Kelly Silva, Senior Manager, Global Talent Acquisition, sat down with Félicité Compaoré, Mine Engineer at our Westwood Mine in Quebec, to learn more about her transition to Canada from Burkina Faso, which all began with an IAMGOLD scholarship. A story of resilience, mentorship, and the transformative impact of education. 👉 Read on.

I first heard about Félicité Compaoré through my colleague, Béatrice Yougbare, Senior Coordinator, Talent Acquisition at our Essakane Mine in Burkina Faso, who shared her inspiring story years ago. Béatrice had been working closely with Félicité to support her transition from Burkina Faso to Canada to pursue her education. I remember being struck by the thought of how challenging it must have been to adapt to a completely new environment, academically, culturally, and personally.

Today, Félicité is a Mine Engineer at IAMGOLD’s Westwood Mine in Quebec, and her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, community and the transformative impact of education. I had the privilege of finally meeting Félicité in person at the Canadian Mining Games in Quebec this March. Here’s her story.

Defying the Odds

Félicité grew up in Burkina Faso, where she navigated an education system marked by overcrowded classrooms and limited access to technology and learning materials. Yet, these challenges did not deter her. As a top scholar through university, Félicité received a scholarship to study abroad from IAMGOLD’s Essakane Mine in Burkina Faso, in partnership with the country’s Ministry of Education. “It was a moment of immense pride and emotion,” she recalls. This opportunity came after a particularly difficult year for Félicité — one that was marked by interruptions due to insecurity in the Sahel region. The scholarship not only offered Félicité the chance to pursue her education further but also opened the door to a career she had yet to fully explore.

Félicité’s passion for mining engineering had been sparked during a visit to IAMGOLD’s Essakane Mine before her departure to Canada. Witnessing the scale of operations and understanding the critical role that mines play in society had left a lasting impression on her. A conversation with the mine’s director at the time, Bruno Lemelin, IAMGOLD’s current Chief Operating Officer, had also provided her with valuable insights into the role of mining engineers, solidifying her desire to pursue this career path. Once in Canada, this journey would then begin to take shape through her studies at Polytechnique Montréal.

Adapting to a New World

Moving to Canada was a profound change for Félicité. She arrived in the middle of winter in 2018 and was immediately confronted with the harsh cold – both a physical and psychological adjustment. “Managing life far from my family was emotionally challenging,” she admits. However, through joining student groups and participating in university events, she gradually found her balance.

One of the most surprising adjustments was the cultural shift around time management. “In Canada, punctuality and meticulous organization shape daily life, which was a stark contrast to what I was used to,” she explains. Early on, she struggled with the pace of her academic workload and managing her time effectively. Seeking guidance from professors and peers, she adopted rigorous planning strategies that allowed her to excel academically and thrive in her new environment.

Mentorship and Support

Félicité credits much of her success to the support she received from her mentors, whom she affectionately calls her “aunties”. Béatrice Yougbare, still based in Burkina Faso, acted as a critical bridge, connecting Félicité with local students in Canada and providing advice on navigating the university system. She also assisted with immigration procedures and online applications, ensuring Félicité’s transition was as smooth as possible.

In Canada, Auntie Sylvie Guiguemdé from the Fleur d’Orchidée agency became her guide, helping her adapt to her new environment, embrace Quebecois culture, and even tackle the challenges of winter. “Their support was invaluable,” Félicité says, emphasizing how these mentors gave her the confidence to embrace her new chapter.

 Turning Points, Lessons Learned and Words of Wisdom

Reflecting on her journey, Félicité identifies three pivotal moments: receiving the IAMGOLD scholarship, completing her first underground internship, and successfully transitioning into her professional career. Each of these milestones showcased her resilience and reinforced her belief in the power of perseverance.

As a woman in mining engineering, Félicité also has encountered the reality of being in the minority, both in her university program and now in her career. While the entire mining industry has made some progress in terms of female representation, we know that there is still work to be done. However, this experience, and her journey from Burkina Faso to Canada, has only fueled Félicité’s determination to carve out her place in the industry, and to encourage other young women to do the same. “I see this as an opportunity to contribute to an industry that is evolving toward greater diversity and inclusion,” she says.

Her advice to other women embarking on similar journeys? “Believe in yourself and your abilities. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and a strong network, and don’t hesitate to seize opportunities, even if they seem challenging. The mining industry is changing, and there is room for diverse voices and perspectives. You have the power to make a difference.”

Thank you Félicité for sharing your story with me and our broader mining community.

Written by Kelly Silva, Senior Manager, Global Talent Acquisition, IAMGOLD.