Shilo Jasso

Even though one of Shilo Lea Jasso’s jobs is to blow stuff up, she says the biggest risk she’s ever taken is becoming self-employed.

Age: 30

Position: Safety Consultant, North Dakota Safety Council

Family: Ramon Jasso (husband); Saber Jasso (8 months)

Hobbies: Golf, Softball, Reading, Movies

Community Involvement: A member of the EGC (Energy Generation Conference) Committee. In the summer, I do grounds work for the golf course and softball fields. I began a networking group via e-mail to pass along safety information and presentations to other safety individuals across the nation.

Career Path: I started in the mining industry with BC Fry Companies, a drilling and blasting business. During the six years I worked there, I shot at all four coal mines in North Dakota and various mines in Wyoming and Montana. As the safety and human resources manager, it was my responsibility to conduct site inspections at the mines and quarries. I created safety plans, employee handbooks, task training manuals, and company policies.

I also developed, and am still teaching, a three-day blasting course for new blasters so they can become certified blasters in the state of North Dakota. For two and a half years I was a self-employed training consultant, teaching MSHA (Mine Safety Health Administration) and blasting courses to miners and contractors. I have been a certified safety instructor in the safety and blasting industry for ten years and have earned certificates in OSHA training, MSHA training, first aid/CPR/AED training, forklift operator training and mine foreman certification. In my current role with the North Dakota Safety Council, I teach many safety courses that I have developed. I also help companies with safety questions, safety plans, internal audits, compliance issues, and I distribute safety information for them to use internally.

Mentors: My dad, Bruce Fry, is one of the hardest working individuals I know. I view him as a mentor for introducing me to the mining and blasting world and passing on to me his drive and work ethics. He put me in the role as safety manager in his company and that’s how I found I had a knack for safety. He also patiently sat by and let me make certain mistakes that I could learn from, teaching me how to think through a situation to come up with the best way of proceeding. Brent Sullivan, Training Manager for North American Coal Corporation, was instrumental in showing me how to develop presentations and be a creative, fun speaker. He taught me to present with fl air to make learning interesting for attendees. To this day he is still on my speed-dial for questions and guidance.

Briefly, tell us about yourself: I am a self-motivated and driven person. I like to learn new things and am always trying to broaden my horizons, both professionally and personally. I am a new mom, and what an awakening that has been. My husband, Ramon, is my rock and keeps me grounded. I am a very passionate person when it comes to my job and safety. I try very hard to keep my classes fun and motivational and teach people that safety doesn’t have to be boring.

What motivates you? Being the best that I can be and always wanting to do better.

Challenges in your career path: Keeping up with all the industry changes and regulations. Providing new material for my classes to keep attendees interested, and making new games and activities for them. I use games such as “Who Wants To Be A Miner?”, Jeopardy, and Poker Trivia, among others.

What challenges do you face as a young professional, particularly during difficult economic times? Conveying the importance of maintaining safety training for employees when budgets get tight.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? I think there is risk associated with all decisions we make in life. I would say working with explosives sounds pretty risky to most, but because I know how safe the industry is, it’s not so risky to me. Probably my decision to be self-employed was the riskiest move I have made career-wise. The unknown is a scary thing but it turned out okay so I am glad I did it.

Anything you’re particularly proud of? I am proud of many things. My husband, Ramon, and my new baby, Saber. He is probably one of the best things I have done! I am proud to be a successful woman in an industry that is not too common to most. I am proud to say I have stayed true to myself even if that is not the easiest road to take.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? Go for it! Don’t let somebody talk you out of something because they think you are biting off more than you can chew. Anything is possible as long as you don’t become your own worst enemy and limit yourself.

What are you thankful for? I am thankful for the people I know professionally who take the time to answer questions, and go above and beyond “work”. A lot of what I have learned is due to the people I have on speed dial and who always pick up the phone. I only hope that I can pass that on and be as memorable for somebody else as they have been for me.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? Head of safety for a local company. Having two children and watching them grow. Being a mentor for others and helping people be the best they can be.