Board Members
& Committees

Leena Thomas is a professional engineer with almost 30 years of experience, primarily in the Saskatchewan mining industry. Leena has a B.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering and holds an M.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering (heat transfer/HVAC) and an M.A. degree in Women’s, Gender and Sexualities Studies, all from the University of Saskatchewan. Leena’s M.A. thesis focused around the challenges women face in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas. 

Leena has worked primarily in the potash and uranium industries, both as an engineering consultant and with a major mining company. Leena is currently working as a Senior Project Manager with Hatch.

Dr. Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley, Ph.D., M.Sc., P. Eng. is a recognized equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) researcher and professional mechanical engineer with nearly two decades of experience in transformative leadership. Founder of Prairie Catalyst Consulting, she leverages her expertise to dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusive environments in organizations. Dr. Peltier-Huntley was celebrated as an EDI Champion by Engineers Canada in 2022, was honoured as a 2021 Vanier scholar for her leadership potential and received the YWCA Saskatoon’s inaugural Women of Distinction award in the STEM category in 2024.

Earning a B.Sc. with distinction in Mechanical Engineering, an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies — all from the University of Saskatchewan — her doctoral research focused on “Activating Allies” to foster inclusive practices within workplaces. In addition to serving as the Chair of the Board for Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan, she has contributed her insights to ECO Canada’s Reclaiming Leadership project, emphasizing her commitment to advancing EDI across professional and community settings.

Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley's LinkedIn

Dr. Marine Echternach-Jaubert, Ph.D., M.Sc.A, EIT, is an Arts et Métiers Engineer (France) and
Project Manager with over five years of experience across multiple industries. She holds a master’s degree in mechanical and industrial engineering and a Ph.D. focused on project portfolio management for digital transformation in the mining sector.

Marine has developed hands-on experience in underground mining environments, working across engineering, operations, and leadership teams to support operational readiness, standardization, continuous improvement, and change management initiatives. Her work bridges technical and strategic perspectives, enabling organizations to align transformation initiatives with business objectives and operational realities. Marine is a continuous improvement leader at BHP.

Actively engaged in her community and industry, Marine previously chaired the WIMNSpiration Committee, where she contributed to inspiring young girls to join the talent pipeline of our industry. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon, supporting the promotion of the French language and francophone culture.

Recognized for her contagious enthusiasm, collaborative leadership, energy, and human-centred
approach, she is known for empowering frontline workers and fostering strong team dynamics. With excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, she brings creativity, facilitates problem-solving, and thrives in interdisciplinary environments where connecting vision, execution, and impact is essential.

Brooke Lobdell is a Sr. Internal Auditor of Corporate & Data Analytics at Nutrien, where she works to create, automate, and innovate business processes through SQL-based scripting. Brooke is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, having completed her B.Comm with a major in accounting as well as her Master of Professional Accounting. Brooke is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

Having always studied and worked in male-dominated spaces, Brooke is passionate about gender equity and parity. Brooke strives to improve the experiences of under-represented groups through her engagement in numerous Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) within Nutrien, and is excited to further this work at the provincial scale. 

Brooke Lobdell's LinkedIn

With over twenty years of experience across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, Joanna is a seasoned professional specializing in project management, layout, design, and drafting. As one of Engcomp's Sr. Structural Designers, she provides comprehensive technical support by determining project scope, reviewing drawings, assessing constructability, performing inspections, and ensuring quality deliverables. Her leadership extends beyond operational excellence, acting as the Structural Department Manager including responsibilities such as business development, client engagement, recruitment, retention, and resource optimization. Joanna demonstrates a strong commitment to building both the company and the engineering community through active involvement in industry groups and supporting equity, diversity & inclusion initiatives.

Joanna Usselman's LinkedIn

Aaron has recently retired from a 38-year career in Human Resources. He spent 20 years in the healthcare industry, focusing mainly on Labour Relations. He entered the mining/agriculture space in 2007 when he joined PotashCorp, now Nutrien. He was on the Human Resources leadership team and led a team of Human Resources Business Partners from the operating sites and Corporate Offices. In addition to HR, Aaron is passionate about diversity and inclusion as well as leadership and the development of young leaders.

Kelsey Kacso is a Professional Geoscientist and Project Management Professional with over 17 years’ experience in the mining industry. Kelsey holds a B.Sc. with honours in Geological Sciences from the University of Saskatchewan and is registered as a Professional Geoscientist with APEGS. She also holds her Professional Project Management (PMP) designation.

Kelsey has worked primarily in the Saskatchewan Potash industry but began her career in the nuclear sector. She later had the privilege to work both internationally and locally as a consultant for almost a decade before supporting Nutrien Potash sites as a Senior Geologist for almost six years.  Kelsey continues to support Nutrien as the Senior Business Relationship Manager for Potash within the IT department.  

Philippe Lepage is the Director, Mine Development for Nutrien’s Potash Business Unit.  Philippe has over 25 years of mining experience, with most of this time spent in Potash operations with increasing levels of responsibility. He has held various roles in the mining group from Maintenance to Operations, Engineering, Planning, Shaft and Supervision.  In his current role, Philippe has the opportunity to support all Nutrien Potash mine sites. 

Philippe has a B. Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and is registered as a Professional Engineer through APEGS.

Philippe Lepage's LinkedIn

Committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, Bonnie brings 20+ years of experienced leadership in the mining industry, to Women-in-Mining/Women-in-Nuclear-SK. 

A proud graduate of the University of Saskatchewan (USASK), she received her undergraduate degree in Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, as well as her Master’s in Environmental Engineering, focused on the remediation of tailings. 

Bonnie applied her knowledge and passion in both research and consulting roles. Starting in oilsands remediation, her research at USASK was instrumental in shaping her career. She then expanded into broader mining remediation as Professional Engineer, where her career culminated with over 18 years with O’Kane Consultants, a multi-national engineering consulting company that specializes in holistic mine waste management. 

As Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie applied her business leadership and oversaw the re-organization of O’Kane as a purpose-driven organization. 

A proud mother of three daughters, Bonnie looks forward this opportunity in her career to formally advocate for women’s participation in the mining industry while strengthening the industry’s commitment to a greener future that encourages cultural and social awareness benefitting all stakeholders.

Bonnie Dobchuk's LinkedIn

Aisha Rafique is an environment engineer with over 16 years of international experience in Health, Safety, Environment and Quality in the fertiliser industry. Aisha has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Metallurgy and holds a Master of Technology degree in Industrial Pollution Control and is a designated Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Quality Professional (CQP-MCQI) from the Chartered Quality Institute, Member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (MCIWEM), and IRMCert from the Institute of Risk Management. Aisha has worked primarily on management systems, operational excellence, change management, audit management and public engagement, with a keen interest in sustainable development. Aisha works as an Engagement Specialist for the Saskatchewan Research Council-Nuclear. Aisha is a strong advocate of mindful living and believes in promoting intercultural awareness, diversity and inclusion through education and dialogue.

Jason Belanger is a distinguished professional with over 20 years of experience in the mining and engineering sectors. He specializes in project and program management, operational oversight, and stakeholder engagement. Jason is a licensed Red Seal Journeyperson Electrician, holds a PMP certification, a bachelor’s degree in technology, and is an Engineering Licensee with APEGS. He is currently pursuing his CFA designation.

In his role as Manager, Mining, Metallurgy and Technology at Cameco, Jason leads multidisciplinary teams supporting mining operations, metallurgical performance, and technology initiatives across the organization. His previous roles include Senior Manager, Health and Safety at Nutrien, where he led safety programs for the Potash segment, as well as Chief Mine Maintenance Engineer, where he managed significant capital projects and operational improvements. Bilingual in English and French, Jason is committed to delivering high-quality results and maintaining industry standards.

Jason is also dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in the industry. He actively mentors and supports women through his involvement with Women in Mining/Women in Nuclear (WIM/WIN) and the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM). He has held various leadership positions within these organizations, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the industry.