Young Leaders Committee

Purpose: The Young Leaders Committee (YLC) exists to develop and strengthen young professionals in the mining and underground construction industries while adding value to the entire SME organization.  Working in subcommittees, members of the YLC are given opportunities for personal development and are in the position to gain and share knowledge as well as provide development opportunities to others while expanding their professional network.

Core Values:
Leadership – Recruit and develop a diverse community of individuals with strong leadership potential to grow into effective leaders and positively represent the industry within the general public.
Service – Provide meaningful and actionable activities to help with SME outreach and philanthropy.
Engagement – Present opportunities to engage in all aspects of the society leading to professional and personal development growth.
Vision – Provide forward looking content to support the long term growth and development of the industry and aid in the incorporation of these fundamentals in the SME.

Mission: To support and develop motivated young professionals to be effective leaders within SME and the mining and underground construction industries and to create a professional community.

YLC Members:

• Join a growing professional network in SME.
• Represent and encourage a critical demographic in our society.
• Develop and promote professional development activities and content.
• Support students and student chapters entering the industry as young professionals.
• Gather and share technical information.
• Foster long-term SME engagement.
• Engage the mining industry and local communities

Applications are now closed.

Please consider applying for the next class of YLC in March.
If you have any questions, you may fill out the contact us form below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Testimonials

Each year, energetic young professionals who have demonstrated leadership abilities and the desire to become more involved with SME join the YLC. Members of the YLC serve a term of four years and work with other members of the committee to develop critical components of SME and the YLC. Applications are open to all members of SME who are 35 years of age or younger and meet the leadership criteria listed on the application form.

Samuel Lolon

Deswik USA Inc.

“Being a member of SME Young Leaders, I have gained valuable experience in teamwork and skills important for my career development as well as opening the door to the largest network of mining community. I have recommended and will always recommend involvement in SME Young Leaders Committee.”

Melissa Martinie

Krech Ojard and Associates

“Simply put, the goal of Young Leaders is to engage professionals in the mining industry as we transition from students into professionals. This committee respects the rising professional stage and works to show us the value of SME through working on an active committee. Young Leaders has allowed me to get to know my peers across the world and work with them to support the fact based mining approach that SME is built on. In addition, I have had many opportunities to work with professional development mentors who have provided me with guidance.”

Luis F. Velasquez

Ferreyros S.A.

“Being a member of the SME YLC has given me experience working in multicultural groups, thus broadening my international network to levels not ever imagined! Now I have instant connection to mining professors, and today's mineral industry leaders. This is really helpful when advice or recommendations are needed.”

Matthew Gray

MSHA

“The Young Leaders Committee (YLC) is a great resource for networking with peers. YLC help me personally and professionally to be more engaged in SME and give me an opportunity to meet people in the industry. By participating in this program, I found that YLC not only increased my professional relationships, but also helped me to become a more effective leader.”