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.

Ariel is a recent graduate from the University of Winnipeg with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. 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, and is especially concerned with Winnipeg’s reliance on vehicular travel. 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.

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.

The Climate Action Team (CAT) is a coalition of environmental organizations in Manitoba who joined forces out of a sense of urgency and obligation to create a road to climate resilience in our province.  Partners include Green Action Centre.  Climate Change Connection, Wilderness Committee – Manitoba Office, Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition and Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Manitoba Office.

Durdana Islam has a PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Manitoba with several years of teaching experience at the University of Winnipeg. She has many peer-reviewed publications and won a number of awards for her academic research and publications. She worked with many northern Indigenous communities in Manitoba during her doctoral and postdoctoral studies.

Durdana’s heart is in creating a healthier and sustainable community. As a climate change researcher and a mother of two amazing kids, she is worried about her children’s future. She believes in the equity for all in a diverse and progressive society. It is through our determination and shared vision; we can accomplish real change to build a better world where social and environmental equity is addressed. She envisions a Manitoba where real action on climate change supports thousands of new jobs and saves Manitobans millions of dollars as we transform to a more efficient and green economy. Whether in the scope of university teaching, professional and volunteer work, she strives to connect with people and create a sense of community. Durdana believes in learning, growing and empowering others.

Durdana loves to read and paint in her spare time. She enjoys long walks in the park, kayaking, camping and fishing in summer; and skiing and skating in winter. According to her, “Nature feeds my soul”.

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.

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!

Beth has been with Green Action Centre since 2006. For the first 10 years, she focused squarely on sustainable transportation. Since 2016, she is thrilled to be part of the First Nations Waste Minimization team. This program supports First Nation communities in Manitoba to reduce and divert waste through hands on assistance, resources, tools, school presentations, and community events. Beth continues to moderate the Active Transportation listserv in Manitoba and is a co-founder and past board member of Peg City Car Co-op, which introduced carsharing in Winnipeg.

Growing up in Norway House Manitoba Haven‘s interest in assisting communities began while working at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Before his time at AMC Haven attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Native Studies with a minor in Geography. His experience working with communities in researching COVID-19 funding assistance programs or helping with company planned events has provided him with a passion for learning and helping others. In his spare time he enjoys playing video games, spending time with family and watching hockey.

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.

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.

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!