03/26/2026

Women's History Month Series: Leslie Stark

Q&A with a World Traveling Engineer 

Q: What’s your role, and who are you outside the job title?

I’m the Emulsion Quality and Development Manager, which means I support emulsion products globally, from formulations to manufacturing to MMUs on the mine sites. My role spans the full lifecycle of emulsions, ensuring quality and performance at every stage. This has been the most rewarding role in my career as Austin Powder truly values and invests in their people.

Outside of work, I’m an avid traveler and hope to visit every country...this April, I will hit my 50^th! I also love scuba diving and am truly happiest outdoors and exploring new places. When I am not adventuring, I am home cuddling “the zoo” - a goofy Great Dane, a coyote looking sweet rescue, a chatty kitty and French fiancé haha.

Q: How did you get into the commercial explosives and mining industry?

In high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I took a college-level chemistry exam and aced it, so I figured I’d go into Chemistry. My father pushed me towards Chemical Engineering, which I loved.

I went to Florida Institute of Technology because I originally wanted to work for NASA. However, during school, I interned with Dyno Nobel in their R&D lab, and that experience completely changed my path. I was hooked and chose this industry over spaceships.

It’s also a close-knit industry; people stay connected and support each other. That network helped guide me to where I am today.

Q: The infamous imposter syndrome...Is it a thing for you?

Interestingly, I didn’t really experience imposter syndrome early on. The only time I felt something close to it was when I first stepped into a management role, but it wasn’t about being a woman. It was more about being younger than the people I was leading.

Overall, I’ve been fortunate to feel confident in my abilities. A big part of that comes from the support I’ve had along the way.

Q: Did you have mentors who shaped your career?
Absolutely. I had a female manager early in my career who played a huge role in shaping me. I wouldn’t be where I am without her, she really helped me develop the soft skills that are just as important as the technical ones.

I’m a big advocate for mentorship because of that experience. I’ve also spent time speaking with students in local schools to help introduce them to this field.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self at the start of your career?

Don’t try to do everything all at once. There’s a learning phase, and it’s okay to take the time to absorb it.

It’s not about having all the answers but rather knowing who to go to for them. Ask questions, learn from the experts around you, and build relationships first. Once you’ve built that foundation, then you can start contributing your own ideas more confidently. 

Q: What’s one misconception people have about the commercial explosives or mining industry?

A big misconception is that mining is destructive to the environment. In reality, the industry plays a critical role in enabling a more sustainable future.

There’s a strong focus today on minimizing impact, reclaiming land, and allowing nature to recover. Here at Austin Powder, we are focused on sustainable development and reduction in emissions and waste. The entire industry is far more responsible and innovative than many people realize.

Q: What skills or qualities have helped you succeed the most?

One of the most meaningful pieces of feedback I’ve ever received came from someone I managed early on. He told me, “When you talk to me, you make me feel like I’m the only person in the room and like everything I say matters.”

That stuck with me. I genuinely try to connect with people and be present in conversations. Being a strong communicator and a people person has helped me just as much, if not more, than my technical education.

Q: Why do we need women in mining?

We need diverse thinking. It’s a scientific fact that people process information and approach problems differently, and that leads to better outcomes.

Diversity, whether it’s gender or background, strengthens teams, improves decision-making, and drives innovation.

Q: What message would you share with the next generation of women entering this industry?

You belong here. Don’t feel like you need to have all the answers right away, be curious, ask questions, and find mentors who will support you, I promise it won’t be as hard as you think.

This industry has so many opportunities, and there’s room for you to grow, lead, and make a real impact.

Q: What song best represents you in your career?
“Hit me with your best shot”