Our Story
Who We Are
Yukon Women in Mining (YukonWIM) is a regional not for profit organization, founded in 2012, dedicated to the ongoing advancement of a diverse, inclusive, respectful and progressive mineral sector that supports healthy and prosperous Yukon citizens and communities.
Our Mission
YukonWIM’s mission is rooted in three strategic pillars that drive the advancement of a respectful and progressive mineral sector.
Through Advocacy for an Equitable Industry, we champion a culture of inclusion and diversity where every individual is valued and empowered to participate at all levels. We prioritize Visibility and Professional Growth by providing a vibrant platform for networking, connections to upskilling opportunities, and highlighting impactful leaders around us. Finally, our commitment to Stakeholder Collaboration enables us to act as a communication and resource bridge within a diverse ecosystem.
Our Core Commitments
INCLUSION IS:
Cultivating a culture where every member feels accepted, valued, and treated with absolute fairness and equity. It is an environment that inspires individuals to participate at every level of the industry—and empowers them to inspire others to do the same.
DIVERSITY IS:
The intentional recognition of every individual as unique. It is the practice of not only acknowledging but actively incorporating the diverse perspectives and lived experiences that underrepresented groups bring to the mineral sector.
CULTURE IS:
The result of an environment where diversity and inclusion are the standards. It means providing equal attention and proper consideration to all individuals, ensuring their presence, contributions, and inherent sense of worth are at the center of everything we do.
YukonWIM Strategic Goals
By embedding these definitions into our daily operations, YukonWIM pursues the following objectives:
ENCOURAGE & EMPOWER
Building a support system that gives Yukoners the confidence to enter and lead within the mining industry.
EDUCATE & ELEVATE
Providing a network dedicated to upskilling and professional development through advocacy and community engagement.
HOLISTIC PROSPERITY
Ensuring the mineral sector supports healthy, respectful, and prosperous Yukon citizens and communities.
MEANINGFUL COLLABORATION
Bridging the gap between First Nations, government, and industry to create a unified, interdisciplinary ecosystem.
Shaw Tláa (Kate Carmack)
The induction of Kate Carmack—or Shaaw Tláa, as she was known to her Tagish and Tlingit kin—into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, in 2019, represents a vital correction of the historical record. For over a century, the discovery of gold at Bonanza Creek was credited primarily to the men of the party. However, recognizing Shaaw Tláa acknowledges that the Klondike Gold Rush was not just a feat of individual luck, but a result of Indigenous knowledge and resilience.
Her presence was the foundation of the expedition; her traditional skills in living off the land ensured the party’s survival in a harsh environment, and many oral histories suggest it was Shaaw Tláa herself who first spotted gold while washing dishes in the creek.
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Honoring her legacy shines a light on the "invisible" workforce of women who shaped the North. Shaaw Tláa represents the countless women—entrepreneurs, prospectors, and matriarchs—who faced extreme isolation and hardship to build the Yukon’s foundation. Her story serves as a bridge between the industry’s past and its future, highlighting the essential connection between Indigenous stewardship and resource development. By centering her role, we move away from the singular "hero" narrative and toward a more honest appreciation of the diverse support systems that make Canadian mining possible.
Today, Shaaw Tláa stands as a symbol of all the women who have paved the way in the industry. Her recognition is more than a posthumous honor; it is a testament to the fact that the history of Canadian mining is, and always has been, a story shared by women and Indigenous people. Her induction ensures that as we look toward a modern, inclusive industry, we do so with a full and respectful understanding of those who first broke ground.
Our Affiliates
Corporate Members
Board Members
Women have participated as leaders, trailblazers, mentors and community champions of Yukon’s mineral industry for more than a 100 years, beginning with Canadian Mining Hall of Fame inductee Kate Carmack Shaaw Tláa in 1896 and the discovery of gold that kicked off one the most famous global gold rushes.
The Board of Yukon Women in Mining is proud to build on this foundation and is dedicated to ensuring Yukon continues to be a leader nationally and globally by enhancing our diversity and inclusion of women, and under-represented groups, within our sector – to support the success, health and prosperity of YukonWIM members, our Industry and our communities
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Chief, Business Officer, Solvest
Lauren describes herself as an "accidental vagabond," a title earned while traveling the world solo and working across multiple continents. That wandering (mostly) stopped 11 years ago when she drove up to the Yukon out of pure curiosity, intending to stay for only a single summer.
Lauren’s entry into the mining sector wasn’t a calculated move; the industry wasn't even on her radar as a space where she could offer value. Instead, she stumbled into an innovative, energetic, and welcoming community that didn’t just offer a job—it offered career development.
Her journey from industry outsider to C-suite leader serves as a testament to the diverse professional paths available in the North. Today, as the Chief Business Officer at Solvest Inc., Lauren leverages her executive expertise to bridge the gap between resource development and sustainable energy solutions.
Prior to joining Solvest, Lauren served as Executive Vice President at Cobalt Construction. This role provided her with deep operational visibility into the mining service sector and the unique opportunity to work with mines across the North through every phase of development and remediation.
As President of YWIM, Lauren is fueled by a sense of gratitude for the industry that embraced her. This gratitude has evolved into a fierce determination to ensure that the next generation of professionals—regardless of their background—sees mining as a viable, modern, and welcoming home. She is passionately committed to breaking down barriers, creating inclusive spaces, and fostering the same opportunities that allowed her to find her own place within the industry. There is room for a whole spectrum of experience, interests and skillsets to flourish. For Lauren, mining isn't just about what we take out of the ground; it’s about the community we build above it.
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Community Relations Manager, Gladiator Metals
Michelle is an experienced Community Relations Manager and event management specialist with a strong background in fostering collaborations between Yukon’s Indigenous communities and industry. A member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), Michelle currently serves as the Community Relations Manager at Gladiator Metals. She previously served as Project Coordinator at the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce (YFNCC) and as the Community Liaison for Victoria Gold Corp.
She has a wealth of experience in community engagement, including leadership roles with the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association and the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board. Michelle has also served on the board of Yukon Women in Mining for over five years, supporting initiatives that advance women’s leadership and participation in the resource sector.
Her skills in event planning, stakeholder communications, and Indigenous relations are invaluable in supporting outreach, relationship-building, and investment attraction goals.
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Vice-President Sustainability and External Relations, Fuerte Metals
Jennie Gjertsen is a seasoned mining professional with nearly two decades of multi-metallic experience spanning the entire lifecycle of mine development. Throughout her career with industry leaders such as Newmont, Goldcorp, Capstone Copper, Kaminak, and Yukon Zinc, Jennie has developed a reputation for operational excellence, often working directly on-site at the Wolverine, Minto, and Coffee Gold projects.
A specialist in the Northern regulatory landscape, Jennie has a proven track record of leading complex environmental permitting and fostering meaningful Indigenous and community engagement across the Yukon. Her leadership extends beyond the site; she is a dedicated advocate for the industry’s future, currently serving as Treasurer and past President of Yukon Women in Mining, and contributing to the community as a Board Member for the Yukon Hospital Foundation
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Engagement and Communications Manager, Casino Mining
Leneath Yanson is a Yukon-based communications and community engagement professional committed to advancing representation and inclusion across the mining and resource sectors. Born in the Philippines and raised in the Yukon for over 30 years, Leneath brings both an immigrant perspective and deep northern roots to her work. As a woman of colour who has experienced firsthand how access to opportunity can differ, she is passionate about expanding representation and ensuring more people see themselves reflected in industry leadership.
With a background in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development, Leneath focuses on strengthening relationships between industry and community while fostering transparency and long-term collaboration. She is passionate about creating spaces where people — especially those historically underrepresented — feel supported, visible, and empowered to participate and grow.
Outside of her professional role, Leneath coaches youth volleyball and volunteers with community initiatives across the territory. She believes that mentorship, access, and representation are key to building a strong, inclusive North and is proud to support Yukon Women in Mining’s mission.
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Sr. Mineral Development Advisor Mineral Resources, Yukon Government
Alissa Sampson began her mining career at 19, working in a hard‑rock mine in northern British Columbia. After exploring roles in healthcare and Corrections Canada, she moved to the Yukon in 2009, where she worked with Help & Hope in Watson Lake before returning to the mining sector.
For the past 16 years, Alissa has served in Mineral Resources with the Yukon Government, contributing her strong industry knowledge and commitment to responsible development. She is passionate about mining’s social and economic benefits and dedicated to supporting sustainable, community‑focused mineral development across the territory.
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R.P.Bio., P.Ag, Partner / Biologist, Environmental Dynamics Inc.
Annina is a biologist and partner at EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc. With a background in physical science, biology, and environmental management, Annina enjoys her work supporting development projects through baseline studies, environmental assessment, and project monitoring.
Her experience in the mineral sector has ranged from small exploration projects to fully operating mines. She started her career in the field conducting environmental monitoring ranging from fish population studies to aerial wildlife surveys. Annina now oversees comprehensive environmental baseline programs, ensuring the successful data collection necessary to drive effective regulatory submissions and navigate environmental assessments.
Raised in the Yukon bush, Annina has a deep sense of environmental stewardship and is proud to support sustainable mining projects. As a YWIM board member, Annina is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive mining sector in the territory.
Outside of work, she is happiest cooking and baking, exploring outdoors, chasing goals in the gym, and spending time with her young family.
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Director, Sustainability and Compliance, Fireweed Metals
Kelly has been working in the resource management sector in for 15 years. Born and raised on kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation lands in British Columbia, Kelly began working on projects North of 60 in 2014, and moved to Whitehorse, Yukon in 2016. Kelly is thankful to be living, working, and raising her children on the Traditional Territories of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
Kelly has experience leading complex mining, transportation, and infrastructure initiatives across the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and British Columbia. She specializes in Indigenous government relations, environmental and socio‑economic assessment, and intergovernmental collaboration, drawing on 10+ years of building trusted, transparent relationships with communities, governments, and industry partners.
Her career spans senior roles in both government and the private sector—including Director positions with the Government of Yukon and Fireweed Metals—where she has overseen major regulatory processes, multi‑million‑dollar programs, and large, multidisciplinary and remotely located teams. Kelly’s work is grounded in strategic planning, policy development, and the negotiation and implementation of agreements between project proponents and Indigenous governments.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Simon Fraser University and is completing a Master of Arts in Environment and Management at Royal Roads University.
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M.Sc., R.P.Bio., Director - Partner / Aquatic Scientist, Environmental Dynamics Inc.
Lyndsay is an Aquatic Toxicologist who has spent nearly two decades dedicated to the health of Northern waters and aquatic life. Since joining EDI’s Whitehorse team in 2007, she has become a cornerstone of the firm’s water quality initiatives, leading monitoring programs and navigating complex regulatory landscapes for mining, hydro, and infrastructure projects.
While her 2018 move to Montreal shifted her focus from remote field camps to Senior Project Management and Advising, Lyndsay’s heart (and work) remains firmly rooted in the Yukon. This unique remote arrangement allows her to bridge the gap between East and North, returning regularly to the territory to maintain the professional and personal ties she values most.
Beyond her technical work, Lyndsay is a passionate advocate for diversity in industry. Lyndsay joined the YYWIM board in 2024 after a chance conversation, driven by a desire to support the next generation of women in the sector. After years of being the sole woman at remote sites, she finds immense joy in seeing more women with boots on the ground and at the boardroom table shaping the future of mining.
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Director of Data & Digital Systems – Snowline Gold Corp
Zoë Goodyear is the Director of Data & Digital Systems for Snowline Gold Corp and a YWIM board member. She has been working in the mineral exploration industry since 2012 with experience in Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, and the Yukon, working in a variety of different field camps and geological settings.
Zoë has a strong technical understanding of geologic databases with a sound knowledge of mineral exploration and a passion for diversity and inclusion. She has an Advanced Diploma in Geographic Sciences from Centre of Geographic Sciences, a BSc in Earth Science and a Certificate of Geographic Information Sciences from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
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Office Manager, Yukon Chamber of Mines
Angelique Bjork is a long-time Yukoner who joined the Yukon Chamber of Mines in 2023. As Office Manager and Events Coordinator, she is indispensable to the team and to the industry thanks to her unmatched organizational skills and enthusiasm for the individuals who lead responsible mining and exploration in the territory. Previously, Angelique worked at Canadian Lynden Transport for 14 years and was involved with the company hauling in and out of mine sites across the Yukon. In her free time, her strong passion for horses fuels her commitment to youth, mentoring them as a 4-H leader since 2012. Angelique lives with her family on a farm south of Whitehorse.
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