Sally Zadra, is a Colorado School of Mines Mining Engineer and is a registered Professional Mining Engineer in Georgia. As President and CEO of her consulting firms, currently Sally Zadra, P.E., Inc., she has provided surveying and engineering services to the quarrying, mining and construction industries in the southeast for 25+ years. She has 35+ years of mine surveying, blasting and engineering experience. Having published several papers and presentations in the industry, she also served on the International Society of Explosives Engineers Board of Directors for 6 years,. Sally is a member in good standing of the ISEE and Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

What led you to pursue a career in explosives engineering?

Growing up in Leadville, Colorado as a 4^th generation member of a mining family, I didn’t really think there was any other career to pursue.

What aspects of explosives engineering are you most passionate about?

I most enjoy the application of technology and staying current with the latest advances. I am proud to be among the pioneers who first used laser scanning and borehole tracking in the quarrying/construction blasting industry.

How has being a member of ISEE benefited your professional development individually and as a team?

Before mandatory “inclusion and diversity” policies were a thing, women and minorities made their mark through relationship and reputation building.  The ISEE was the forum for me to create foundational relationships on which to build my career.

Can you share a memorable ISEE experience that stands for you?

I can’t really narrow it down to one memory. There are countless surprise moments of spontaneous conversations at conferences that thrill me.  The joy of running into an old friend or colleague that turns into an afternoon of conversation without a scheduled meeting pleases me the most.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to individuals considering a career in explosives?

Everyday, realize that you are a part of an industry that builds the world and brings all the things modern humans enjoy: buildings, roads, cars, swimming pools, computers-EVERYTHING. When having a bad day, remind yourself of the role you play and be proud of it, always.