Miranda Beaton
Senior HR Advisor, Fort McKay First Nation
CLASS OF 2022
, AGE 39
Anyone who has spent time around Miranda knows her warmth but also her power. There is nothing that can stop this strong Dene woman from reaching her dreams.
She is a Senior HR Advisor with Fort McKay First Nation, born and raised in Fort McMurray, and another one of this year’s Top 50 Under 50.
YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
MB: The most rewarding aspect of my career is having the opportunity to work my for Nation building the Indigenous workforce and talent pool, not only within the Indigenous community but also in the Wood Buffalo Region and beyond. Connecting others to careers and opportunities is what lights me up!
YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray?
MB: My family and roots are here. As a member of the Fort McKay First Nation and an employee with my Nation for 16 years, I have strong connections and ties here, not only with people but with the land. When I am not in work or school mode, I can always be found outdoors exploring with my family. The best thing about Fort McMurray is the people and our landscape. As an outdoorsy person, there is so much to see and do in the Wood Buffalo Region.
YMM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
MB: A year after completing cancer treatment I applied to Simon Fraser University’s Indigenous Business Leadership MBA program and got in! I am in year two of my MBA and three years post-cancer treatment and going strong. I am proud of how far I’ve come on my healing journey and overall wellbeing — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
YMM: What is one challenge you’d like to tackle in 2023?
MB: After completing my MBA in 2023, I would like to take a little break to travel and see what amazing adventures await me when I get back – I can’t wait.
YMM: What are you best at?
MB: Being a connector, an optimist, a cheerleader and doing my best to show up as my whole self, every day. I love to support and uplift others in any way that I can, and I believe that showing up as the truest version of yourself, and showing vulnerability and authenticity allows others to do the same.
