From Fine Art to Mining Leadership

When alumnus Rachel Cranford initially transferred to Nipissing University’s Fine Arts program during her third year, she didn’t anticipate just how much the university and the city would shape her future. At the time, she had recently moved to North Bay with her partner, who had accepted a local job offer. While the move was initially driven by convenience, Cranford quickly discovered that Nipissing was a natural fit. “It offered exactly what I needed at that moment, a welcoming community, smaller class sizes, and the unique combination of Fine Arts and a School of Education, which aligned with my original plan to pursue a teaching degree,” she recalled.

During her time in the Fine Arts program, Cranford found herself drawn to digital tools and 3D modeling software, sparking a creative shift that set her on an unexpected path. That discovery led her to launch a small business focused on architectural renderings and, eventually, to explore engineering.

“While working at Stantec, I found myself increasingly drawn to the business side of operations,” Cranford explained. “I decided to return to Nipissing, this time for the Bachelor of Commerce program, while continuing to work full-time. The coursework was immediately relevant; it helped lay the foundation for the MBA I’m now pursuing.”

Over the past 15 years, Cranford has built a career in the mining industry, contributing to both local and international projects. From conceptual studies to detailed engineering work, her portfolio at Stantec is as diverse as her academic background. Her rise through the industry is particularly notable given her unconventional entry point. “I didn’t have any family in mining. It wasn’t even on my radar,” she said. “But by staying open and getting involved, especially through organizations like the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), I found a field I genuinely love.”

Cranford has not only navigated a non-traditional path but also worked to create space for others to do the same. As Sub-committee Chair for the recent ‘100 Years of Mining’ centennial event and a panelist invited by MineConnect, she has used her voice to offer a unique perspective. “My background is not typical for most in the Mining or Engineering Consulting industries, so I truly valued the opportunity to offer a different perspective, one that I hope can inspire others.”

Whether it was exploring architecture, engineering, or business, Cranford embraced change, often finding clarity through experience. That mindset also shaped her decision to complete her Commerce degree online at Nipissing, an experience she credits for preparing her to thrive in today’s increasingly remote work environments. “I developed strong skills in self-directed learning and remote communication. That early experience gave me a solid foundation for collaborating on global projects.”

Now, nearly two decades into life in North Bay, Cranford and her husband have found both personal and professional roots in the local community. She’s been scuba certified, competed on the local roller derby team, and carved out a place in an industry that, at one point, was completely unfamiliar.

To students and recent grads considering a career in mining or related fields, she shared: “Be open to possibilities. The skills you gain through your education are highly transferable, but it’s important to recognize and embrace that flexibility.”

Media Contact:

Khia Beauchesne
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
705-474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca