EmpowHER

Stepping into a new life in Canada wasn’t just a relocation for Dr. Rana Mustafa; it was a profound transformation in identity, purpose, and possibility. In this episode, she shares how her journey from conflict to community shaped her resilience, her scientific curiosity, and her commitment to building spaces where displaced scholars can thrive. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and the quiet strength required to rebuild a life while raising a child and pursuing a career in food science.We explore how Dr. Mustafa transitioned from researcher to research facilitator, what she learned about leadership through lived experience, and how her work now empowers others navigating displacement. Her reflections are honest, grounded, and deeply human. This is a reminder that the path to impact is often shaped by the moments we never expected to survive, and the communities we choose to uplift along the way.

Jane Danoczi’s journey spans continents, disciplines, and battles. From serving in the South African military to breaking barriers in the global mining industry, Jane has spent over two decades advancing sensor‑based sorting technology and advocating for sustainable, equitable mining practices. She is also the author of Memoirs of a Swan, a reflection on resilience, identity, and the quiet power of women who refuse to be erased.

In this EmpowHER conversation, Jane opens up about navigating gendered expectations, confronting sexism in engineering and mining, and the cultural contrasts between military precision and corporate leadership. She shares the untold stories of women whose scientific contributions shaped the industry, the importance of mentorship, and her vision for a future where women in STEM lead with both strength and softness.

A conversation with Jamie McMillan offers a clear and grounded look at how environmental education can shape a community’s relationship with the land. As Director of Education at the Meewasin Valley Authority, Jamie brings together conservation knowledge, program design, and a deep commitment to public engagement. She emphasizes the importance of making learning accessible and meaningful, helping people understand the ecological and cultural significance of the valley in ways that spark curiosity and care. HThank you so much, Jamie, for sharing your time and insight with me. I’m grateful for the sincerity and intention you brought to our conversation, and I hope to carry forward the same sense of purpose, empathy, and stewardship in my own path.

A conversation with Camile Jansen offers a thoughtful look at the intersection of learning, leadership, and the evolving role of community in shaping meaningful impact. Camile reflects on the diverse experiences that have guided her path, from studying both Psychology and Computer Science to leading technical teams, supporting customers, and now coordinating academic programs and outreach. She speaks to the importance of empathy, curiosity, and the intentional effort required to anticipate people’s needs and build environments where others feel supported and empowered. Throughout our discussion, Camile highlights how real leadership emerges through service: listening deeply, solving problems creatively, and showing up with both technical clarity and human warmth. Her perspective underscores the value of continuous growth, interdisciplinary thinking, and the quiet strength it takes to lead with compassion, structure, and purpose.Thank you so much, Camile, for sharing your time, your story, and your insight with me. I’m grateful for the depth and sincerity you brought to this conversation, and I hope to carry forward the same sense of intention, empathy, and commitment in my own path.

A conversation with Emma Baker offers a compelling window into the blend of strategic clarity, creative rigor, and human‑centered leadership that defines her work. Emma brings a rare ability to translate complex challenges into structured, actionable pathways while still holding space for experimentation and curiosity. Speaking with her underscores how powerful it is when someone leads with both precision and imagination, shaping environments where people feel empowered to think boldly and execute thoughtfully.Thank you, Emma, for sharing your time, perspective, and depth of experience. I’m grateful for the insight you brought to our conversation and the clarity with which you articulate what purposeful leadership looks like in practice.

Dr. Rouvay Roodt‑Wilding joins us for a captivating conversation rooted in the science that feeds the world. As a researcher working at the intersection of genetics, agriculture, and plant science, Rouvay shares how her work unpacks the biological mechanisms that drive crop resilience, adaptation, and long‑term sustainability. She reflects on her academic journey, the evolving challenges facing global agriculture, and the responsibility scientists carry in shaping food systems that can withstand a changing climate. With clarity, warmth, and a deep commitment to mentorship, Rouvay offers an inspiring look at how rigorous research and human‑centered leadership come together to empower the next generation of scientists and strengthen the future of agricultural innovation.Thank you so much, Rouvay, for sharing the space with me and enlightening me with your life journey and career success. I truly hope to be as courageous as you and make the mindful decisions in life just as you did!

Dr. Jocelyn Peltier‑Huntley, P.Eng., founder of Prairie Catalyst Consulting, joins ItsKayToBeKaren for a powerful conversation about reshaping engineering culture from the inside out. With a background in mining engineering, years of industry experience, and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Jocelyn shares how her career evolved from solving technical problems to tackling systemic ones. She opens up about the realities women face in male‑dominated fields, the gaps she saw that pushed her to start Prairie Catalyst, and the practical, evidence‑based strategies she uses to help organizations build safer, more inclusive workplaces. Grounded, insightful, and refreshingly honest, Jocelyn offers a roadmap for what engineering can look like when we lead with both competence and compassion.

Professor Donna Beneteau is a respected educator and mining engineering professional whose work has shaped both the academic and industry landscapes in Saskatchewan. With years of experience in mine design, operations, and safety, she has dedicated her career to teaching, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of engineers for the realities of the mining sector. In our conversation, we explored her journey into mining, her passion for hands‑on education, and the lessons she’s learned from working closely with students and industry partners.

Throughout our discussion, we also talked about the importance of practical experience, the evolving nature of mining engineering, and how mentorship and community can influence a student’s confidence and career direction. Her commitment to creating supportive learning environments and bridging the gap between classroom theory and real‑world application truly stands out.

Thank you, Professor Beneteau, for sharing your story, your expertise, and your impact as an educator. It was an honour to learn from you, and I hope to see your influence continue shaping future engineers.

Jeanie Wills is a passionate advocate for leadership through communication, emphasizing the transformative power of women’s voices in shaping meaningful change. In our conversation, she shares insights from her journey navigating spaces where confidence, clarity, and authenticity are essential to being heard. Jeanie reflects on the importance of rhetoric not just as a skill, but as a tool for empowerment, and how women can use their voices to lead with purpose and influence.Throughout the discussion, we explore themes around leadership development, building confidence in professional environments, and the subtle yet powerful ways women can support and uplift one another. Jeanie highlights the value of intentional communication and the role it plays in driving both personal and collective growth.Thank you, Jeanie, for taking the time to be a part of the EmpowHER podcast. It was truly inspiring to share this conversation with you and learn from your experiences.

Jayme Mitchell is a Data Scientist and works on several impactful projects revolving around Computer Vision. Through our conversation, she has shared some of the early challenges that she has faced in her early life. Despite this, she is very grateful for her career pathway and the growth that she has so far. She credits her coworkers, family, and friends for being a supportive pillar to her development. With our discussions, we touched on a few important topics around advocating for women in the mining industry, and things that we could do as women to step up for them. Thank you, Jayme, for taking your precious time to be a part of the EmpowHER podcast. It was a pleasure having to share the same space with you.