It’s time to break silos, challenge assumptions, and reimagine leadership in asset management — together. “Empowerment in Asset Management: A Leadership Journey” is a high-energy, thought-provoking experience where real leadership meets real impact. Six extraordinary women from the asset management world are stepping forward to share how they’ve led through complexity, transformed culture, and delivered powerful outcomes — all while staying true to themselves. Expect honest stories, bold insights, and practical strategies from leaders who are blending technical excellence with emotional intelligence and showing what’s possible when inclusion and innovation go hand-in-hand.
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Why you’ll want to be in the room:
- Live case studies that go beyond success stories — into lessons learned, setbacks overcome, and values lived
- A dynamic panel unpacking what it really takes to lead transformation
- A space where future leaders, seasoned professionals, and allies can connect, reflect, and grow
- Ideas and inspiration you can take back to your team, your career — and your vision for what leadership should look like
Everyone’s invited.
Whether you’re just starting out, managing a team, or leading strategic change — come as you are, and leave with a fresh perspective and a fire to lead boldly.
Presenters:
- Yalimay Jimenez (PhD Specialist Geologist & Geochemist)
- Dr Carla Boehl (Senior Manager, Global Engineering Operations)
- Dimitra Pierros (Processing & Operations Manager)
- Ashinka Weeratunge (Manager Cape Lambert B)
- Bek Pickering (GM Capability Development)
- Kelsey Roberts (Manager Operational Readiness)
Hosts:
- Adam Rotapel (AMCouncil Perth Chapter Committee Chair – Asset Management & Capital Investment Strategy)
- Karina Machado (AMCouncil Perth Chapter Committee Vice Chair – WIRAM Director – SAP Integration Specialist )
- Neen Barry (AMCouncil Perth Chapter Committee Member – Superintendent, Engineering)
- Isabela Silva (WIRAM Member – Business Development Manager)
Event brought to you jointly by AMCouncil Perth Chapter, and WIRAM Au-NZ.
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Presenters and topics:
Dr Yalimay Jimenez, CoDirector, WIRAM
Connection over command: leadership is more than a role – it’s a relationship. Drawing from her own journey, Dr. Jimenez invites us into a conversation about what leadership truly means in today’s noisy and fast-paced world. She will explore how we can recognise the stories that shape our understanding of leadership—and how, through meaningful connections, we can build bridges that transform us into authentic, impactful leaders.
Dr. Jimenez is a specialist geologist and geochemist for mining, environment and mine closure. She is a change advocate, and passionate connector of people and purpose, always having one conversation at a time. With a career grounded in the technical world of Earth and Biological Sciences and a vision that stretches beyond the rocks, she brings a unique perspective on leadership—one that values authenticity, curiosity, and connection. As a thoughtful voice in initiatives supporting women in asset management and reliability, and now a co-founder of a community-focused tech venture, she is driven by the belief that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about relationships, impact, and showing up with passion. Dr Jimenez possesses over +16 years of combined technical experience between different disciplines, sectors, research and operations. She holds an Honour in Geology (2004) a master’s degree in Geochemistry and Mineral Exploration (2009), a Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology (UWA – 2017) and a PhD in Applied Chemistry (Curtin University – 2021).
Dr Carla Boehl, Senior Manager APAC Region, and Past Chair of AMCouncil Perth Chapter, Pfizer Global Engineering
Dr. Carla Boehl explores the transformative leadership journey in asset management, emphasizing the importance of fostering collaboration between universities, government, and industry to support problem-solving through research, education, and training, while leveraging her extensive experience in engineering, academia, and industry to enhance asset management practices and drive sustainable growth. Additionally, she highlights the significance of digital networking and embracing AI to empower technical workforces and executives, demonstrating how these technologies can revolutionize asset management and promote continuous improvement.
Dr. Carla (ex-McKinsey) is a seasoned professional in asset management, engineering, and sustainability. With a PhD in Decision Making and extensive industry experience, she has led strategic initiatives at Rio Tinto, Fortescue Zero and Fremantle Ports, focusing on reliability and operational efficiency. Carla also served as a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University WA School of Mines and holds board roles in diverse sectors. Recognized for her leadership, she is committed to driving innovation and excellence in engineering asset management.
Dimitra Pierros, Manager Operational Readiness and Interface, Roy Hill
From Magic Tricks to Mining Picks: Lessons in Leadership and Asset Management
Dimitra shares highlights from her career journey, reflecting on the key lessons that have shaped her approach to leadership and asset management. Through personal stories and professional insights, she explores how to successfully navigate technical challenges and overcome barriers to diversity in the workplace, offering practical takeaways for those forging their own path in the field.
Dimitra Pierros born in Australia, grew up in Greece and came back to Australia about 12 years ago. Dimitra is an Operations Manager with more than 25 years’ experience in the mining sector. She has studied process engineering, have worked for WOOD, BHP, IGO, St Barbara and Roy Hill in various leadership and management roles and she is currently working at Roy Hill as Manager Operational Readiness and Interface. She grew up in a small mining town back in Greece. Dad was a laboratory technician she used to see all the magic tricks that he was doing with chemicals. This and her willingness to be a better version of her father, motivated her to become a Process Engineer. Her intention in life and career is to transform environments where the playing field is not equal overcoming boundaries which creates positive change and empower others to step int their confidence and do the same.
Hear from Senior Leaders in Rio Tinto Iron Ore about some of the challenges they’ve faced throughout their careers and what has inspired them to overcome these challenges while living Rio Tinto’s values of care, courage and curiosity. These three women will share valuable insights and experiences that may support asset management, maintenance and reliability professionals through future or current workplace situations.
Bek Pickering, General Manager – Capability Development, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Bek Pickering currently holds the role of General Manager Capability Development and is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience across technical, operational, and strategic roles in the mining and resources sector. With a foundation in Extractive Metallurgy and an MBA, Bek has led diverse teams through complex challenges across multiple commodities, companies, and product groups. Her career reflects progressive leadership—ranging from frontline operations and technical leadership to executive strategy roles—culminating in major contributions to pioneering projects like the world’s first autonomous railway. Bek’s journey showcases her strengths in team development, organisational change, and inclusive leadership, underpinned by a strong commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainable business transformation.
Kelsey Roberts, Manager Operational Readiness, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Kelsey is a Manager for Operational Readiness in Rio Tinto Iron Ore. Kelsey is a passionate people leader who takes pride in the people, her team and interfacing teams. Kelsey is driven by Belonging and ensuring all have a feeling of belonging, leading to empowered workforce. Kelsey encourages and acts by example in the simple things; a thank you, a fist pump , a nod of acknowledgement- small acts of kindness each day generates the culture that we all thrive in. Living by the principle that kindness is strength. Kelsey’s career has taken her from the Goldfields, to the Pilbara, to the Gobi Desert and back, working within engineering, operations and leadership. Kelsey enjoys the diversity of the work with and teams, and is excited to see the next stage of growth as our industry progresses. Kelsey’s Motto; ‘Be Bold. Be Brave. Be You.’
Ashinka Weeratunge, Manager Cape Lambert B, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Ashinka is a Manager at Rio Tinto’s Cape Lambert Operation, leading a team of 250 people to operate and maintain one of the company’s four Ports. She has worked at Rio Tinto for the past 15 years, starting as a Graduate in Human Resources, and transitioning to roles in Industrial Relations, Safety, Asset Management and Operational Excellence. She is passionate about being the change she wants to see in the world, and will always promote a diverse, inclusive and equal workplace. Ashinka holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology), a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resources and Industrial Relations) and a Masters in Employee Relations.
