Freeport McMoran

Freeport Makes List of Top 50 Workplaces for Indigenous STEM Professionals

June 30, 2025

Freeport has been nationally recognized as a top workplace for Indigenous STEM professionals, highlighting its ongoing efforts to engage Indigenous talent near its North America operations.  

For the first time, Freeport was named as one of the Top 50 Workplaces for Indigenous STEM Professionals by “Winds of Change,” the publication of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.  

“This is as much a reminder as it is a recognition,” said Ondrea Barber, Manager-Strategic Native American Relations. “It is a reminder of the work we still have to do, because now that we're on that list, the goal is to stay there. Our goal is for Freeport to be the company of choice for Indigenous STEM professionals for years to come.   

“We want to foster an environment where Indigenous students and professionals feel welcome and can learn, grow and excel professionally, contributing towards Freeport’s commitment to excellence.” 

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society is a nonprofit focused on the promotion and advancement of STEM studies and careers of the Indigenous peoples of North America and Pacific Island populations. Published annually in the spring issue of “Winds of Change,” the list highlights employers that not only share that mission but actively work toward it. 

Although this is the first time Freeport has been named to the list, the company has worked with AISES since 2021, sponsoring and participating in national and regional conferences.

That sponsorship is part of a larger effort to support the communities near the company’s operations, Barber said. 

“The company is committed to partnering with our host and neighboring communities—including our tribal partners,” Barber said. “We work toward building trust and long-term, transparent relationships with our tribal partners and Indigenous communities.  We have provided scholarships, internships and support for Native American students for years. Partnering with organizations like AISES helps us to recruit, retain and grow our Indigenous talent and workforce.” 

AISES selects the list based on how companies recruit, support and engage Indigenous students and professionals. To qualify, employers must recruit for STEM roles, offer equal opportunity for all applicants and have shown direct outreach to Indigenous communities in recent years. Hallmarks of a standout employer include mentoring Indigenous interns and building awareness through culturally targeted outreach. 

In recent years, Freeport has engaged in recruitment through career fairs and internships and has provided direct support to the tribes. This support includes several grant programs, a Native American Scholarship program and fully funding Project DreamCatcher, a week-long intensive entrepreneurship program designed specifically for Native American women in partnership with Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.

<- Go Back