'Underground! My Mining Adventure' book wants kids to see themselves in mining

If you ask a group of children what they want to do when they grow up, most of them might not have mining at the top of the list.

Theresa Nyabeze, a professional mining engineer who works as a frontline supervisor for Vale, and a mom, wants to change that.

Her first children's book, "Underground! My Mining Adventure," follows a young girl named Maiya, who goes on a journey through the underground world of mining with her mother.

Along the way Maiya sees the diverse workforce and innovation that go into the career.

"I thought if I write a book about a little girl who is so enthusiastic about going to see that environment, and her mother is welcoming of [that], people would see what an amazing option it is," Nyabeze said.

More women, people of colour belong in science and technology

Nyabeze says she didn't always see mining as an option for herself.

After immigrating from Zimbabwe when she was 12 years old, Nyabeze excelled in science and math as a student at Marymount Academy in Sudbury.

She said she thought medicine was the only career path for someone like her.

It wasn't until she started school at Laurentian University that she learned about mining engineering.

"I stumbled into mining and it's been so rewarding, that I really want to give back and [have] other people see it as an option for themselves," she said.

Nyabeze launched her book through Diversity STEM, a business she created with the goal of bringing more diversity to the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Nyabeze said she plans to send her character Maiya on many more adventures through the world of STEM.

"I want to create more products that showcase science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a way that youth can find relatable," she said.

Listen to Theresa Nyabeze's interview on Morning North here.