Victorian AusIMM Women on Boards Scholarship 2021 winners announced
AusIMM, together with the Victoria State Government Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, are pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Women on Boards Scholarship.
Following on from the success of last year's program, the scholarship series continues to recognise the expertise of technical women in the resources industry of Victoria and the need for more women and diversity in resources sector boardrooms.
Three outstanding women with broad experience, Nerilee Rockman, Amy Lamb and Laura Spelbrink have been awarded the scholarship, which will see them go on to complete a new online AICD course as well as be profiled through AusIMM events and publications as potential board candidates.
Nerilee Rockman
Nerilee Rockman has worked at AngloGold Ashanti Australia for 22 years and is now Vice President Legal, Environment and Supply Chain. Nerilee began her career as a solicitor before moving into the mining industry as a Legal Counsel. Throughout her successful career Nerilee relies on her strong leadership skills and is committed to transparency and open communication. In her application Ms Rockman spoke compellingly about the need for change for women in the industry.
"I aspire to be a very visible role model for women, given young women can’t be what they can’t see. If women can’t see female leader role models it is difficult for them to aspire to be one themselves. I want to lead by example and to allow women to see genuine diversity at the board level as fundamental, if we are to fight bias and create real change," Ms Rockman said.
Amy Lamb
Amy Lamb, Head of Processing at MMG, began her career as a metallurgist after graduating from the Colorado School of Mines. With over 24 years’ experience Amy specialises in technical development, strategy management with a strong focus on implementing change. Ms Lamb impressed the judging panel with her formidable technical knowledge and her ability to influence people to achieve sustained and continuous improvement.
"I feel I have reached the pinnacle of my technical profession and I can now pivot my career toward executive leadership as I would like to use my expertise to influence the mining business and industry at the board level," Ms Lamb said.
Laura Spelbrink
Laura’s double degree in Geology and Political Science and Public Policy and Master of Science in Earth Sciences from the University of Melbourne gave her a strong foundation on which to build her successful mining industry career over the last decade. In her strong application Ms Spelbrink impressed the judges with her desire to inspire and encourage young women to pursue STEM pathways in school and further study, amplifying their experiences and achievements in science, innovation, leadership and the mining industry.
"I strongly believe that diverse leadership is what is required to enable our industry to innovate, adapt and move from strength to strength into the future. I am excited to be part of this evolution and to contribute to building a cleaner, safer and smarter industry," Ms Spelbrink said.
AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin said that the scholarship was an important program for the AusIMM in its commitment to diversity and inclusion but said it also serves as an important mechanism to promote the talent pipeline of ‘board ready’ women.
“Our industry has a talent pool of capable, female leaders who have the capacity to make a significant contribution to the boardroom if given the opportunity,” said Mr Durkin.
“At AusIMM we want to use our position of leadership in the sector to better promote the equality of opportunity and drive a strategy of improvement that supports every professional looking to succeed.”
The recipients will go on to take part in Company Directors Course Online, and will receive facilitated introductions to recruitment organisations through the AusIMM for potential board positions, as well as profiling opportunities in the AusIMM Bulletin and across social media.
Media Contact:
Brigid Meney
M: 0432885823
E: Bmeney@ausimm.com