Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead

As we wrap up 2024, we sat down with our Founder, Margarita de Guzman to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, challenges, and the future of The Fair Field Foundation.

Looking back on 2024, what accomplishments are you most proud of for The Fair Field Foundation?

Honestly, considering how chaotic this year has been—did you know there’s a shortage of experienced archaeologists in western Canada?—I’m just incredibly proud that TFFF continues to function and thrive. One of the most exciting milestones was our event at the Canadian Archaeology Association (CAA) Annual Conference in Saskatoon. We had a great turnout, and we were able to pair up seven fantastic mentors and mentees. It’s always rewarding to see those connections being made. And I’m hopeful that as we continue, we’ll see even more mentorship pairings and growth.

What do you think are the biggest challenges women still face in archaeology today, and how does TFFF plan to address them moving forward?

There’s an old adage about women supporting women: when that happens, great things follow. But there are still some deep-rooted challenges that women face in archaeology, and it’s going to take time—likely generations—for them to disappear. Women tend to experience higher levels of imposter syndrome, lower confidence, and more obstacles when it comes to being away in the field for long periods, especially if they have families.

These challenges are systemic, but we’re not backing down. TFFF will continue to provide networking events and mentorship programs, offering women the support they need to navigate these hurdles. We want to help them feel empowered, confident, and ready to take on whatever comes their way.

As we head into 2025, what are some of the key goals or projects that you’re most excited about for TFFF?

We’re looking forward to the CAAs, although it’s still a bit up in the air as I answer this. However, if they don’t happen, we at TFFF are committed to offering impactful events, whether in-person or virtual.

This year, we’re really excited to increase our mentorship pairings and plan a few online panel events so that we can reach women across the country. We’ve seen how much value these programs offer, and I’m hopeful that we can expand our reach and create even more opportunities for women to connect and thrive.

What advice would you give to women in archaeology who may be facing challenges or striving to advance their careers in 2025?

Sign up for mentorship. There’s something incredibly powerful about having a champion—someone who’s been through it and can offer guidance. Don’t go through this journey alone. Whatever challenge you’re facing, I can almost guarantee that there’s someone else who’s faced something similar and can provide valuable support. These relationships can make all the difference in your career.

Join The Fair Field Foundation Mentorship Program for personalized, one-on-one guidance tailored to women navigating the unique challenges of archaeology. You’ll be paired with an experienced professional who understands your journey. 

Don’t go it alone—sign up today and let us help you build a stronger, more connected future in the field.

Finally, do you have any anecdotes from a mentor or mentee that have stuck with you?

There’s one that really stands out.

One of our mentors shared with me that despite having a tough year personally, being a mentor was the highlight of it. The relationships that form between mentors and mentees are so special and meaningful. It’s heartwarming to see the impact TFFF has, even if it’s just one person at a time. Knowing that we can help guide someone and create that ripple effect is what keeps me going.

At TFFF, we’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our community, and we’re excited for what’s to come in 2025. Together, we’ll continue pushing boundaries to create a more inclusive and equitable field. With plans for increased mentorship, virtual events, and a continued commitment to tackling systemic challenges, the future looks bright for women in archaeology.