and practice of diversity into action by creating an environment of involvement, respect, connection and support; allowing the richness of ideas, backgrounds and perspective to be harnessed to create value.

Why  

The Diversity & Inclusion recognizes the efforts of an individual who through his/her efforts has helped make the mining industry a more diverse and inclusive industry for all. 

Judging based on 

Recognition of either a very special initiative and or achievement or consistent achievements over an extended period (at least 3 years) 

Other 

It In order to encourage new entrants to this arena, and thereby expand the number of contributors to diversity and inclusion, preference shall be given to those candidates who have not yet been recognized or received awards related to this area, especially within CIM.   

Winners

2022

Donna Beneteau

Donna Beneteau is an assistant professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). She obtained her BASc in Geological Engineering from the University of Waterloo in 1990. She worked in backfill research at the Noranda Technology Centre, as a mine engineer at Holloway Mine, and consulted with Ionic Engineering before returning to school to earn her MSc in mineral resources engineering at Laurentian University in 2012. At USask she has progressed from a contract sessional position to full-time instructor and then to professor. 

Beneteau is very passionate about outreach and public education. Her volunteer work has focused on giving students the information and contacts they need to consider mining as an education and career choice. Her current passion project is working with the mining industry to complete a historical Canadian mining database.

2021

Debra Shewfelt

As senior geologist, co-president and board member of RESPEC Consulting Inc., Debra Shewfelt draws on nearly two decades of career experience to drive the growth of a diverse team and inspire girls and young women to consider non-traditional STEM careers in mining and minerals. Her leadership at the workplace and through volunteer organizations exemplify her passion for creating equal opportunities, leading STEM educational outreach activities in communities, and advancing the inclusion of underrepresented groups such as women and Indigenous peoples. Shewfelt values mentorship as a volunteer effort, in projects such as MentorSTEP, an Indigenous female STEM mentorship program. She founded the "Girls In The Classroom—Unearthing Career Opportunities in Mining" K-12 educational outreach program (www.girlsintheclassroom.org). Her passion for environment and sustainability drives the success of a new group in the Canadian office that focuses on water, environment and alternative energy projects in communities.