Our Team
Our team is made up of clean energy leaders and talented program facilitators. ICE programs are managed collaboratively through the guidance and direction of the ICE Board and Advisory Council.
If you’re interested in joining our team to help us achieve greater impact, please check our ‘Careers‘ page. We’re always on the lookout for passionate people!
Our Team
Name
Abhijit Dhanda (he/him)
Position/Title
Curriculum Lead
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Description
Abhijit has a Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability and a Master’s of Science in Civil Engineering from Carleton University. His master’s focused on the 3D documentation of heritage places and artifacts. Abhijit has taught students from various backgrounds and levels of education. He has delivered cultural heritage workshops locally and internationally, including in Myanmar, Georgia, Korea, and Spain. Abhijit is passionate about sustainability and viewing things from a lifecycle perspective. When he’s not at work, you can find him behind a camera, in the garden, or fermenting bubbly concoctions in the kitchen.
Name
Alejandra Metallic-Janvier (She/Her)
Position/Title
ICE Mentorship Program Coordinator
Location
Ottawa, ON.
Description
Alejandra is a Mi’gmaq and Dene Suline woman from Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation along the Gaspe Coast, and Cold Lake First Nation in Treaty 6 Alberta. With a background in Neuroscience and Mental Health (high distinction) from Carleton University, she is passionate about Indigenous representation in STEM, community-based participatory frameworks to build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, and supporting cultural continuity to enrich healthy and vibrant lands and communities. She believes sustainable partnerships must honour traditional ways of knowing and facilitate knowledge translation. She is honoured to join the ICE Mentorship Program and contribute to an evolving clean energy economy. She loves sharing meals with friends, playing volleyball, and colour-coordinating her outfits.
Name
Alex Lemay (he/him)
Position/Title
Generation Power Program Co-Manager
Location
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, the traditional territory of Baawaating
Description
Alex is a French-Canadian residing on the traditional territory of Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie). He’s a proud father of five little ones (four boys & one girl) and loves spending time in the outdoors with them. He holds a Paramedicine diploma from College Boreal with additional educational certifications in fire technology and emergency services. In past career experiences, Alex had the opportunity to work as a Forest Fire Ranger, allowing him to be a shepherd of our forests and see firsthand the importance of taking care of our lands in many different aspects. He also spent time as a Power Sports specialist for Honda, allowing him to help grow the outdoor motorsports industry while promoting a positive caring approach to our environment. When not helping shape our future youth as the Generation Power Program Co-Manager, he’s probably getting lost in the outdoors, fishing, snowboarding, scuba diving, camping or even boardgames with friends and family!
Name
Alexandra Jurecko (she/her)
Position/Title
Communications Manager
Location
Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, unceded traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka
Description
Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts from Heidelberg University (Germany) and a Graduate Diploma in Visual Journalism from Concordia University. She currently resides in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, on the traditional unceded lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka/Mohawk Nation. Prior to joining ICE, Alex worked as a freelance multimedia producer and editor, telling stories in audio and video form. Among other projects, she co-produced and edited ICE’s Decolonizing Power podcast together with Freddie Huppé Campbell. When she’s not working, Alex enjoys spending time in nature, baking, making art, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
Name
Alexandra Thomson (she/her)
Position/Title
Director, Youth Programs
Location
Montreal, QC, the traditional territory of the Mohawk peoples
Description
Alexandra is a Nakota Wiya (woman) mixed with French descent belonging to Cega’Kin (Carry the Kettle) First Nation on Treaty 4 Territory in Saskatchewan, Canada. Driven by a passion for advancing Indigenous resurgence in climate and energy, she has dedicated her career to enabling pathways toward socio-economic equity and restoration of sustainable, healthy, and culturally rich livelihoods for all kin through Indigenous-led partnerships and projects that resonate with community. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, which was sparked by an interest in continuously searching for the equilibrium between Indigenous perspectives of natural law and western sciences.
Currently, Alexandra holds a Director role at Indigenous Clean Energy, providing leadership to programs that empower Indigenous young people (ages 18-30) to participate in clean energy projects through project grants, technical mentorship, wrap-around supports, and internship opportunities. Alexandra established ICE’s innovative ImaGENation program in partnership with Student Energy and SevenGen Indigenous Youth Council, provides strategic leadership to ICE’s Generation Power program, while contributing to the evolution of ICE’s organizational goals and objectives. Alexandra is honored to support and include the voices of young, Indigenous trailblazers, wholeheartedly believing in their ability to reclaim an energy future rooted in ancestral values.
Grounded by an immense love for family, community, and the land, Alexandra strives to embody the Oceti Sakowin principle of “Mitakuya-Oyasin” (All My Relations), a philosophy that means all things created on earth and in the universe are related and inhabit a shared space, and as such, all things hold a responsibility to discover a purpose that ensures all our relatives thrive in our shared space. In her personal time, she expresses her creative spirit through jazz and R&B songwriting, beading, exploring the outdoors, photography and fashion, attempting to cook new recipes, and reading Indigenous literature to nurture cultural connectiveness.
Name
Aubrey-Anne Laliberte-Pewapisconias (she/her)
Position/Title
ImaGENation Program Manager
Location
Treaty 6 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene
Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Homeland of the Métis
Description
Aubrey-Anne Laliberte-Pewapisconias (she/her) is a nêhiyâskwew from Canoe Lake Cree First Nation on Treaty 10 Territory and Little Pine First Nation on Treaty 6 Territory. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, a Global Business Certificate, and an Indigenous Governance and Politics Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. Now, she is a graduate student pursuing her Master of Sustainability in Energy Security.
She takes great pride in her role as the ImaGENation Program Manager at Indigenous Clean Energy where she works with Indigenous Youth to build clean energy projects in their communities. Aubrey-Anne’s community involvement extends to various organizations, including Tatâga Inc., Indigenous Youth Roots, the Indigenous Leadership Circle, the City of Saskatoon Indigenous Technical Advisory Group, and Leading Change Canada.
Aubrey is passionate about energy literacy for youth and was recently awarded a Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalist award. Outside of her work in the energy space, she can be found attending spin classes and making ribbon skirts with her mother.
Name
Bonnie Van Tassel (she/her)
Position/Title
ICE Mentorship Program Manager, ICE Resources Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Description
Bonnie is an alumna of Carleton University in Ottawa. Her career is built around energy, from renewable energy project development to clean energy community engagement. At ICE, Bonnie provides comprehensive wrap-around support and resources to current and prospective program participants. Bonnie was a contributing author of the Arctic Community Energy Planning and Implementation Toolkit, a project led by Gwitch’in Council International for the Arctic Council. Since then, she has continued to work with northern communities and now acts as a mentor for NRCan’s Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative. She is passionate about collaborating and finding team solutions based on community values and visions. When she’s not working, Bonnie can be found in her verdant garden, in the saddle, or making art with her children.
Name
Cara Garneau (she/her)
Position/Title
Communications Coordinator
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation
Description
Cara is a recent graduate from Carleton’s Bachelor of Media Production and Design program, with a minor in Biology. She lives in Ottawa on the unceded and unsurrendered Anishinaabe Algonquin territory. Cara is passionate about conservation and accessible knowledge mobilisation. She enjoys communicating visually through art, photography, and design. In her spare time, Cara loves learning new creative skills and spending time outside.
Name
Chad Bonnetrouge (he/him)
Position/Title
Energy Efficiency Program Coordinator Program Coordinator
Location
Six Nations of the Grand River, ON
Description
Chad is Dene from the Deh Gáh Got’įę First Nation in Treaty 11 Territory. He participated in both the Catalyst 20/20 and the Generation Power Programs and is now the Energy Efficiency Program Coordinator at ICE.
As an indigenous youth from the north, he has extensive knowledge and personal experience with indigenous housing and the impacts of climate change. He has previously worked in his community as the Clean Energy Champion, working to reduce fossil fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gasses and making electricity, heating and housing more affordable for members in his community. Having worked at all different levels of project development, he has well-rounded knowledge, training and experience in community engagement, completing small-scale projects as well as developing and supporting different training and capacity-building initiatives to empower individuals with the potential to make energy and housing more efficient and affordable and to improve the overall quality of life for communities in the north. He strives to accelerate First Nation, Inuit and Metis participation in clean energy and energy efficiency, especially focused in the north and will help achieve that mission in any way that he can. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, reading, being out in nature, and spending time with friends and family.
Name
Chris Henderson (he/him)
Position/Title
Founding Executive Director
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Description
Chris Henderson is a Canadian clean energy thought leader and eco-entrepreneur. For 35 years, he has been at the forefront of ground-breaking enterprises and social and ecological initiatives with large-scale Canadian and global impact. Chris is a trusted commentator on sustainable development issues that respect the planet and generate enduring outcomes for communities. His first professional focus is advising and equipping Indigenous Nations and Peoples with means to develop and own clean energy projects, catalyzing social and economic development opportunities that combat climate change. Secondly, he aims to provide strategic advice on accelerating energy transition to a low-carbon, abundant energy future. Chris’ first book Aboriginal Power was published in 2013. Outside of ICE, Chris is the Lumos Energy President, Delphi Group Co-Founder and Globe Series Board Chair. When he’s not working, Chris enjoys paddling a canoe on Canada’s lakes and rivers.
Name
Corey Cote-Diabo (he/him)
Position/Title
Bringing It Home Program Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Description
Corey is a proud member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. At ICE, he works to grow Indigenous energy efficiency capacity to improve housing and quality of life in communities across Canada through the Bringing It Home initiative. Passionate about the health and success of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island, Corey strives to support ICE initiatives which aim to help Indigenous communities lead the way to a cleaner, more sustainable, and environmentally-friendly future. When he’s not working, you can find him enjoying outdoor activities in his community such as camping, fishing, hunting or golfing.
Name
Danika Crow (Anishinaabe’Kwe)
Position/Title
Event Management Coordinator
Location
Big Grassy River First Nation in Treaty #3 territory
Description
Paamaashe Giizhigook Indigo, Danika Crow Indizhinikaaz, Makwa Indoodem, Mishkosiminiziibing (Treaty 3) Indoonji.
Danika is a member of the Bear Clan, and is from Big Grassy River First Nation in Treaty #3 territory. Danika has diplomas in both Police Foundations and Applied Counseling; certificates as a Personal Support Worker and Indigenous Childbirth Educator; and, is currently in final year of the Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work program.
She has 8+ years of management experience as a Mental Health Support Services Manager and Cultural Services Manager which includes services in mental health & addictions, mental wellness, crisis intervention, community engagement, program development and implementation, as well as event management coordination. She is passionate about honoring a relationship with Aki through First Nation sustainability, land-based learning, and creating safe spaces for First Nations people to gather and share knowledge through culture and connections. Danika aims to build healthy communities while creating learning opportunities for future generations through empowerment and effective communication. Her way of life involves a dedication to pow wows, ceremonies, hunting, anishinaabemowin, traveling with family and working with/learning from our knowledge keepers.
Name
Freddie Campbell (she/they)
Position/Title
Director of Energy & Climate
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Description
Freddie is a proud Michif woman originally from the Ktunaxa Kinbasket territory, colonially known as Kimberley, BC. Her Métis family name is from the community of Lac La Biche, AB. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy from the University of Mary (US) and a Master’s of Science in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding from Durham University (UK). As manager of ICE’s Global Hub programming, Freddie seeks to share, collaborate and act on unique, just and sustainable projects that encompass the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Sustainable Development Goals. She is passionate about supporting Indigenous and community-led approaches to clean energy globally. She strives to bring her teachings, perspectives and truths to her work and ground in communities and the collective. Outside of work, Freddie finds solace in beadwork, wood carving, poetry, photography, sports and new experiences.
Name
Hannah Smith (she/her)
Position/Title
Learning and Evaluation Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation
Description
Hannah’s background combines research in social science, engineering problem solving, and evidence-based policy. She has used various research methods and evaluation techniques to contribute to Indigenous program and policy development and advocacy. She is passionate about storytelling and Indigenous research methodologies, and how they are the foundation of meaningful change. Hannah has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Applied Science in Engineering Education from Queen’s University. Outside of work, you can find her with her nose buried in a book, at the theatre, or getting creative in the kitchen.
Name
James Jenkins (he/him)
Position/Title
Executive Director
Location
Sarnia, ON, the traditional territory of the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potowatami Nations
Description
James is a member of Walpole Island First Nation, where he has previously served as Chief Executive Officer. James led the development of First Nation equity participation in two 100MW wind farms. These and similar experiences led James to become a champion of Indigenous community and business partnerships in clean energy. James holds an M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and is a former municipal clerk. He has also spent time running a consulting business, Ajijaak Solutions, which provided governance and management support for First Nations and businesses. James is a sessional instructor at Western University’s Public Administration Program. He is a proud father of three, a multi-instrumentalist, and an avid outdoorsman who loves camping, boating, hunting, and fishing.
Name
Jessica Tait (she/her)
Position/Title
Sustainable Transportation Manager
Location
Mississauga, ON, traditional territory of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations
Description
Jessica is a member of the Nisga’a Nation from Gitlaxt’aamiks, in the Nass Valley. She has formal education from the Ontario College of Art and Design, and an Honours Bachelor of Science Double Major in Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto. Most recently, she received a Workshop Facilitator Certificate from the Anti-oppression consulting firm Bakau Consulting. In her role as Sustainable Transportation Manager, she brings a deep devotion to integrity, and a focus on equity. Jessica appreciates the work ICE is doing to create opportunities that align with ancestral values, embrace cultural identities, and create new pathways forward. Jessica is passionate about the power of narrative, art, color, and interconnectedness. Her greatest accomplishment is her devotion as a mother.
Name
Justice Morningstar (she/her)
Position/Title
20/20 Catalyst Program Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Description
Justice is Ojibway from Ketegaunseebee (Garden River) First Nation. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Law from the University of Ottawa. Justice previously worked on healing and reconciliation programs for Indian Residential School Survivors and First Nations communities across Canada. She has a strong passion for advancing the socio-economic status of Indigenous people in Canada and hopes to use her education and previous work experience to make an impact on the futures of Indigenous people in Canada. In her free time, Justice enjoys spending time with her family, friends and community members.
Name
Kayla Fayant (she/her)
Position/Title
Energy Advisor Program Manager
Location
Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, AB, Treaty 6 territory
Description
Kayla is a Métis woman from the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, which is a Bringing it Home Guide Community. Before joining ICE, she worked to help bring clean energy programs into her home Settlement as well as working in Employment, Education and Community Services. This experience ignited an interest in clean energy and building capacity in Indigenous communities, which made joining ICE to manage the Energy Advisor training program an obvious choice. She is excited to grow the new program, see more Indigenous people join the industry, and create that capacity for Indigenous communities to participate in energy audits and eventually retrofits to create healthier and safer communities. While she has many interests, Kayla can usually be found either camping, spending time with her family or in her craft room.
Name
Kayla Nolan (she/her)
Position/Title
Generation Power Co-Manager
Location
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, the traditional territory of Baawaating
Description
Kayla is Ojibwe from Obaadjiwan (Batchewana First Nation), residing on the traditional territory of Baawaating. She holds a Diploma in Practical Nursing and is registered with the College of Nurses in Ontario. In her experiences as a nurse, she spent many years volunteering as well as working in indigenous communities on health promotion that created meaningful connections and experiences that shaped who she is as a professional today. She is a Hospice Nurse in a now casual capacity, and took a leap in a new direction in her career to work at ICE. Kayla is passionate about participating in the movement towards change in the clean energy sector, as well as using her previous experiences to promote conversations around health and how clean energy impacts our wellbeing. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner and family, as well as with her golden retriever, Hunnie.
Name
Kaysha Reeder (she/her)
Position/Title
Generation Power Program Coordinator
Location
Traditional ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), so-called Vancouver
Description
Kaysha is a first-generation mixed Korean settler residing as an uninvited guest on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations so-called Vancouver. She holds a Bachelor of Urban Forestry and a Minor in Landscape and Recreation Planning from the University of British Columbia.
Kaysha is passionate about advancing sustainability and environmental justice through community engagement and youth empowerment. Her work experience spans various sectors, including municipal government, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. She has contributed to projects ranging from hands-on environmental protection initiatives, such as enforcing tree protection by-laws, to developing environmental education programs and coordinating capacity-building initiatives to inspire and empower youth to take action.
Kaysha is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Generation Power Program team, where she can help equip Indigenous youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities to lead the clean energy transition and foster a more just and sustainable world for generations to come. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, travelling, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Name
Larissa Diamantopoulos (she/her)
Position/Title
Bringing It Home Program Coordinator
Location
Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, QC
Description
Larissa earned her degree in Environmental Studies from Carleton University, where she cultivated a deep passion for regenerative design, clean energy, and capacity development. Throughout her career, she has provided capacity-building support to numerous environmental non-profits and has significantly contributed to the employment and career advancement of other young professionals in the environmental sector.
Driven by a desire to merge her diverse interests and align her work with her values, Larissa found the ideal opportunity as the Program Coordinator for Bringing It Home. In this role, she has supported the development and delivery of the inaugural cohort of the Bringing It Home Project Accelerator. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting community-driven energy efficiency projects and looks forward to contributing further to efforts that lead to lasting improvements to housing.
Name
Larissa Wrightman (she/her)
Position/Title
20/20 Catalysts Coordinator Coordinator
Location
Walpole Island First Nation
Description
Larissa Wrightman (she/her) is a proud Anishinaabe kwe from Walpole Island First Nation Unceded Territory. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with distinction from Nipissing University.
Previously having experience working with clean energy projects in her territory, Larissa values the importance of building capacity through projects that not only better the land but empower the First Nation communities they operate in as well.
She is passionate about advocating to better Turtle Island through clean energy for our future generations to come. Outside of work Larissa enjoys taking her cat for walks, travelling, going on hikes, volunteering in her community, and spending her time with loved ones.
Name
Lina Forero (she/her)
Position/Title
Senior Communications Manager
Location
Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, unceded traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka
Description
Lina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Journalism from Universidad Javeriana (Colombia) and a graduate diploma in Visual Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal. Prior to her role as Communications Manager at ICE, she worked in TV production, print, digital media, and community radio. In 2019, Lina was a recipient of the CBC Joan Donaldson Scholarship. She is passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of Indigenous people transitioning to a greener future and raising awareness about clean energy initiatives and community projects. Outside of work, Lina enjoys being with her family, reading memoirs and cooking recipes from other nations.
Name
Mackenzie Roop (she/they)
Position/Title
National Energy and Climate Policy Analyst
Location
Montreal, QC, Tiohtià:ke, Unceded Kanien’kehá:ka Nation Territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Description
A non-Indigenous person living in Tiotia:ke, Mackenzie was born in unceded Squamish, Tsleil Waututh and Musqueam territories, took their first steps on Ngunnawal territory, and was raised in Vietnam and the Philippines.
Mackenzie holds a bachelor of International Development from McGill University and a Master’s in Indigenous Development Practice from the University of Winnipeg.
As the National Energy and Climate Policy and Programming Analyst, Mackenzie is interested in building cross-jurisdictional relationships and approaches to enhance Indigenous leadership in energy. Passionate about community-centered solutions, Mackenzie is a certified CANDO Technical Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED). Mackenzie’s most recent work supported the technical policy priorities of First Nations in the federal implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2021).
Striving to bridge generosity and justice, Mackenzie values good process. Outside of work, Mackenzie is enthusiastic about music and water safety.
Name
Paulina Larreátegui (she/her)
Position/Title
Program Relations Manager
Location
Treaty 4 Territory
Description
Paulina was born and raised in Ecuador within a Mestizo family. Today, she thrives in Treaty 4 Territory, where she lives, studies, works, and embraces life’s adventures with her family. As a guest on this land, she is deeply committed to fostering transnational solidarity wherever her journey takes her.
Paulina holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from FLACSO-Ecuador and a Bachelor of Laws from the Universidad Católica del Ecuador. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina. Her research delves into transnational advocacy networks supporting Indigenous women environmental defenders across the Americas.
As the Program Relations Manager, Paulina aims to enhance meaningful relationship-building between the Energy & Climate team, communities and ICE programs. Out of work, Paulina finds solace and joy in the art of baking and cooking, often collaborating with her daughter to recreate cherished family recipes passed down through generations.
Name
Ray Burrage-Goodwin (they/he)
Position/Title
Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program Coordinator
Location
Ottawa, ON, unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory
Description
Ray (He/They) is the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program Coordinator for ICE. Ray is a person of settler decent from the Wampanoag territory in Massachusetts, United States. They currently reside on traditional Algonquin Anishinaabe territory in Ottawa, Ontario. Ray holds a Master’s of Environmental Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Bachelor’s of History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Ray is grateful to be a part of the ImaGENation team at ICE, working on behalf of the youth and the planet. When not working, Ray enjoys swimming, rowing, reading and being outdoors with friends and family.
Name
Sheyenne Jumbo (she/her)
Position/Title
Executive Assistant
Location
Sambaa K’e First Nation, NT
Description
Sheyenne is a proud Dehcho Dene originating from the Sambaa K’e First Nation. She holds a diploma in Environment and Natural Resources Technology. Before joining ICE as the Executive Assistant, she worked within the NWT regulatory regime, environmental monitoring and resource management with a focus on incorporating and highlighting Traditional Knowledge and Practices within protocols. Sheyenne is passionate about making and maintaining meaningful relationships and building capacity within remote and northern Indigenous communities. She is very excited to be working with the ICE team to support relationship and capacity building through the inclusion of Indigenous in Clean Energy! When she’s not at work, you can find her exploring the backcountry, spending time with her family and beading.
Name
Sonia Leo (she/her)
Position/Title
Manager of Grants and Contributions
Location
Líl̓wat Nation
Description
Sonia Leo is a proud Lil̓wat7úl member of the Líl̓wat Nation, an Interior Salish community. For over ten years, Sonia has worked to serve the Indigenous community in various capacities and industries ranging from television to non-profit organizations. Harnessing her skills, energy, and enthusiasm to empower Indigenous people and help them shine is the bedrock of everything she does, both professionally and personally. As ICE’s Grants and Contributions Manager Sonia envisions making a valuable contribution to the organization with her administrative, writing, and research experience. Recently, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in International Tourism Management, with a focus on sustainability, and conducted research on the importance of cultural sustainability for Indigenous empowerment and self-determination. This experience gave her a deeper understanding of the importance of building trust and bridging silos with Indigenous people for community engagement, first-hand knowledge she brings to ICE. Through her ICE role, Sonia aspires to make a positive impact in partnerships as Indigenous communities strive to achieve meaningful inclusion in Canada’s clean energy future. A passionate believer in balancing the mind, body, and spirit, in her free time Sonia practices meditating, strength-training, and yoga.