Josep is a multidisciplinary project manager focused on environmental education and sustainable design. He is an innovative and visionary team player with 25 years of experience ranging from product design to creativity in education and the eco-movement. He is always keen to be involved in like-minded organizations, which help us reframe our understanding of how to live on the planet. Josep has a special interest in educating kids in their exploration of the natural cycles around them and their role in preserving Mother Nature. Having worked with organizations such as Evergreen Brickworks and Earthbound Kids, he has a deep seated belief that through education and innovation we can work together to make a better world.

Kristen received a bachelor of science in environmental sciences, majoring in forest ecology at the University of Winnipeg. Kristen loves everything the outdoors has to offer, and has always sought a career in the environmental field, (especially when her jobs take her outside).

Kristen’s passions include reducing her waste and consumption, sourcing food from small scale farmers who practice regenerative and sustainable agriculture, learning about ways to incorporate permaculture concepts into her garden, trees and forests, canoeing, camping, and spending time out at the lake with friends and family.

Nikole is passionate about animal activism and environmental sustainability. She has been plant based for most of her adult life, for both the animals and the planet, and is always looking for new ways to lessen her carbon footprint. Her current focus is learning how to avoid the fast fashion industry, and her goal is to learn how to sew so she can make her own clothing (or at least alter thrifted items). Nikole is an avid reader and writer, and spends her free time volunteering at a local farm sanctuary.

Maarit has a degree in Central and Eastern European Studies from the University of Manitoba and spent a decade traveling and studying around Europe. Maarit worked in the food & beverage industry for nearly two decades, cultivating a love for artisan cheese, natural wine and sustainable agriculture. She is a third-generation Ukrainian Canadian, and volunteers her time in education and activism for Ukraine. Maarit’s heritage and academic background has led her to her work on her latest project, ‘Ukrainadian: Stories and Recipes from the Diaspora Table’; a cookbook in homage to the culinary history and foodways of Canada’s Ukrainian diaspora. When she’s not cooking or reading books about cooking, you can find her in the woods, foraging for mushrooms and other wild things.

Ariel is a graduate from the University of Winnipeg with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and is perusing an Environmental Professional designation. Prior to being hired at Green Action Centre, she spent two summers applying her knowledge as a species at risk assistant with Nature Manitoba, gaining important field experience. An avid cyclist, gardener and birdwatcher, Ariel loves all things outdoors, is very interested in environmental protection and personal sustainability. She is especially concerned with Winnipeg’s reliance on vehicular travel, and what she sees as limited action for protecting the environment . As a sustainable transportation coordinator, Ariel hopes to bring more Manitobans into the wonderful world of cycling and sustainable travel. When she is not working, she loves painting, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.

Kael is a graduate from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and has spent their life working in a number of diverse roles focused on sustainability and environmental conservation. Kael is passionate about enmeshing biodiversity into urban environments and advocating for a more walkable, bikeable, and busable Winnipeg. In their free time, Kael enjoys biking, skiing, hiking, and camping, and is an avid writer.

Mel is a life-long environmentalist. She lives in central Winnipeg so that she can bike and walk almost everywhere she needs to go. She is the co-founder and artistic director of Theatre by the River, a professional, independent theatre company, and she is the Publisher at Great Plains Publications. She’s happy to be helping more people to commute in a healthy, sustainable way, everyday!

Amy has worked with the First Nations Waste Minimization Program for over four years. Her passion for waste minimization began in her childhood home in Pinawa, where she helped her parents with the backyard compost and worked a couple of summers at the town recycling depot as a teenager. She has a Masters of Natural Resource Management from the University of Manitoba. Her thesis studied ways to improve end-of-life vehicle recycling in northern Manitoba. In her free time Amy enjoys cooking, spending time with family and being outdoors camping, canoeing or cross country skiing.

Cesar grew up moving throughout Central and South America but moved to Canada in 2014 for university and has enjoyed every winter since moving here. He has received valuable life lessons in Northern Manitoba while gathering plants, ice fishing, and exploring the bush alongside friends and mentors. Cesar’s exposure to rural and indigenous communities throughout his years growing up has fueled his passion, respect, and hope in grassroots movements and Indigenous knowledges to address the climate crisis, and create alternative modes of relating to the land and each other.​

Jordan’s interest in community-based work began when he attended the Katimavik program after completing high school in Norway House Cree Nation. This led him to volunteer with various compost and environmental organizations, and gave him experience in connecting with organizations, resource-gathering, team-building, building community relationships, and facilitating. After spending 4 years working full-time in a classroom as an Education Assistant (EA) with the Seven Oaks School Division while also working on a degree in Education at the University of Winnipeg through the Community-based Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (CATEP), Jordan decided it was time for a career change. He has a strong sense of concern for the environment that fits well with the mission of the First Nations Waste Minimization program and Compost Winnipeg, where he worked briefly before moving over to the First Nations program. As a single Indigenous father, Jordan works to change stereotypes and provide a good future for his son Aldrian. In his free time, you can find Jordan jamming on his guitar, playing video games, long-distance walking, or taking care of his son.

Natalia was born and raised in Winnipeg and decided to move to Vancouver Island to be closer to the ocean and would regularly hike, kayak, swim, and forage. When she wasn’t out in nature or making tinctures, she was managing a bakery and honing in on her puff pastry and cake decorating skills. Her passion for sustainability and slow living brought her back to Winnipeg to be closer to family and to switch career paths from the food industry to environmental work. While in school, Natalia worked for a non-profit and eventually took on the role of Waste Audit Coordinator, realizing her passion was waste management.

Natalia firmly believes that environmental and social sustainability go hand-in-hand when building a vibrant and eco-friendly community. She hopes to continue working on her own sustainability goals and helping others achieve theirs, one eco-friendly swap at a time.

Amanda has a wide range of experience leading environmental projects, from water treatment to waste reduction to public engagement.  She has a degree in applied science from the University of British Columbia and is a registered Professional Engineer.  She moved from Vancouver to Winnipeg in 2006, and was quickly won over by the friendly people and sense of community.

Amanda has a strong belief in environmental and social sustainability, which led her to Compost Winnipeg.  She is excited about the opportunities ahead for Compost Winnipeg, as the value of social enterprises and social equity gain recognition, and the diversion of organic material from the landfill increases in importance.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her partner and kids, reading, biking, walking, and listening to podcasts.

Learn more about Compost Winnipeg and the rest of their talented crew!