Women Leading In and Across Organizations
Women are connecting across the globe to support, share, and lead. Check out:
Explore the Pembina Institute & Globe Series Women in the Energy Transformation.
Science Moms is doing amazing work to promote climate and nature literacy, debunk myths, and catalyze action.
The Bioneers have a feature on Women Leading the Way to Climate Resilience.
The Nature Conservancy has a great webpage on Women in Climate.
Meet some of the scientists at the World Wildlife Fund.
Check out this compilation of Women in the Energy Transition.
Meet Some Dynamic Leaders!
We are celebrating the women across all sectors leading in climate and nature action. We invited women to share their story and answer questions like “how are you able to have an impact?”, “what inspires you?” and “what is your message to youth looking ahead to their careers and future?”
From grassroots organizers to tech, finance, and education in corporate, non-profit and community organizations, you will find inspiring stories of innovation and impact. We hope you enjoy their stories!
Areej Riaz
(she/her)
Grassroots Climate Action Organizer & Director of Climate Programs
EnviroMuslims Canada & For Our Kids Canada
Passionate about both science and art, Areej found her calling in environmental science, and learning about the challenges facing our planet was both alarming and deeply motivating. Through both of her positions, Areej works to support and empower people who want to take climate action. She empowers parents to take action within their communities and schools, and engages with Canadian Muslims to promote regenerative practices by becoming leaders in the climate movement. The passion and dedication of the people Areej works with inspire her to continue to be innovative and creative in developing solutions. Areej encourages students to take risks and let your values guide your choices by aligning your work with what you believe in. Never underestimate the power of your voice and your ability to create change.
Learn more about Areej’s story here and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Emma Murphy
(she/her)
Director, Sustainability & Innovation
As a student Emma felt torn between science & art, chemistry & design, but working in sustainability at Green Economy Canada, allowed her to flourish in both. She tells students, it’s okay not to have everything figured out from the start, to trust your instincts, embrace the unexpected, take risks, and the world definitely needs your unique perspective! Working with a network of nonprofit organizations across Canada gives Emma peace of mind that on difficult days, there exists a wonderful community working toward climate action and that she is not alone. Resilience is a key part of the work Emma does, and she values mental and physical health, emotional intelligence, empathy, rest and play.
Learn more about Emma’s story here & connect with her on LinkedIn.
Wynne Teeter
(she/her)
Founder/CEO
Through her role as CEO of Relevé, Wynne ensures that sustainability isn’t just a goal but a measurable, actionable part of how businesses, cultural institutions, and nonprofits operate. Wynne serves as Director of Sustainability for Red Light Arts and Culture, embedding sustainable practices into artistic programming, ensuring that creative events & spaces operate with environmental responsibility in mind. She is inspired by the power of small actions creating big change and has seen firsthand how strategic decisions can drive progress. Wynne knows that the most meaningful careers aren’t always linear, and that the best opportunities come from unexpected places. She encourages students not to wait to start making a difference. Whether through school projects, volunteering, or internships, take action now. Be willing to learn, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
Learn more about Wynne’s story here & connect with her on LinkedIn.
Anna Look
(she/her)
Business Event Attraction Consultant
As a student Anna loved travel and knew that her fascination with different people & cultures would be a guide for her career. Working through the challenge of having dyslexia, Anna earned her degree in Tourism and worked with resorts, travel agencies, the BC ski industry, and in destination marketing. Now as an independent consultant, Anna helps destinations plan and develop events that build robust ecosystems that are regenerative and create healthy futures for residents and visitors. She encourages students to follow their hearts and do work that makes them happy. She believes joy and human interaction is more important than ever as the volume of AI and tech generated content floods our lives. Her hope is that as travellers explore new places they will see the inherent beauty and take steps to preserve it.
Learn more about Anna’s story here & connect with her on LinkedIn.
Sidney Howlett
(she/her)
Lecturer
With an undergraduate degree in science and education, Sidney started her career as an elementary school teacher, then earned a Master of Education in Environmental and Sustainability Education. Sidney’s role as Program Manager at EcoSchools Canada, allowed her to develop a climate action program aimed at empowering public school boards to move toward net-zero. Sidney sees that when climate action is integrated into K-12 education in Canada, it has a powerful impact on emanating out to the broader community and its willingness to take meaningful steps towards a regenerative future. Additionally she teaches environmental education at Lakehead University preparing future teachers to integrate sustainability into their classrooms. Sidney emphasizes that any job can be a climate job, and although the world can feel heavy, there’s also immense potential for joy and growth along the journey.
Learn more about Sidney’s story here & connect with her on LinkedIn
Erin Flood
(she/her)
Chief Operating Officer
Erin’s roots lay in sociology and business, her passion is people. Through the forest building and nature based solutions that are part of her role as COO, she works through businesses and communities to create climate action. Inspired by the energy and creativity of young people, it is tangible results that give Erin hope that her work today will create lasting benefits for future generations. Erin encourages students to be open to unexpected opportunities by volunteering, and seeking projects through entrepreneurial avenues. Erin believes that regeneration is becoming the norm, and while education matters, skills are important too, so gaining experience in Environmental fields is important. To students she says: The world needs bold thinkers—so be willing to carve your own path, embrace failure as part of growth, and always ask: How can I make things better?
Learn more about Erin’s story here & connect with her on LinkedIn.
More profiles coming soon!
Aruzhan (Aria) Kani
(she/her)
Program Development and Partnerships Manager
Psychology and action were at the core of Aruzhan’s passion. She studied Psychology and International Relations which prepared her for her role with the climate nonprofit, Break The Divide. Here Aruzhan has designed and led key programs, one that helps high school students process their climate emotions and the other that allows them to create meaningful impact. She has seen that when students are able to take action this plays a crucial role in inspiring and equipping them to become future leaders. When young people know that their voices matter in the fight for climate justice, it catalyzes action. Aruzhan has hope for the future because she knows firsthand that she is part of a collective momentum of many individuals dedicated to making a difference. Aruzhan reminds students that they can achieve far more than they think, and that in this interconnected world they can participate in the stories, and opportunities around them.
Learn more about Aruzhan’s story here & connect with her on LinkedIn
More profiles coming soon!
You can read through all their stories as they shared them with us here.