When she started doing contract work at Rio TintoSA国际影视传媒檚 Diavik diamond mine 18 years ago, at just 18 years old, little did Mellisa Mercredi know how her persistence in wanting to learn and grow would lead her to an office career with Diavik SA国际影视传媒� one she finds fulfilling and aligning with her principles and values.

SA国际影视传媒淢y role, in particular, is about creating alternative economic opportunities, focusing on powering local businesses, finding new growth areas, collaborating with Indigenous and local suppliers to adapt their services, to build stronger networks and identify new clients and industries,SA国际影视传媒� Mercredi, from Yellowknife, said of her multifaceted position as a senior advisor for regional economic development.

While her career path was not always a straightforward one, Mercredi said she persevered when given the chance to advance into a new role.

SA国际影视传媒淣ever did I think in my wildest dreams that I would be able to contribute meaningfully and feel actually valued to do so,SA国际影视传媒� she said of the support she received to achieve her advancement goals.

Starting in the security field after attending college in the south, Mercredi said she gained insight into SA国际影视传媒渆very area of the operationSA国际影视传媒� at the mine.

SA国际影视传媒淚 got to really see the whole in-depth mining process and got to speak to a lot of different people, so it was really great,SA国际影视传媒� she said of her introduction to the mining industry.

After a few years, when she decided to start a family, Mercredi said she wanted to do work that enabled her to remain in Yellowknife instead of the shift work she did travelling back and forth from the mine.

SA国际影视传媒淪o with that, in that exploration, I started kind of looking at what was available, and at the time, they had a position in the finance department at the corporate office. From there, it gave me access to another area of the business, different exposure, and I was able to learn from and experience that role,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

At that point in her career, Mercredi became interested in the area of supply chains, so as she worked full time and raised her two small children, she also attended the local college that offered a supply chain management program, which she completed in one-year through advanced studies.

SA国际影视传媒淲hen I look back... I was like, SA国际影视传媒楬ow did I do all of those things,SA国际影视传媒� she laughed.

After spending several years in a contracts and purchasing role, Mercredi developed a passion for engagement within Indigenous communities and governments, and eventually her current position was offered, which she accepted.

Transitioning to closure

In her economic development role, she said it involves bridging and supporting the transition for Diavik as it prepares to close in 2026, and SA国际影视传媒渉ow we are going to support those going into closure.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淭hat's something that's been all near and dear to my heart, very much in line with what my own views and principles are. So yeah, I definitely decided to take a chance, Diavik took a chance on me, to allow me to be in my position, and so here I am today,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Starting out 18 years ago as a woman in a male-dominated industry wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 always easy, Mercredi acknowledged.

SA国际影视传媒淓arly on, there was definitely times like I felt I needed to prove myself. Being a woman in mining can be challenging. You know, we've historically been limited in numbers, just by the nature of the jobs, and maybe working away from home.

SA国际影视传媒淚 approached it by focusing on my strengths and what I could bring to the table over the years, and it just comes with experience.

I gained that confidence by taking on tough roles, completing my education, mentoring others, and it just gave me that confidence and showed me how much I had learned along the way. So now I hope to aid in that, making the industry a little easier for the next generation.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淎nd I want to empower other women in the field as much as I can, and help shine a light and say that it is possible,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

With Diavik's impending closure, Mercredi herself will be affected with job loss, as will many others, she said.

Part of her current role, however, is to implement the My Path closure transition program to ensure staff at Diavik SA国际影视传媒渢ransition with confidenceSA国际影视传媒� as the mine scales down, while encouraging the region to SA国际影视传媒渟cale up in its resiliency and opportunity,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

The My Path program offers five key paths available to employees to enhance their employability and manage the personal impacts of transition, according to the Diavik Socio-Economic Monitoring Agreement Report. It is the first program of its kind in North America.

SA国际影视传媒淪o I feel very proud and honoured to be in this position to be able to support this important work," said Mercredi. "There's also a strong sense of accountability and responsibility for it."