The Collective Scholarship: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in the Natural Resource Sector

At Femina Collective, we are passionate about fostering growth, inclusivity, and representation within the Natural Resource sector. Today, we are thrilled to announce the launch of The Collective Scholarship program for 2024, a pivotal initiative designed to support and empower young women who aspire to make their mark in this vital industry.

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Empowering Future Leaders

The Collective Scholarship is a testament to our commitment to shaping a more diverse and inclusive future for the Natural Resource sector. By offering this scholarship, we aim to remove financial barriers and provide essential mentorship and networking opportunities that will help recipients thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

Funding the Scholarship

Thanks to the incredible women who joined our Executive Membership, we are able to fund this transformative program. 20% of The Exclusive Femina Collective Membership fees go directly towards The Collective Scholarship fund. This year, we proudly offer four $5,000 scholarships to deserving young women who demonstrate a passion for the Natural Resource sector.

To be considered for The Collective Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled in a post-secondary or trade program related to natural resources.

• Between the ages of 19-30.

• Identifies as female.

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Maintain a cumulative B average (or equivalent) and be enrolled full-time with a minimum of 12 credit hours per term.

• Enrolled in a program related to or intending to pursue a career in the Natural Resource industry.

The Application Process

We encourage applicants to share their vision of using the scholarship funds to empower and inspire younger generations of women and girls in the natural resource space. The application process allows for various multimedia formats, such as videos, images, and presentations. We believe that these formats can effectively showcase the applicants' qualifications and aspirations, bringing their stories and visions to life.

Key Components of the Application:

• Vision Statement: Applicants should explain how they plan to use the scholarship funds within the Natural Resource sector and their goals for inspiring future generations.

• Multimedia Submission: Use videos, images, and presentations to highlight qualifications, experiences, and plans.

• Submission: Send all application materials to scholarship@thefeminacollective.com by the July 31, 2024 deadline.

The Power of Mentorship

Beyond financial support, the scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to network with and receive mentorship from experienced professionals within the Femina Collective community. We believe that mentorship is crucial for personal and professional development, and we are committed to providing our scholars with the guidance they need to succeed.

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At Femina Collective, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the Natural Resource sector. The Collective Scholarship is a vital part of this mission, and we are excited to see its impact on the lives of young women passionate about this field. Thank you to our Executive Members for making this possible and to everyone in our community for your continued support.

Together, let's empower and uplift the future leaders of our industry.

Warm regards,

Beth Borody
Founder + CEO
Femina Collective

Join Us in Spreading the Word

Even if you are not eligible to apply, you can still make a significant impact by spreading the word about The Collective Scholarship. Share this announcement with anyone who might benefit from this opportunity. Together, we can support the next generation of women leaders in the Natural Resource sector.

Femina Collective Unveils Strategic Growth Plan for 2024-2025

Toronto, Canada —Monday, April 15, 2024— Femina Collective ("Femina"), a premier membership organization dedicated to empowering women in the mining industry, proudly announces its strategic growth initiatives for the 2024-2025 period. Founded by CEO Beth Borody during the early days of the pandemic, Femina has flourished, growing from a small group of engaged professionals to a vibrant community of over 2,600 members. This growth highlights an increasing demand for more access to Femina's specialized services.

Introducing New Membership Tiers: Two new membership levels, Catalyst and Classic, will cater to a broader range of professionals from entrepreneurs and academics to those seeking enhanced career support and networking opportunities.

Strategic Growth Focus Areas:

Expanding the Leadership Team: Peggy Bell joins as Chief Growth Officer to spearhead corporate relationship development and the launch of Femina Talent and the Femina Coalition. With over 15 years in the mining sector, including roles at AECOM Canada Ltd and SGS SA, Peggy is well-equipped to drive Femina’s next growth phase.

Launching New Services: The new Femina Talent division will support recruiters and executive search firms in addressing the mining sector’s talent needs and enhancing diversity within hiring practices.

Developing Customized Corporate Partnerships: In response to the industry's "broken rung" challenge, Femina will collaborate with mining firms to create tailored talent retention programs, emphasizing ESG, diversity, and leadership development.

Expanding Geographical Reach: Plans are underway to extend Femina’s footprint into the United States and Australia, regions with a strong demand for deeper connection and support among women in mining.

A Message from Beth Borody, CEO and Founder:

"Femina began as a small spark and has grown beyond our wildest expectations. As we look forward, I am thrilled to lead our community into a period of unprecedented expansion. Our focus will remain on creating significant opportunities for women in mining, thereby reducing talent risk and enhancing organizational performance."

About Femina Collective:

Femina Collective is a leading membership-based organization dedicated to supporting women in the mining industry through networking, career development, and advocacy. Founded during the global pandemic, Femina has rapidly grown into a vital resource for women seeking to advance their careers in mining and organizations leading the mining sector in diverse talent attraction, development, and retention.  For more information, please visit www.thefeminacollective.com.

For further information, please contact:

Beth Borody, CEO
beth@thefeminacollective.com

Peggy Bell, Chief Growth Officer
peggy@thefeminacollective.com

Femina Collective Welcomes Rio Tinto as a Corporate Member Partner

[Toronto, February 28, 2024] — Femina Collective, a leading community dedicated to empowering women in the natural resource sector, is delighted to announce Rio Tinto as its newest Corporate Member Partner. This strategic partnership marks Rio Tinto's commitment to supporting and advancing the role of women in the industry.

Rio Tinto will be provided six memberships as part of the Corporate Membership, extending this opportunity to six remarkable women within the company. This initiative showcases Rio Tinto's dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion and progresses Femina Collective's mission of creating a supportive network for women in the natural resource sector by creating a lasting partnership with a major mining organization.

Beth Borody, Founder of Femina Collective, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Rio Tinto as a Corporate Member Partner. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the professional and personal development and networking opportunities for women in the natural resource sector."

Sophie Bergeron, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium and Diamonds, said, "At Rio Tinto, we firmly believe that inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the sustainable success of our business. Our performance and growth rely on a diverse workforce that represents the communities in which we operate and a workplace where people are valued for who they are and encouraged to contribute to their full potential. This partnership with Femina Collective is a significant step forward, serving as one of many initiatives in our ongoing commitment to promoting gender diversity in the mining sector. Through these collective efforts, we aim to find better ways to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment within the industry."

 As Femina Collective continues to grow and progress its mission, it looks forward to the support of other major mining organizations. 

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Our Corporate Membership offers a unique opportunity for companies to enroll up to six female employees as members of Femina Collective. With access to exclusive resources, networking events, and mentorship opportunities, your team can enhance their skills, expand their networks, and contribute to a more inclusive workplace culture. To learn more about how your company can benefit from our Corporate Membership, please get in touch with us at members@thefeminacollective.com or visit our website for more information.

Femina Collective Announces Collaboration with Lomiko Metals Inc. and Participation in Upcoming PDAC Events

The mission of Femina Collective is simple: to improve the representation and connect with like-minded women across the natural resource sector by creating a collaborative environment for challenging conversations, problem-solving, and celebrating successes.

We could not be more thrilled to unveil its collaboration with Lomiko Metals Inc. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Femina Collective's mission to drive inclusivity and diversity in the mining and energy transition industries.

Aligned with Femina Collective's vision, Lomiko Metals is committed to addressing critical industry challenges, including the advancement of women's participation, investment, and leadership roles in mining and energy transition initiatives. Femina Collective and Lomiko Metals aim to foster a more inclusive and sustainable future for the natural resource sector by championing the voices of underrepresented groups and incorporating diverse perspectives into decision-making processes.

The collaboration between Femina Collective and Lomiko Metals holds tremendous promise in driving positive change within the industry. Both organizations are poised to spearhead initiatives that empower women, engage emerging leaders, and promote environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices by leveraging their collective expertise and resources.

As part of this collaboration, Femina Collective is delighted to participate in upcoming events, including the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference. These events provide invaluable opportunities for Femina Collective to engage with industry stakeholders, share insights, and advocate for greater diversity and inclusivity in the natural resource sector.

Beth Borody, Founder of Femina Collective, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Femina Collective is focused on changing the mining industry through radically improving the experience and representation of women. That means strategically supporting projects, companies, and organizations working towards the same vision. Lomiko Metals represents an opportunity for Femina to increase our influence and continue to fulfill our mission together.”

Read the full announcement here.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Peggy Bell
Interim Lead
peggy@thefeminacollective.com

Influencing the Future: Beth Borody, Founder and CEO of The Femina Collective, Featured on Women of Influence

Beth Borody, the visionary Founder and CEO of The Femina Collective, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the natural resource sector and her unwavering dedication to advancing women's roles within it. This prestigious acknowledgment comes from Women of Influence (WOI+), an organization committed to empowering women through connections, support, training, and tools.

Sourced from Women of Influence

About Women of Influence (WOI+)

At WOI+, the commitment is clear: to equip women with the means to carve new pathways, excel within their careers on their terms, and drive transformation in the world of work. WOI+ focuses on making meaningful and impactful change, measuring influence by the impact, ripples, and doors opened. It's a community where women with diverse expertise and innovative ideas converge to create a future where women-led leadership thrives.

Beth Borody's remarkable journey as a mining executive and her dedication to transforming the experience and representation of women in the natural resource sector has earned her a place among the Top Changemakers in Canada, as recognized by the Globe and Mail in 2021. This recent acknowledgment from Women of Influence further solidifies Beth's standing as a key figure driving significant change within the sector.

Interview Highlights:

In a recent interview, Beth shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Femina Collective, and the unique challenges women face in the natural resources sector. She reflects on the power of acknowledging what she doesn't know, the importance of embracing curiosity, and the profound impact of Femina Collective on the lives of women in the industry.

It’s obvious Beth expresses being featured in this article with Women of Influence is such an honour. Highlighting the success of Femina and the importance of female representation in mining is critical for creating change. Thank you, Women of Influence, for the opportunity to share our story

"The essence of Femina Collective lies in the incredible women who engage with us. The depth of our conversations, the genuine support shared among members, and the connections formed truly resonate. These interactions transcend typical networking; they foster lifelong friendships and meaningful bonds. This profound impact on individuals and the collective strength it generates is what makes Femina Collective profoundly rewarding and unique."

Looking to the Future:

Beth expresses her excitement about Femina Collective's growth and envisions its expansion beyond North America, driving a transformative movement for women in the natural resource sector. Her aspiration is to see a rise in the representation of women in the workforce, a more inclusive sector, and a pivotal shift marked by an increase in women occupying leadership roles and influencing decisions.

Femina Collective's Impact Beyond:

In its first two years, Femina Collective proudly donated $25,000 in scholarships to women pursuing post-secondary and trade-related programs in the natural resource sector, underscoring its commitment to supporting current members and empowering the next generation.

Beth's Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

"Follow your intuition and pursue your passions. Trust that inner fire and take action. Build a network of mentors and supporters. Believe in yourself and your potential to make a difference. You have the strength and capability to achieve your goals, so go ahead and seize the opportunity. Trust your gut — it often knows best."

About The Femina Collective:

The Femina Collective, founded by Beth Borody, is dedicated to radically changing the experience and representation of women in the natural resource sector. It serves as a supportive community where women can connect, share experiences, and find support in an industry often dominated by men.

Thank you again to Women of Influence for featuring our incredible Founder, Beth Borody and highlighting what makes Femina Collective such a special initiative. Please read the full interview by clicking here

For media inquiries, please contact:

Peggy Bell | Interm Lead | peggy@thefeminacollective.com

Empowering Reads for 2024: A Femina Collective Booklist

Welcome to a new year full of growth, empowerment, and transformation opportunities. At Femina Collective, we believe in the power of knowledge and how a good book can impact your personal and professional journey. To kickstart 2024, our team has compiled a curated list of five books that align with the goals and aspirations of the Femina Collective community. Let's explore these empowering reads that will inspire you to take charge of your life.

Recommended by Carmen, The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks is more than just a book; it's a yearly ritual. Carmen introduces us to the notion of a "happiness threshold" – that invisible barrier holding us back from our true potential. Hendricks provides actionable insights to identify and overcome limiting beliefs, urging us to take the "big leap" into a life beyond our comfort zones. As Beth Borody puts it, this book is short yet impactful, prompting us to venture beyond our zones of excellence.

Jenna Kutcher’s How Are You, Really? speaks to the heart of every woman striving for balance in a chaotic world. It's a personal invitation to confront our emotions and rediscover our authentic selves. In a world that often demands us to be many things, Jenna Kutcher’s book provides a guide to understanding what's truly going on in our heads. Join us on a journey of self-reflection, acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay, and finding joy amidst life's challenges.

“ It’s easy to get into an automatic mode of doing and producing without stopping to really ask ‘how are you really?’ And answering that question honestly. As women we can move at a mile a minute and when we take the time to slow down, reflect, and simply be we allow ourselves to answer this question honestly and openly. ”

— Beth Borody

We know there is a gap with women in leadership, which needs to be closed and fast. The Authority Gap looks at what would happen if more women were in leadership positions and the benefits to any company that focuses on promoting women to the highest level. 

Mary Ann Sieghart’s The Authority Gap sparks necessary conversations about the unseen biases that persist in our lives. It’s an eye-opener that challenges us to think about the roles society assigns based on gender. This book doesn’t just inform; it provokes thought and inspires action. As we explore its pages together, let’s confront the biases we encounter and collectively strive for a more equitable world.

This book, born from the experiences of over 70 women in The Judy Project, is more than just a collection of stories; it's a roadmap for ambitious women aiming high in both their personal and professional lives. As we delve into the narratives of these women, let’s draw inspiration from their journeys – the struggles, the victories, and the wisdom gained along the way. This book is an opportunity to learn, share, and empower one another on our paths to leadership.

In Atomic Habits, James Clear becomes our guide in the journey of habit formation. Do you struggle with habits that seem impossible to break or find it challenging to instill positive changes? Clear's book is not just a manual but a companion, offering a deep understanding of why habits matter and how we can leverage them for a better life. Together, let’s explore the science behind habits and discover how they shape our personal and professional growth.

As we embark on this literary journey together, these five books are not just words on pages; they are companions, mentors, and friends guiding us through the highs and lows of the coming year. Let’s make 2024 a year of shared growth and collective empowerment through the wisdom of these exceptional authors.

2023 Year End Reflections

As the curtains draw close on another remarkable year, I find myself filled with gratitude and awe, reflecting on the incredible journey Femina Collective has undertaken. This year has been a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of women within the Natural Resource space.

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When Femina Collective was created, there were uncertainties hanging in the air. Would women recognize its value? Would it gain traction? Would we even have members? Amidst the myriad of questions, one thing stood crystal clear – the innate desire of women for safety within a community. The core essence of Femina Collective has always been to provide that haven, fostering connection and growth.

At its heart, Femina Collective is a force, radically changing the experience and representation of women in the Natural Resource sector. We achieve this by cultivating a space where women can unite, confronting both the triumphs and challenges collectively. Our focus is unwavering – ensuring that each member evolves into the best version of themselves. Femina is more than an organization; it's a dynamic engagement, a network of support, and a journey of shared connections.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we also celebrate the culmination of our second year as a community, marked by phenomenal growth. Our membership base doubled, and our footprint expanded into Europe and the United States. The interactions among our members flourished through our dedicated Slack channels and engaging events.

A highlight of the year was our Mexico Retreat, where 18 women delved deep into introspective sessions with our coaches. The experience was a perfect blend of meaningful discussions, culinary delights, socializing, and genuine face-to-face connections. Recognizing the significance of in-person events, we actively participated in key industry gatherings, such as hosting a public dinner at PDAC and attending the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame annual awards dinner, making waves as a united force of women.

The year concluded with impactful dinners in Vancouver and Toronto, bringing together over 50 women witnessing the growth of our community. The connections forged during these gatherings were instant, reinforcing our belief that magic happens when women unite.

A source of immense pride is our Femina Scholarship program, funded by 20% of membership fees. This year, with the support of corporate sponsor Mayhew Performance, we awarded two $5,000 scholarships, bringing our two-year total to $25,000 for five deserving women.

Additionally, ten of our members graduated from the ACE Board Training Program for women, positioning themselves for the next stage of their careers and board appointments.

Individually, our members achieved remarkable milestones – switching roles, earning promotions, voicing their desires and seeing them fulfilled, receiving awards and recognition, and even speaking at TEDx events. Their shared moments of triumph centred around finding their voices, building confidence, and feeling empowered within the Femina Collective community.

As we express gratitude for the incredible journey so far, we eagerly anticipate the dawn of 2024. Our membership will reopen in January, with the goal of welcoming 40 new members. We invite you to join us on this empowering journey as we continue to shape the future of women in the Natural Resource space. Thank you to everyone who has followed our journey, and here's to an exciting year ahead!

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Meet Sarah Nicole, the human behind Optimal Affect

As we near the close of an incredible year, we are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! We've curated a special treat for our Q4 call, and it involves an incredible speaker who is a catalyst for transformation and positive change.

Meet Our Guest Speaker: Sarah Nicole, Founder and CEO of Optimal Affect!

Sarah's journey, passion, and commitment to fostering positive cultures within organizations have made her a trailblazer in the realm of human resources and organizational development. Her story is one of inspiration, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of creating impactful change.

“I started Optimal Affect on the firm belief that when organizations thrive, individuals find fulfillment and purpose, leading to health and well-being that extends to our communities. By prioritizing workplace culture, employee engagement, and productivity, we unlock the immense potential within organizations, fostering a ripple effect of positive change.”

We had an exclusive interview where Sarah Nicole opened up about her experiences, the driving force behind Optimal Affect, and the impact she envisions for the future.

1. Can you share a bit about you and your journey and what led you to find Optimal Affect?

People have always been my passion and the core of my work. I went to school for social work before focusing my career in human resources and organizational development. Early in my career, I was compelled to understand everything I could about the dynamics between people in organizations, great cultures, and the conditions that enable their success or failure.

I’ve spent time listening to leaders and team members in social services, healthcare, finance, business, arts, mining and trades. I have found that even in the best organizations with the most thriving cultures, there is a pattern of challenges.

• Meetings that accomplish little

• Change processes that erode trust

• Interpersonal conflict or bad feelings

• Lost passion and untapped strengths

It doesn’t have to be like this! That’s why I founded Optimal Affect. So that I can use my experiences, knowledge and strengths to help with transformational change. Why “Optimal Affect” and not “Effect”? Because “Affect” represents the active ability we have to create impact. Rather than passively just taking what’s thrown our way.

2. What sparked your passion for working with people and fostering culture change?

It’s the ripple effect of good that’s so important to me. I started Optimal Affect on the firm belief that when organizations thrive, individuals find fulfilment and purpose, leading to health and well-being that extends to our communities. By prioritizing workplace culture, employee engagement, and productivity, we unlock the immense potential within organizations, fostering a ripple effect of positive change.

Successful facilitation takes a great deal of presence to see and hear underlying needs and then take intentional action. These are the tools I bring to my facilitation practice. I have learned to create the conditions that enable groups and organizations to thrive.

I think a big part of the challenge that exists in groups is building alignment. Moving from competing priorities to a place of understanding our common interests and being able to chart the path forward. So my work becomes a lot about how I can make collaboration easy—a positive, fun and energizing experience. I really believe “no one knows everything, but together we know a lot”, so my goal is always to help groups unlock their collective intelligence and potential.

3. What does a human-centred approach to culture change entail, and how does it differ from other methods?

A human-centred approach acknowledges that systems and organizations are made up of individuals. We can’t create change without that change starting on individual levels. It means putting the people most impacted by a problem or challenge at the centre of the solution finding.

When a leader hires me because they have a toxic culture and it’s impacting productivity or causing a host of other issues, I start by talking to the people. We have to build a shared understanding of the real experiences and needs of the people. We have to make sure they’ve felt heard and understood, and then we can engage them in coming up with solutions. When people are part of the solution-finding, we build commitment and support for the work of transformation. When we impose solutions on people, they almost always fall flat.

4. Can you highlight the importance of building trust and leveraging people's strengths in culture change?

To my point above, I would make the bold claim that no positive transformation is even remotely possible without trust and leveraging people's strengths.

5. What will you be covering/speaking about in the FC Q4 call? What can we expect?

Femina represents a push for radical change. Transformation in the mining sector. I’ll talk about the value of critical reflection in accelerating growth and change. Then guide the group in leveraging your collective intelligence as you reflect on the past year and imagine all the good that is to come.

This is your invitation to a journey of reflection, empowerment, and collective intelligence. Be part of this transformative experience as we navigate the past year and envision the positive change that lies ahead.

Sign Up Here