A big congratulations goes to Maria Joyce, BMA's Head of Business Planning, who has been named a finalist in this year's Women in Industry Awards.

Nominated in the Excellence in Mining category, Maria has spent more than 15 years in the resources industry, holding a range of technical and leadership roles throughout her career.

Maria has been recognised for her dedication towards empowering and supporting women across the industry, with Maria using her own experiences to help shape the perceptions and encourage women to forge careers in mining.

"For me, my ongoing goal is to foster the right company culture, one that is inclusive, high performing and empowering, which is a little deeper than the many initiatives I have supported or introduced over the course of my career," Maria said.

"I try to take any opportunity I can to challenge the entrenched attitudes in the workplace and make a positive contribution for future leaders both women and men alike."

Maria continues to drive this change as the Committee Chair of the Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ), which provides vital support to women working in, or looking to join, the minerals and energy sectors.

"To us it is absolutely critical we extend our influence across the talent pipeline and attract the next generation of women to a rewarding career in resources," Maria said.

"I'm blown away by incredible women across our industry -  they don’t accept being just good, they strive for greatness.  

"These are the women that inspire me to keep pushing to make a difference and are the reason I continue to challenge myself each day."

The Women in Industry award winners will be announced at the annual dinner event on 6 June 2019.