Female leaders in nature conservation
Prairie rose (Photo by Karol Dabbs)
In honour of International Women’s Day (March 8), we’re celebrating female staff members at the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) who are working to create a stronger future for Canada’s landscapes.
Female leaders become important role models for others. It’s important to hold space and share their perspectives and voices so that they can inspire others to reach their full potential.
To celebrate this important day, here are reflections from several women on their experience in the workplace, the importance of female leadership, women in STEM and female mentors.
Stats at a glance
Nila Sivatheesan (Photo courtesy of Nila Sivatheesan)
What is the most fulfilling part of your role in this organization?
“The most fulfilling part of my role is getting to witness Canadians’ shared passion for conserving nature. A big part of my job is to interact with our donors and supporters on social media. I enjoy seeing comments and messages from people sharing stories about their love for protecting nature and being outdoors, and how they are helping nature in their own backyards. The passion and hard work that I see from my fellow colleagues in conserving nature is just an added bonus. It gives me a lot of hope for the future. It’s nice to know that people care. And it’s nice to go to bed each night knowing that I did the best I could with the skills I have to help further nature conservation.”
- Nila Sivatheesan, digital media coordinator
Catherine Grenier (Photo by Geneviève Lesieur)
Why do you think it’s important to empower women to take up leadership positions in conservation?
“We all need nature, and nature needs everyone to thrive. Finding solutions for a resilient future with nature is a vital, but very ambitious, challenge. Success requires a diversity of perspectives and everyone’s participation. More role models of women in leadership can empower more women to get involved. I want to ensure there is a place for everyone in conservation. Follow your passion, and lead the way for nature.”
- Catherine Grenier, president and CEO, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Quincin Chan (Photo courtesy of Quincin Chan)
On influencing future generations, what do you do to pass on your passion and values?
“My late mother had, and still has, a huge impact on my values. I learned her values not by what she said to me but by the way she treated people around her. As a manager and a mother, I also try to lead by example. I try to be my best self everyday and hope to inspire my team and my children this way.”
- Quincin Chan, manager, digital fundraising
Kelly Cain (Photo courtesy Kelly Cain)
How do you maintain a positive work culture and encourage open dialogue among colleagues?
“I like to check in with people often. Whenever possible I like to keep things light, especially now because of stress, isolation and all the COVID preoccupations in people’s lives. I encourage people to bring their whole self to work, which can sometimes include an unexpected photobomb from a critter or a child during a meeting. I consider these interludes of joy, and something else that is positive about working from home. And I try to do my best to get to know what matters to people both in and out of work, and get a sense of the overall ‘human nature’ of the team, in case they need a bit of extra room to breathe from time to time.”
- Kelly Cain, regional vice-president, Atlantic Region
Dana Kleniewski (Photo by Brian Yungblut)
Who are some of the women who have inspired you at Nature Conservancy of Canada?
“I’ve been with NCC for over 16 years, and I’ve been inspired not just by the many incredible women I work with on a daily basis, but also by those who have volunteered to be on our Ontario Region board of directors, past and present. These women have made NCC a priority in their busy lives, providing strategic advice, leadership and fundraising support for our team. Their voices and perspectives have been, and continue to be, so important as we strive to do more conservation, better and faster.”
- Dana Kleniewski, director of development and communications, Ontario Region
