Meet our Members

We are a small team of talented professionals with a wide range of skills and experience. We love what we do, and we do it with passion. We look forward to working with you.

Mackenzie Koziuk

Chair

Geologist
– Orix Geoscience

Read More about Mackenzie here.
    Mackenzie has a B.Sc. in the Geological Sciences from the University of Manitoba and is passionate about exploration and mapping. Mackenzie has experience in gold and lithium exploration, as well as production geology and grade control in lithium deposits. She is currently employed as a geological consultant at Orix Geoscience. Mackenzie is always working to expand her geological knowledge and skill set to better understand deposits. Her goal is to develop her career and knowledge with integrity, in hopes to be an inspiring mentor to the next generation of geologists – just as she has been inspired by her own mentors. Outside of geology she enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, as well as tackling various DIY projects.

Serena Komonko

Co-Chair

Project Geologist
– Critical Discoveries

Read More about Serena here.
    Serena graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Geological Sciences and is building a diverse career in the mineral industry. Her current role at Critical Discoveries, a local geological services company, has involved project management, support of field operations and administrative functions. Currently, Serena works on a program at the 1911 Gold True North Mine Complex, expanding her expertise in the exploration and mining sector. A long-standing member of Women in Mining since 2019, Serena has participated in and planned mentorship and networking initiatives that have deepened her understanding of the industry and fostered meaningful professional connections. Outside of her professional pursuits, Serena is a small business owner, vintage enthusiast, and co-director of an animal rescue in northern Manitoba, where she spends much of her summers volunteering and supporting community initiatives.

Aaryn Hutchins

Treasurer & Outreach Coordinator

President
– Critical Discoveries Ltd.

Read More about Aaryn here.
    Aaryn Hutchins, B.Sc., P. Geo., is the President of Critical Discoveries Ltd., a geological consulting firm based in Manitoba. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences from the University of Manitoba. Committed to continuous learning, Aaryn has gained experience across various sectors of the mining industry. She has experience in iron ore, lithium and cesium grade control, exploration for gold, nickel, and lithium, as well as project planning, execution, and property vending. Recently, she has shifted her focus to management and business development. Aaryn’s collaboration with organizations like the Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association, Engineer Geoscientists of Manitoba and Women in Mining Manitoba further demonstrate her deep passion for the mining industry. Outside of geology she enjoys spending time and doing activities with her family and dogs.

Evelyn Darko

Secretary

Read More about Evelyn here.
    Meet Evelyn. Originally from Ghana, she graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with a master’s degree in Mineral and Energy Economics and is building a career focused on mining exploration, critical minerals, and sustainable energy strategies. She has worked on projects involving critical minerals, renewable energy concepts, and economic analysis, and enjoys finding practical solutions that support the future of the minerals and energy sector. Her background includes research, teaching, and human resource roles, where she developed strong skills in project coordination, data management, and working with people from diverse backgrounds. She values continuous learning and is committed to growing professionally within the mining sector. Evelyn also has a solid academic foundation in economics, business administration, and business development, contributing to projects for firms, governments, and NGOs across the world. She is glad to bring her strengths in organization, teamwork, and research to Women in Mining Manitoba, and she enjoys contributing to programs that promote learning, connection, and growth in the industry. When she isn’t working, she loves exploring new places, catching up with friends, and taking peaceful walks to clear her mind.

Ezenne Eke

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Geologist

Read More about Ezenne here.
    Ezenne Eke is a Geoscientist with a strong background in the oil and gas industry and a passion for transitioning into the mining sector. With over 6 years of experience in geoscience and project management, she has contributed to resource development through data integration and analysis while successfully working with cross-functional teams. Ezenne is currently a Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT) with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (EGM); she holds certifications in Project Management (PMP) and Scrum (CSM) and is committed to continuous learning and professional growth within the mining industry. She is excited to bring her expertise in communication, leadership, and stakeholder management to her role as a volunteer with Women in Mining Manitoba, while contributing to initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the sector.

Shannon Johnston, P. Geo.

Northern Liaison

Geologist
– Vale Mining Canada

Read More about Shannon here.
    Meet Shannon Johnston, a dedicated professional based in Thompson, Manitoba, where she currently works at Vale Base Metals. Shannon’s journey in Northern Manitoba began in 2003 when she embarked on her career with INCO Ltd. Hailing from Charleswood in Winnipeg, Shannon holds a BSc. (Hons) degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Manitoba, which she completed in 2001. With extensive experience in the mining industry, particularly in Northern Manitoba, Shannon has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the sector, with a keen focus on safety and inclusivity. Her diverse work experiences have equipped her with invaluable insights into the industry’s intricacies and challenges. Excited to make a difference, Shannon has taken on the role of Northern representative for Women In Mining, MB. She is passionate about fostering a supportive community and empowering women in the mining sector. Through events and tours planned throughout Northern Manitoba, Shannon aims to inspire and encourage women to actively engage with Women In Mining, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant industry community.

Djelika Daouda dite Tanti Sogoba

University of Manitoba Masters Student Representative

Read More about Djelika here.
    Djelika Sogoba is a third-year international student at the University of Manitoba pursuing a B.Sc. in Geological Science. She is originally from Mali, west Africa. Her interest in geology stemmed from an eighth-grade presentation about volcanoes. Her first industry experience was with Orix Geoscience. Inc, where she gained exposure to field mapping, prospecting, sampling, core logging, and data compilation. She also took part in the 11th annual World Mining Competition in Saskatoon where she demonstrated good teamwork skills and earned a podium place with her team. Outside of geology, Djelika is a passionate reader of light novels and manga.

Maeve Kaan

University of Winnipeg Student Representative

Read More about Maeve here.
    Maeve is a third-year student at the University of Winnipeg and is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Environmental Sciences and an Environmental Engineering Technology Diploma from Red River College Polytech. Maeve is currently working with the Manitoba Geological Survey as a geological assistant (and hopefully returning in the fall) assisting and gaining experience in GIS projects, field research, sampling, and core logging. In their free time Maeve enjoys canoeing, hiking, and reading.

Jess Kristof

University of Manitoba Geology Student Representative

4th year
– University of Manitoba

Read More about Jess here.

Henry Chow

Events Coordinator

Read More about Henry here.
    Meet Henry Chow, a dynamic professional with a passion for physical geography and geoscience. Henry graduated from the University of Manitoba with a major in physical geography and a minor in geoscience. Initially drawn to meteorology, Henry’s academic journey led him to explore various topics including statistics, agriculture, and remote sensing, providing him with a well-rounded skill set. Henry gained hands-on experience as a summer student with the Manitoba Geological Survey, where he assisted in fieldwork using a handheld trimble. During the winter months, he played a pivotal role in georeferencing old physical maps using ArcGIS, ensuring their accuracy before digitization with UTM coordinates. Beyond his professional pursuits, Henry finds joy in outdoor activities like hiking and bouldering, immersing himself in nature’s beauty. He also enjoys engaging in card games, balancing his adventurous spirit with moments of leisure. With his diverse background and enthusiastic approach, Henry brings a unique perspective to every endeavour he undertakes.

Tabea Glassey

Volunteer

Geologist
– Stantec

Read More about Tabea here.
    Meet Tabea Glassey, a dedicated geologist currently working at Stantec Consulting. She has experience in hydrogeology, mining and geotechnical engineering, specializing in 3D geological modeling. Tabea has a M.Sc. in Applied Geosciences and holds her professional designation in Manitoba. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities, hanging out with her dogs and sharing meals with friends/family.

Anam Darr

Volunteer

Junior Geologist
– 1911 Gold Corp.

Biography Coming Soon!

Kathleen Gould

Volunteer

Geologist and Account Executive
– Seequent

Read More about Kathleen here.
    Kathleen is a geologist working as an Account Executive with Seequent, delivering geoscience software solutions to the energy industry. Kathleen has had a diverse career with 16 years of experience working across the petroleum and mineral exploration industries, within the government and private sector in Canada and the UK. She is particularly passionate about applying subsurface digital technologies in the geothermal and carbon storage sectors. Kathleen has an M.Sc. in Applied Science in Geology from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Canada. Outside of work, she loves cross country skiing, mountain biking and hiking in the beautiful Canadian wilderness, and kicking back at one of Winnipeg’s many local microbreweries!

Parisa Ashjanas

Volunteer

Read More about Parisa here.
    Parisa Ashjanas is a Geophysics Field Technician at EarthEX Geophysical Solution Inc. Both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physics and Geophysics were earned in Iran related to seismic hazard assessment using deterministic and probabilistic methods. Parisa is with OpenQuake, ZMAP, KIJKO, GIS and programming in MATLAB. Parisa with EarthEX in Thompson, Manitoba, has started since April 2022. During this period, she was exposed to a wide variety of Field Techniques, as well as electromagnetic data collecting, which allowed her to obtain valuable expertise. Parisa is also qualified to undertake quality assurance and data quality control for electromagnetic borehole data while utilising EMSProject to process the data. Also, collecting GYRO data is her other duty. Recently, besides field work and data processing, she sometimes individually trains new employees who want to do field work for EarthEX. She was a piano teacher for eight years and it is her hobby nowadays.

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