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
20/20 Catalysts Program Senior Coordinator
Location
Ottawa, ON, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Abhu
Description
Abhu 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. Abhu 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. Abhu 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
Alex Lemay (he/him)
Position/Title
Generation Power Program Coordinator
Location
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, the traditional territory of Baawaating
Email Alex
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 the. He holds 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 In 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 motor sports industry while promoting a positive caring approach to our environment. When not helping shape our future youth as the Generation Power Program Coordinator, he’s probably getting lost in the outdoors, fishing, snowboarding, scuba diving, camping or even boardgames with friends and family!
Name
Alexandra Thomson (she/her)
Position/Title
Director of Youth Programs
Location
Calgary, AB, traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region
Email Alexandra
Description
Alexandra is a Nakoda woman mixed with French ancestry, belonging to Carry the Kettle (Cega’kin) First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Alexandra strives to apply her education and Indigenous background to solve issues impacting Indigenous communities related to energy, infrastructure, sustainability, and socioeconomics. She aims to empower Indigenous communities to establish sovereignty through community-based project work and capacity-building initiatives. Alexandra is passionate about Indigenous women and youth in STEM, as she believes Indigenous knowledge can contribute to an evolving holistic framework in the field that will provide meaningful, long-lasting solutions for Indigenous communities. Alexandra’s hobbies include singing and song writing in the genre of R&B, travelling (when possible) and exploring the outdoors, fitness and yoga, photography and fashion, attempting to cook new recipes, and reading poetry or books by Indigenous authors to nurture cultural connectiveness.
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
Email Bonnie
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
Brianna Julian (she/her)
Position/Title
20/20 Catalysts Program Coordinator
Location
Haida Gwaii, BC, the traditional unseeded territory of the Haida Nation
Email Brianna
Description
Brianna (she/her) is Dakelh from the Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation, currently residing on the traditional unseeded territory of the Haida Nation in Haida Gwaii, B.C. She has been working on completing her Masters degree through SFU in Indigenous Business Leadership and has a background in economic development and small business development. Her previous experience with project development and planning supports her in her role with ICE and the work she does with the 20/20 Catalyst Program as the Program Coordinator. Brianna is grateful to be working with ICE to support opportunities for Indigenous People across Canada to become leaders in clean energy. Brianna enjoys regalia making with hide, beads, and fur as well as traditional weaving. She enjoys participating in seasonal harvesting and gathering activities and takes any opportunity to get out on the water!
Name
Brigette DePape (she/her)
Position/Title
Manager of Grants and Contributions
Location
Winnipeg, MB, traditional territories of the Treaty 1 peoples; Anishinaabeg, Cree, Métis, Dakota, Dene, and Oji-Cree Nations
Email Brigette
Description
Brigette has a Master’s degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University. She was a Social Innovation Fellow at Carleton, where she conducted research on impact investing at Canadian foundations. She was also named a Young Impact Leader by Future of Good for helping to develop a youth-led Truth and Reconciliation program and a COVID-19 granting program at The Winnipeg Foundation. Brigette is passionate about Indigenous and gender inclusion in climate solutions. Outside of work, her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, cross-country skiing, playing basketball, bike riding, reading, and creative writing.
Name
Chris Henderson (he/him)
Position/Title
Founding Executive Director
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Chris
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
Email Corey
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
Daphne Kay (she/her)
Position/Title
Energy & Climate Manager
Location
Treaty 4 Territory, Regina
Email Daphne
Description
Daphne Kay is a proud Anishinaabe Ikwe from Cowessess First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. She is the Energy and Climate Manager of the Global Hub at Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise (ICE), where she works to support Indigenous clean energy sovereignty on national and global scales. Daphne studied Political Science at the First Nations University of Canada and University of Regina and went on to study Land Management at the University of Saskatchewan. Daphne was fortunate to work for her Nation in various capacities where she gained clean energy project management and community engagement experiences. Daphne has always been passionate about sustainable living and protecting the land. Outside of work Daphne enjoys beading, travelling, and dancing pow-wow and strives to continue living in a good way in hopes of being a good future ancestor.
Name
Emily Kow (she/her)
Position/Title
Generation Power Co-Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Emily
Description
Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology with a Minor in Mental Health, Addiction and Society from McMaster University. In her role at ICE, Emily develops and coordinates program materials, delivery, logistics, and outreach for Generation Power. Before joining ICE, Emily led a homelessness prevention program at an Indigenous cultural centre, working with youth and families to deliver culturally-grounded life skills sessions. She is passionate about utilizing interdisciplinary perspectives to support equitable community growth and challenge systemic barriers. In her free time, you can find Emily tending to her houseplants, learning world geography, or scoping out furniture at the thrift store.
Name
Eryn Stewart (she/her)
Position/Title
Managing Director
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Eryn
Description
Eryn developed and currently leads ICE’s keystone initiative: 20/20 Catalysts Program, Canada’s first and highly successful Indigenous clean energy capacity-building program. In five years, it has supported over 100 Indigenous clean energy champions. Currently, much of Eryn’s work focuses on clean energy in northern communities, supporting community energy planning and energy education initiatives. In 2017, Eryn was one of 20 emerging leaders selected by the Arctic Council to take part in the Arctic Remote Energy Network Academy. She was honoured with distinction as a 30 under 30 in Sustainability in 2018 and was awarded the University of Waterloo’s Young Alumni Inspiration Award in 2020. Eryn recently published Arctic Community Energy Planning and Implementation Toolkit in partnership with Gwich’in Council International for communities across the circumpolar Arctic. She is passionate about women leadership in the clean energy sector, specifically Indigenous women. When she is not working, Eryn enjoys scuba diving, basketball, spending time with loved ones and boardgames.
Name
Freddie Campbell (she/they)
Position/Title
Energy & Climate Senior Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Freddie
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
Ian Scholten (he/him)
Position/Title
Program Director
Location
Canmore, AB, Treaty 7 territory under the shadow of Ehagay Nakoda
Email Ian
Description
Ian holds a Bachelor of Knowledge Integration from the University of Waterloo. Throughout his work, he has engaged in opportunities related to energy efficiency and electric vehicles. At ICE, he oversees the Bringing It Home and Charge Up programs. Ian is also proud to have been a part of the growth of the strong network of Indigenous clean energy leaders that have come through ICE’s 20/20 Catalyst program, who support communities in developing net-zero energy housing and pathways to major retrofit projects. He is passionate about engaging communities in important discussions about their energy futures and helping make those visions a reality. When he’s not at work, you can find Ian out on the trails enjoying nature with his partner Mel, making sawdust as a budding woodworker, or dreaming up a home DIY project.
Name
James Jenkins (he/him)
Position/Title
Executive Director
Location
Sarnia, On, the traditional territory of the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potowatami nations
Email James
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 he 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
ICE Program Coordinator
Location
Mississauga, ON, traditional territory of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy the Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations
Email Jessica
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 Program Coordinator, 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
Email Justice
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
Justin Pelan (he/him)
Position/Title
ImaGENation Program Coordinator
Location
The traditional and unceded territory of the sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) Peoples.
Email Justin
Description
Justin is a multidisciplinary educator, skilled carpenter, and mechanic that is passionate about science, climate justice, and youth empowerment. Justin grew up in Treaty 6 Territory (Edmonton, AB) and currently resides on the traditional and unceded territory of the sqilxʷ/syilx (okanagan) peoples. He is interested in the clean energy transition through sustainable development that is informed by both Indigenous knowledge systems and western science. With a background in Education from the University of Saskatchewan focused on science and social studies, Justin aims to support youth towards their vision of a clean energy future by building strong relationships and empowering them with learning resources that are aligned with cultural values. His hobbies include building science, fine woodworking, producing music, photography, and troubleshooting machines and electronics for friends and family.
Name
Kayla Nolan (she/her)
Position/Title
Generation Power Co-Manager
Location
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, the traditional territory of Baawaating
Email Kayla
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
Kayla Fayant (she/her)
Position/Title
Energy Advisor Program Manager
Location
Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, AB, Treaty 6 territory
Email Kayla
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
Larissa Diamantopoulos (she/her)
Position/Title
Bringing It Home Program Coordinator
Location
Ottawa, ON, unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory
Email Larissa
Description
Larissa (She/Her) is the Bringing It Home Program Coordinator. She currently resides on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. Larissa received her degree in Environmental Studies from Carleton University, where she developed her passion for regenerative design, renewable energy, and community planning. With professional experience providing capacity-building support and working with many environmental non-profits in her region, she has always admired ICE’s work and leadership in the sector.She continues to play a key role in supporting the employment of young professionals across Canada in the environmental sector through her role as Vice-Chair with Eco-Internships. Outside of work, she is always looking for new music and recipes and enjoys a variety of activities including camping, paddleboarding, yoga, and snowboarding.
Name
Lina Forero (she/her)
Position/Title
Communications Manager
Location
Montreal, QC, traditional territory of the Mohawk peoples
Email Lina
Description
Lina holds a Bachelor or 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
Mark Krabben (he/him)
Position/Title
IODI and Resources Coordinator
Location
Kelowna, BC, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation
Email Mark
Description
Mark holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) and is currently studying part-time for a Master of Engineering in Smart Grid Systems and Technologies at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). He has experience in construction project management, working on the Peace Arch Hospital Expansion Project and various electric vehicle charging projects across Turtle Island. He has tutored multiple students in high school science and math and is excited to contribute to the Indigenous Clean Energy curriculum. His passion is clean energy, and his career goals are to contribute to the global mission of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. When Mark is not working or studying, you can find him cycling, playing hockey, watching the NFL, or spending time with his family and friends.
Name
Naisola Letoya (she/her)
Position/Title
Communications Coordinator
Location
Mi’kma’ki
Email Naisola
Description
Naisola (she/her) is a proud Maasai who grew up between Knysna, South Africa, and Nairobi, Kenya, and who currently resides in Mi’kma’ki. She recently graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Media and Communications, and is excited to start this new chapter of her journey with ICE. Naisola’s background includes digital marketing, logistics, and working with different communities through the non-profit sector. Naisola is passionate about human rights, content creation, and helping others. When she is not working, Naisola spends her time hiking with her dog, trying to grow a garden, travelling, attempting new hobbies, and programming.
Name
Nazia Khan (she/her)
Position/Title
People Manager
Location
Calgary, AB, traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region
Email Nazia
Description
Naz holds a Business Administration degree from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she made the dean’s honor roll. She specialized in human resources management and has a unique perspective from working with First Nations in the past. Before joining the ICE team in 2022, Naz spent more than five years at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, where she supported Indigenous community relations. When Naz isn’t hard at work, she enjoys powerlifting, watching documentaries, and listening to audiobooks, all while honouring her Fijian roots through her lifestyle.
Name
Ray Burrage-Goodwin (they/he)
Position/Title
Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program Coordinator
Location
Ottawa, ON, unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory
Email Ray
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
Ricardo Dabydeen (he/him)
Position/Title
Partnerships Intern
Location
Brampton, ON, traditional territory of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Email Ricardo
Description
Ricardo Dabydeen is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo pursuing studies in Honours Urban Planning and specializing in Urban Design. Coming from an interdisciplinary background, Ricardo prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity at ICE to formulate meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations to build a clean energy future. He has achieved consecutive term distinction status in his program and is the Team Lead Ambassador for the Faculty of Environment at his university. Along with his strong academic performance, his experiences in academic writing and environmental design play a big role in supporting partnerships and maintaining strong communications with key partners at ICE. Ricardo possesses a deep passion for green architecture and regularly volunteers at shelters that support youth without adequate homes or resources to thrive. When he is not designing, he loves to be among nature and rev out his dirt bike on the track.
Name
Sonia Leo (she/her)
Position/Title
Manager of Grants and Contributions
Location
Líl̓wat Nation
Email Sonia
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.