Alcoa’s Operations Centre Group Leader Sharron Freitas has taken out a major industry award for her contribution to the mining industry when she was named the 2017 Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Woman in the Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Women in Resources Awards.
The prestigious awards recognise individual excellence and outstanding contributions to the state’s resources sector and serve to promote positive role models to young women considering a career in the industry.
Ms Freitas, a North Yunderup resident, started as a trainee at the Pinjarra alumina refinery only five years ago, then obtained her process plant operator qualification four months ahead of schedule.
“I’ve always been fascinated to try new things and after raising three children, owning a small business, undertaking university studies and representing WA in touch football, I was excited my next chapter was to be in the impressive resources industry,” she said.
“I hope my story is inspirational to young women considering their employment options, as this industry, and Alcoa especially, is so supportive of women.”
CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said Ms Freitas was an inspirational ambassador for the Western Australian resources sector.
“In addition to her demanding role as Alcoa’s Pinjarra refinery Operations Centre Group Leader, Sharron Freitas is a talented sportswoman who performs voluntary work with a range of sports clubs,” he said.
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“This year’s winners were chosen from 90 nominations across five categories, reflecting not only the exceptional achievements of women working in our industry, but also the men and women who champion gender diversity, and the efforts made by companies to improve the participation of women in our workforce.”
Mr Freitas also took out the people’s choice award, which attracted over 2100 votes and provided the broader community the opportunity to learn more about each of the finalists.
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