Monrovia-Jutta Kikeson, a young Liberian metallurgist at ArcelorMittal Liberia, has successfully completed the prestigious International Women in Resources Mentoring Programme (IWRMP), an annual, cross-company, global initiative run by International Women in Mining (IWiM) in collaboration with project delivery partner Metisphere. With aims to empower women in the mining and heavy industry sectors, build leadership confidence, break career barriers, and drive gender inclusion, the six-month global initiative connects promising women across more than 40 countries in the mining and resources sector. Kikeson achieved a major milestone by standing out as the sole representative from Liberia and one of only three participants selected across ArcelorMittal’s global operations in the program, featuring one-on-one mentoring sessions, initial training modules, virtual webinars, and networking events.
While the core six-month program was conducted virtually while Kikeson was stationed in Liberia, she traveled to London on October 17, 2026, for the final week. There, she participated in high-level networking events, an intensive leadership workshop and the program’s official closing ceremony, on October 22 and 23, 2026. Reflecting on her journey, Kikeson praised ArcelorMittal Liberia for providing the opportunity and described her participation as both a career landmark and a proud moment for her country. “I would like to express my sincere thanks for the opportunity,” Kikeson said. “The International Women in Resources Mentoring Program organized by IWIM has had a meaningful impact on both my personal and professional development. Through this program, I have gained valuable knowledge, built confidence, and learned lessons that will continue to guide me throughout my career.” “Being selected for the program is an honor and a source of deep gratitude,” she added. “This achievement holds special meaning for me as I am the only participant from Liberia and one of just three individuals chosen from across ArcelorMittal. Beyond being a personal milestone, it is an opportunity to highlight the skills, potential, and capabilities of Liberian women in the mining sector.” taking ownership of my professional growth,” she explained. “Through mentoring, I’ve learned that while technical expertise is vital, self assurance, clear communication, relationship-building, and the courage to step outside my comfort zone are equally essential.” “I encourage young Liberian women to believe in their abilities, invest in their education, and pursue their ambitions without being held back by gender stereotypes,” she urged. “With persistence and dedication, you can succeed in the mining industry and inspire others to follow.” Stationed at AML’s state-of the-art iron ore Concentrator plant in Yekepa, Kikeson plans to immediately integrate her mentorship insights and London workshop learnings into her day to-day operational and technical decision-making. Throughout the intensive program and culminating workshops in London, Kikeson focused on combining her technical competence with the essential leadership skills required in today’s global industrial sector. “The most important lesson I’ve taken away is the significance of “This experience enables me to approach daily tasks with greater confidence and deeper insight,” she noted. “As a metallurgist, I am now better equipped to tackle technical challenges strategically.” A strong advocate for female empowerment in industrial fields, Kikeson hopes her achievement inspires more young Liberian women to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. Looking ahead, Kikeson remains dedicated to building a long-term leadership career that creates opportunities for local talent. “My goal is to continue enhancing my metallurgical knowledge and problem-solving skills while growing into a leadership role where I can drive continuous improvement, mentor emerging professionals, and nurture future Liberian talent in the mining sector.” As a gold sponsor of the program, ArcelorMittal continues to invest in professional development initiatives that empower local employees, advance technical excellence, and champion diversity and inclusion across its operations.
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