Join Karla Mills, Teck Resources as WiSE 2025 Keynote Speaker!
Attend this event that strengthens the community of women in sustainable energy by creating a space for women to meet, mingle, and learn about the role that women play in the sustainable energy sector.
The event takes place with invited mentors, sharing their experience, both in their sector and on their career path, answering questions from the guests and an opportunity for open networking!
AGENDA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
KARLA MILLS - TECK RESOURCES
Biography: Karla is responsible for the successful delivery of capital projects across Teck. Karla brings more than 25 years of project development experience and leverages her successful leadership and project development experience to embed Teck’s values and sustainability goals in every aspect of Project Development and Project Delivery. Karla is an advocate for equity, inclusion, and diversity in both the mining and construction industry and is passionate about promoting diverse thinking to innovatively challenge the way Teck develops and delivers projects. Karla is a former Chair of Mining for Miracles (2019-2022). Karla is a mom of a daughter Mackenzie (20) and a son Matthew (16).
Work/Education: Karla graduated with a B.Sc. in Geological Engineering from the University of Manitoba, has a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from York University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of British Columbia.
Karla’s career has been in project delivery, first in her area of subject matter expertise (hydrogeology and contaminant transport) and then progressively to larger, multidisciplined projects in Oil and Gas and Mining. Karla was a part owner in a 1500-person engineering company (Wardrop) that sold to a larger EPCM firm (TetraTech) in 2008. She remained with TetraTech until 2013 at which point, she joined Teck Resources, first as the Program Manager and then Program Director for the Water Projects in the Coal Business Unit. In 2018 Karla became the Vice President, Projects. In September 2023 progressed to the Senior Vice President, Projects and in September 2024 progressed into her current role. Karla has worked on projects in various locations across Canada, the United States, Australia, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Africa.
Your Personal Values and Leadership Philosophy: I thrive in collaboration, naturally gravitating towards achieving tangible results through strategic thinking. My leadership philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that diversity is at the core of success. I’m dedicated to leading in a way that not only acknowledges but actively values the contributions of everyone. Creating an environment where every voice is heard, and diversity of thought is embraced, forms my approach.
At the heart of my personal values lie courageous authenticity, humility, and respect. I believe in straightforward communication, a pace that leans towards urgency (some might call it impatience), and decisiveness. Transparency is a commitment I value —I make it a point to communicate the broader purpose behind our actions and, importantly, to recognize my own vulnerabilities. This self-awareness enables me to know when to seek assistance, ensuring a culture of openness and growth.
MC and Moderator
Irena Bauman
Crosscut Consultants
Irena Bauman is the founder and principal of Crosscut Consultants Inc., a business development consultancy that specializes in strategic growth, Indigenous engagement, and relationship-first partnerships in mining, construction, and natural resources. With a background in criminology and a career rooted in curiosity, grit, and getting the right people in the room, Irena is known for her unorthodox path-and her ability to cut through the noise and deliver traction.
Her work supports companies looking to expand intentionally without the overhead of a full-time hire – offering fractional, embedded support that opens doors, strengthens Indigenous and industry relationships, and aligns opportunity with community. She’s proudly behind-the-scenes on some of the most strategic growth moves in Western Canada’s resource sector.
Passionate about equity, reputation, and doing business the right way, Irena is a connector at heart who believes trust is built one conversation at a time. When she’s not out building bridges between vendors, nations and project owners-you’ll find her drinking coffee, navigating her daughter’s volleyball tournaments, or plotting her next great LinkedIn post.
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