Beedie alumna Barbara Dunfield wins Influential Women in Business Award

Barbara Dunfield, Chief Financial Officer of Sennen Potash Corporation and a graduate of the Executive MBA at the Beedie School of Business, has been named among the winners of Business in Vancouver’s Influential Women in Business Awards 2014.

The BIV Influential Women in Business Awards recognize influential leaders in their industry and the business community at large who have committed time and resources to mentor other women in business and contribute their expertise on corporate and not-for-profit boards of directors.

The award comes as recognition for Dunfield’s success throughout her career in the mining sector, an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated, where she has acted as CFO for several firms, and overseen projects across the globe.

After beginning her career in investment management, Dunfield transitioned to leadership roles in the mining sector, where she has spearheaded the growth of several organizations. In addition to her role as CFO of Sennen Potash Corporation, she currently holds Director positions at resource exploration organization, Newport Exploration, Eastplats International, and Water Based Solutions.

She has actively sought to inspire women to enter the investment sector, teaching investment classes targeted directly at women and undertaking mentorship roles for women within her teams, establishing platforms for which to build their careers.

“Barbara’s unique contributions to the Capital Management and Resource Sector as a thought leader, advocate, and business leader at the local and national level make her an exemplary recipient of this award,” said Daniel Shapiro, Dean of the Beedie School of Business. “The positive impact she has had throughout her career serves as a shining example for future generations of women leaders.”

In 2008 she established the Barbara Dunfield International Business Competition Team Sponsorship Fund at SFU. The fund provides Beedie School of Business students with the means to travel to international case competitions to compete against top tier business schools from across the globe.

“Barbara’s positive influence as a female executive in the mining sector has paved the way for future generations of women to become leaders within this traditionally male-dominated industry,” said Cathy Daminato, Vice-President, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, SFU. “Her success in capital management and marketing public companies is an inspiration to all aspiring women business leaders.”

For more information on BIV’s Influential Women in Business Awards, including the full list of the 2014 winners, visit the BIV website.