This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ​‘Give to Gain’, reflects the idea that progress is built when people invest in others. That contribution happens every day across our business, but particularly in the approach of two colleagues – Alison Paul and Joan D. Adaci Cattiling — who are exemplary leaders in our Company and the industry. 

Alison Paul — Senior Vice President, New Zealand Legal and Public Affairs

Alison leads a team spanning legal, communications, sustainability, and public affairs, serves as Chair of the OceanaGold New Zealand Board, and is a member of the Company’s Senior Leadership Team. She leads with vision, integrity, and a genuine passion for the growth of the people around her. Her impact is felt not just in the outcomes she delivers, but in the culture she has built, where diverse voices are heard, where excellence is expected and rewarded, and where individuals are supported to reach their full potential. 

As Chair of the New Zealand Minerals Council, she has championed diversity and inclusion across the sector. Her mentorship has fostered award-winning lawyers and environmental leaders, leading to one of our Environmental Superintendents receiving the 2023 Emerging Star Award at New Zealand's Women in Extractives Awards, and a former team member winning the ILANZ Young In-House Lawyer of the Year Award in 2021.

Alison’s advocacy has shaped national legislation and her operational leadership has guided OceanaGold through 20 years of responsible gold mining in New Zealand. She has also championed OceanaGold's engagement with indigenous Māori groups, building respectful, partnership-based relationships. Through engagement, advocacy, and mentorship, Alison gives, and New Zealand's mining sector and young professionals gain.

Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling — President of OceanaGold Philippines & General Manager, External Affairs and Social Performance

Joan is also a member of OceanaGold’s Senior Leadership Team. As President of OceanaGold Philippines, she is the first indigenous female to hold this role for a global mining organization in the country. She is also the only female Board member of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines where her passion for inclusion ensures diverse voices are represented and heard.

Joan's leadership is grounded in the belief that people, not policies, are the foundation of lasting impact. She inspires excellence amongst her team by articulating strategic context, elevating the purpose behind everyday work, and modeling integrity, fairness and genuine care for others.  Joan regularly immerses herself in community engagements, cultural activities, and consultations. Her hands-on approach has helped build trust with local communities, Indigenous groups, government bodies, and industry peers alike.

Under her leadership, two development funds were established, extending direct benefits to nearly 400 communities, creating lasting impact. She also extends advocacy to women in mining and miners' families through mental health awareness workshops, wellness activities and sustainable livelihood programs designed to uplift women in host communities. The ripple effect of Joan’s leadership is visible in the next generation of professionals, community champions, organizational leaders, and the advocates she continues to motivate.

Alison and Joan work in different jurisdictions but are united by a shared belief that leadership means speaking up, giving back, and building opportunities that last. That belief mirrors the ‘Give to Gain’ philosophy and how we approach responsible mining at OceanaGold — investing in people, strengthening communities, and creating value beyond the life of a mine.

Every professional who can see themselves in a hard hat because of the path Alison and Joan have trailblazed reflects the same principle that underpins our business: when we lead with purpose, the impact multiplies.