SME is dedicated to industry and organizational inclusion and diversity.
We are committed to creating an environment that draws upon the strength of the diversity of our Board, Division and Committee leaders to meet and exceed the expectations of our members.
In principle and in practice, SME and all its leadership value and seek diverse and inclusive participation within the mining and minerals community. SME promotes involvement and expanded access to leadership opportunity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability.
We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and that inclusion is essential for the success of our members and the advancement of our industry. SME is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Inclusion and Diversity Committee Members
Meet the dedicated individuals driving our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) initiatives forward. Our committee members bring a wealth of expertise and a passion for championing diversity within the mining and underground construction sector.
Name
Position
Start
End
Monique Parker
Chair
03/01/2024
02/28/2025
Anita Bertisen
Past Chair
03/01/2024
02/28/2025
Elisa Comis
Secretary/Incoming Chair
03/01/2024
02/28/2025
Mackenzie Sorensen
Representative
03/01/2024
02/28/2027
Anne Williamson
Representative
03/01/2022
02/28/2025
Ed Zeglen
Representative
03/01/2022
02/28/2025
Janet Baron
Representative
03/01/2022
02/28/2025
Kathryn Kosloski
Representative
03/01/2023
02/28/2026
Claire Kincaid
Young Leaders Rep (non-voting)
03/01/2024
02/28/2025
Safiatu Barrie
Young Leaders Rep (non-voting)
03/01/2024
02/28/2025
Laura A. Nelson
Staff Liaison (non-voting)
Karin Harrington
Staff Liaison (non-voting)
Celebrating Diversity
In recognition of the outstanding achievements of women in the mining industry, SME through a generous donation from Hecla Mining, proudly presents the Cindy Moore Courageous Impact Award. These remarkable recipients exemplify excellence, innovation, and leadership in their respective fields within the mining or mine service industry.
Delve into the stories of these women as they share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the mining sector. Their contributions and accomplishments serve as a testament to the diverse talent and expertise within our community.
This event addresses important issues facing women and the industry as a whole. Join your colleagues to be inspired, take away actionable strategies and build your network with a diverse group of people.
Inclusion and Diversity Education
SME recognizes that our members and their companies are at different places in their I&D journey. The I&D Committee offers inclusion and diversity educational opportunities at the MINEXCHANGE SME Annual Conference & Expo. Past sessions include:
Best Practices and Case Studies in Implementing I&D Programs
Multigenerational Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities
Unconscious Bias and Intentional Inclusion
Allyship: The Benefits of Being an Ally, Steps to Being a Better Ally, and Driving Positive Action
Inclusion and Diversity as a Solution to Workforce Challenges
Deaf and Blind Inclusion Webinar
Get Involved
Contribute to Advancing Inclusion & Diversity
Join us in providing structure, strategy, and programming guidance to the SME organization to enable the advancement of inclusion and diversity in the mining community.
Benefits of Involvement:
Network Building: Get to know other SME members as you expand your professional network within the mining industry.
Skill Development: Enhance your professional competencies through leadership development, project management training, and other skill-building opportunities.
Showcase Your Abilities: Showcase your skills and work style as you plan and implement activities and projects for SME members, contributing to the growth and success of the organization.
Volunteerism: Volunteers are the heart of a membership organization like SME. Volunteering is not only important and rewarding but also enjoyable. It's a fulfilling experience to know that your contributions help the organization and your colleagues in the mining industry. Plus, volunteering can be a lot of fun!
Programming Subcommittee:
Help produce programming around Inclusion & Diversity for conferences and webinars, including potentially partnering with other local and international organizations. The subcommittee has provided programming on Best Practices and Case Studies in Implementing I&D Programs; Allyship – The Benefits of being an ally, steps to being an ally, and driving positive action; Unconscious Bias and Intentional Inclusion; Inclusion and Diversity as a Solution to Workforce Challenges; and a Multigenerational Workforce Panel Discussion.
Strategic Alignment Subcommittee:
Ensure that Inclusion & Diversity is part of SME’s strategic plan, ensure diverse committees and leadership, and foster strategic partnerships with other organizations that support I&D.
Communication Subcommittee:
Communicate why Inclusion & Diversity is important; foster an I&D culture as part of SME’s identity (similar to safety culture); and develop I&D resources to help members, committees, and Sections.
Women of SME Breakfast Subcommittee:
Plan the programming for the Women of SME Breakfast held at the MINEXCHANGE SME Annual Conference & Expo annually. Identify engaging topics and speakers for the event.
Code of Conduct:
SME is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming and professional environment for all. We expect all who engage with SME (staff, members, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, vendors, and other guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct.
SME has zero tolerance for, but not limited to:
Intimidation or Physical Harm:
Threats, threatening language or any other acts of aggression or violence will not be tolerated. A threat includes any verbal or physical harassment or abuse, any attempt at intimidating or instilling fear in others, menacing gestures, flashing of weapons, stalking or any other hostile, aggressive, injurious or destructive action undertaken for the purpose of domination or intimidation. To the extent permitted by law or any venue, Staff, Members, event attendees, exhibitors, vendors, and visitors are prohibited from carrying weapons at SME events, even if the individual holds a concealed weapon permit.
Intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm; endangering the health or safety of any person; physically restraining or detaining another person; or forcibly removing a person from a place where they have a right to remain is unacceptable.
Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment:
Harassment is strictly prohibited. Harassment includes offensive verbal or physical conduct or any written, pictorial, or visual communication directed at an individual or group of individuals because of that individual’s or group’s membership or perceived membership in a protected class.
Discrimination:
Individuals shall not engage in discriminatory practices or actions that marginalize or exclude individuals based on their personal attributes or backgrounds.
Individuals shall refrain from making disparaging or derogatory comments about others, whether in person, in writing, or through any form of communication.
It is the responsibility of all individuals to immediately report any behavior inconsistent with this Code of Conduct. Report a concern to Karin Harrington, Director of Human Resources at Harrington@smenet.org or 303-948-4241; David Kanagy, Executive Director & CEO at Kanagy@smenet.org, or the SME Board President at smepresident@smenet.org. SME will look into and review every allegation of inappropriate conduct and respond appropriately. SME strictly prohibits any retaliation against an individual for making good faith reports of violations of the Code of Conduct or for assisting in an investigation. Any suspected incidents of retaliation should be reported using the procedure identified above.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Whether you're passionate about advancing inclusion and diversity or excited to contribute your skills and expertise to SME, we welcome your involvement. Contact us today to learn more about volunteering opportunities and how you can play a part in shaping the future of the mining community.
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
12999 E. Adam Aircraft Circle
Englewood, CO 80112 harrington@smenet.org
Toll-Free: 1-800-958-1550 (U.S. Only)
Main Number: 303-948-4200
Mentor Students & Young Professionals
Make a positive impact the future generation of mining professionals.
Only .jpg or .png, high-resolution images will be accepted. Image size must be at least 8x10 at 300dpi, but no larger than 5mb.
Images may not be published by other companies, websites or used in printed materials until May of the year following the contest.
Only three images may be submitted per person. Most recent entry will be used if you submit more than once.
Image cropping is allowed and any aspect ratio is permitted. Photos may be enhanced or altered to remove spots, changing exposure, sharpening, changing contrast and adjusting the color to be more natural.
Network Building: Get to know other SME members as you expand your professional network within the mining industry.