Feature Articles

International Women’s Day 2026: Supporting Diverse Career Paths Across Al-Pac 

International Women’s Day on March 8 provides an opportunity to recognize the experience and perspectives of women working across Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) who bring their knowledge, skills and leadership to work each day. 

The forest sector offers a wide range of career paths, from mill and woodlands operations and logistics to environmental monitoring and corporate services. The team members featured below share how their careers developed, what motivates them in their work and what advice they would offer to others considering a future in our industry. 

Ashley Mathiot – Supervisor, Environment 

Ashley has been a team member at Al-Pac for eight years and currently works as a Supervisor, Environment, supporting environmental oversight across mill operations. 

She began her post-secondary studies at the University of Alberta, completing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences. After graduating during a challenging job market, she returned to school to complete a Diploma in Agribusiness from Lakeland College. 

“The Agribusiness diploma helped strengthen my understanding of business economics and finance, which is important for my day-to-day responsibilities,” she explains. Ashley continues to build on her knowledge and is currently enrolled in the Occupational Health and Safety program at the University of Calgary. 

Before joining Al-Pac, Ashley also spent several summer terms working as an operator in the conventional oil and gas sector, where she developed troubleshooting skills, technical judgment and the ability to make informed decisions in time-sensitive situations. 

Ashley says her work is driven by a strong interest in protecting the environment. “The natural environment is exceptionally diverse in its landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife,” she adds, “Part of my job is to ensure future generations have the opportunity to experience and appreciate it.” 

She also values the variety that comes with the role as environmental responsibilities touch every stage of the manufacturing process, from log delivery through to pulp shipment. “No two days are ever alike,” said Ashley. 

For those considering a career in forestry or manufacturing, Ashley encourages people to take advantage of opportunities in the sector. 

“The forest sector is so unique and complex that it gives you the autonomy to learn things you would not in other industries,” she says. “Being part of an industry that is inclusive, collaborative and a steward of our natural resources is both meaningful and fulfilling.” 

Melissa Laboucane – Specialist, Warehouse & Inventory Control (Logistics) 

Melissa has been an Al-Pac team member for 23 years, with her connection to Al-Pac beginning at age 18 when she joined the Site Services team. Her work included tasks such as cleaning towers and moving railcars, and it gave her early learnings about what it is like to operate on an industrial site. 

After gaining additional experience operating heavy equipment and working as a loader and snowplow operator for a local municipality, she returned to Al-Pac and rejoined the Site Services team before transitioning into Pulp Finishing. There, she developed a strong understanding of the pulp-making process, including loading railcars, operating the train and managing the control panel during both routine and operational disruptions.  

Melissa later moved into Logistics, where her operational background has helped to support the coordination required to keep product moving efficiently through the mill and to Al-Pac customers. 

“I’m most passionate about the coordination and problem-solving that comes with working in logistics,” she says. “Every day is different, and plans can shift quickly, so it is important to stay flexible while keeping everything moving safely and efficiently.” 

Reflecting on her career progression, Melissa says each step helped prepare her for the next. 

“Each step in my career has built on the last,” she recalls. “Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has reinforced my belief that growth comes from being willing to learn, take on challenges and step outside your comfort zone.” 

She hopes her experience encourages other women to consider the opportunities in forestry and manufacturing. 

Mariah Rabik – Advisor, Corporate Services 

Mariah’s career with Al-Pac began as a summer student in 2020 when she worked in Site Services and gained exposure to various areas of mill operations. She later transitioned into Human Resources (HR) in 2022, while completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree. 

After graduating in 2024, Mariah returned to Al-Pac as an HR Administrator. She is currently a Chartered Professional in HR candidate and now works as an Advisor in Corporate Services where she focuses on data to support informed decision-making.  

Mariah says one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is transforming data into meaningful insights. “The aspect of my role that I am most passionate about is how I transform data to tell a story,” she says. She enjoys analyzing and interpreting data to uncover trends, identify opportunities and provide insights that support decision-making across the organization. 

“Being able to translate numbers into meaningful information that helps the organization make strategic, people-focused decisions is especially rewarding to me,” says Mariah. 

For those interested in pursuing a career in the sector, Mariah recommends gaining early exposure to mill operations. “Observing and understanding how the mill functions can provide valuable context,” she explains. “That perspective makes you more effective in any role, including corporate functions like HR.” 

She also encourages people to remain open to different career pathways, noting that the forest sector offers opportunities across both operational and corporate roles. 

The experiences shared by Ashley, Melissa and Mariah reflect the diverse career paths available within forest companies. Their stories demonstrate how different educational pathways, skills and perspectives contribute to meaningful growth and development, and the continued success of Al-Pac and the industry.