Careen Lee, an Aboriginal woman from the Pilbara, took another step in her trailblazing career at Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue), becoming the company’s CEO for a Day. Ms Lee has been the first Aboriginal woman to achieve each of her major career milestones at Fortescue. Having graduated from Fortescue’s Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) in 2008, Lee started in an operator role at Cloudbreak and quickly progressed to become a surface miner operator. This role, and her subsequent promotions to Specialist Operator and her current position as Supervisor of Surface Mining at Cloudbreak, were all a first for an Aboriginal woman at the company.

Lee said she is grateful for the life-changing opportunities and ongoing support she has received from Fortescue. “Being Aboriginal is what inspired me to want to become a leader, as I wanted to be someone who others, especially our mob, looked at and realised that if I could get there, they could as well.”

Chief Executive Officer, Nev Power, said Fortescue’s CEO for a Day recognises high performing team members and their determination to strengthen their career opportunities.

“As a company, we have set a goal of 20 per cent Aboriginal employment by 2020, and we are also doing everything we can to support the next generation of our Aboriginal leaders. These initiatives offer immense value to Fortescue, as well as to the wider community. Careen’s determination and enthusiasm to take every opportunity with both hands makes her a great role model for her family and community, and an inspiration to her colleagues.”

Inspired by GenerationOne’s annual CEO for a Day competition, Power hosts an aspiring Aboriginal leader at each quarterly results release. Fortescue’s CEO for a Day provides participants with the opportunity to work closely with Power and the executive team to experience how the business operates at the highest level.