Women in Sustainability Freelancers to Hire in 2023
The labour economy has undergone significant changes over the past few years following the global COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of massive job cuts, and a lack of 9 to 5 opportunities, many young people have turned to the self-employment route and began seeking freelance opportunities as their primary source of income. Digital workspaces have made collaboration far more accessible, allowing young people to contribute specialized work where there is demand. Employers have followed this trend, with more and more companies introducing blended teams of full time employees and freelancers, and seeing great success with this model. So much so, hiring managers are predicted to rely more heavily on freelancers for work in coming years.
For International Women’s Day, we released a call for women in sustainability freelancers in Turtle Island who were interested in showcasing their services on our platform. Our term ‘women’ is inclusive of those who identify as trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people. Women are a driving force in sustainability initiatives, yet gender biases often get in the way of their recognition. Similarly, the gender pay gap continues to exist, even in the sustainability sector; hence why we wanted to showcase women in this feature and highlight the incredible work they do to create a more climate resilient future. The following list highlights women freelancers who have contributed their skills and services to the sustainability industry. Most of these freelancers identify as youth and are open for freelance work. You can contact them by clicking their name, and messaging them on LinkedIn.
Learn more about our incredible round-up of women in sustainability freelancers by reading their bios and the services they offer. We also highly encourage you to think about hiring them for your next project or contract!
Riley Chervinski
(She/Her)
Riley Chervinski is a science communicator and impact storyteller. She values time spent outdoors, innovative and inclusive conservation efforts, and community-driven and nature-based solutions. Riley is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communications and Red River College’s Creative Communications program where she majored in journalism. She has written extensively about Manitoba's declining polar bear population.
Open to: Research, Grant Writing, Interviewing and Writing Articles, Blogs, & Conservation Case Studies
Sameeha Sheikh is a Graphic Designer working with multiple non-profit organizations within sustainability and focusing on youth. She has a passion for uplifting underrepresented voices, specifically women of colour. She currently works as the Graphic Designer for the Green Career Centre and Regenesis where she helps define the branding and marketing strategy across multiple channels.
Open to: Branding Design & Digital Design
Kathryn has a passion for creating accessible digital solutions that prioritize the environment, accessibility and inclusivity. Her expertise in graphic design, web design, and visual identity enables her to effectively communicate complex problems and develop innovative solutions. She excels in using empathy, imagination, and design thinking to create user-friendly experiences and marketing campaigns, giving power to critical social and environmental movements.
Open to: Website Design, Branding, Communication Strategy Development, Marketing & Graphic Design
Davan Mulligan is a passionate climate change advocate who cares deeply about our environment. Davan has always been involved with environmental protection, attending Vancouver’s climate strikes before COVID-19, joining her high school’s Environmental Club, and participating in community garbage clean-ups. Now, Davan is currently studying Forest Conservation Sciences at the University of Toronto in order to pursue a career in the environmental field and to help save the planet.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research & Grant Writing
Jessica is a Social Entrepreneur, President and Founder of The Winged Foundation an NGO based in Canada with the mission of reducing poverty cycles through education and well-being projects that support Colombian children and youth. Jessica currently lives in Tanzania assisting in social impact projects. Her role model is Nelson Mandela and her favourite quote is: “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up”.
Open to: Open to Speaking, Consulting & Facilitation
Daniela has a bachelor's degree in communications from the Universidad Intercontinental, México and is trying out a new lifestyle in Canada. She enjoys her free time as it allows her to engage with her interests. She likes drawing, watching movies, and stop-motion. Her favourite subjects are arts, animals, sustainability, sports and travel. She is a good friend and prioritizes being nice to others. One day she wants to turn her life around 180 degrees.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Pooja is an Indian-American climate organizer who focuses on capacity-building for youth, effective storytelling to inspire action, intergenerational power sharing, and trust-based philanthropy. She is the Founder and Director of Youth Climate Collaborative, a designer for Rivet, and on the finance team of the Climate Youth Negotiators Program. She is also an active member of YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Grant Writing, Project Management, Conference Events & more!
Faith Edem is an awarded public policy leader in the sustainability sector, climate resilience author and an awarded diversity and inclusion actor. Faith has an array of expertise championing sustainability, climate governance, climate finance, the just transition, climate justice and net-zero emissions through her work and projects. Faith seeks to provide sustainable action as a public speaker, researcher, and consultant to support a low-carbon economy.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Vandana is a professional fascinated with environmental and social wellbeing and has a multi-disciplinary background. She is passionate about sustainable policy and development. She is experienced in managing projects, extensive research, preparing reports, public engagement, stakeholder interviews, consultations, education, and planning. She also facilitated and coordinated meetings, workshops, trainings and campaigns with public and private entities related to environmental management.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Qazi Nisa is a Master of Environmental Sciences student and Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Guelph. With a background in Public Health and Microbiology, she brings a comprehensive skill set to her work. Qazi's experience includes work in workplace safety, administration, and life-science research. She is a self-motivated individual with strong analytical and communication skills, and a track record of success in diverse career pathways.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research & Grant Writing
Iman is a Pearson Scholar at the University of Toronto. Growing up in the U.K., Pakistan, and Kenya, she led afforestation and educational projects which sparked her interest in environmental justice. As a Laidlaw Scholar, honours thesis student and research assistant Iman’s passion for research is evident. Further, she explored her interest in policy by representing Youth4Nature at COP15 and working as an Environmental Consultant for the AgaKhan Institutions.
Open to: Research
Paloma is an aspiring environmental professional currently with EcoSource as part of the Youth in Action Credit Connections programme. Her ideal role is to work in the environmental or geotechnical industry. Paloma is pre-approved with youth internship wage funding with ECO Canada and an EPt. She is able to program in SQL, CSS, JavaScript and HTML and technical writing is one of her strong assets as well.
Open to: Consulting, Facilitation, Research, Technical Writing & Software
Jenna Phillips is a Top 25 Environmentalist Under 25, passionate climate communicator, and Founder of Clear the Air, an online platform that educates, inspires, and mobilizes thousands of youth to take climate action. She equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become changemakers in their communities. She is completing a Master’s in Global Governance, exploring localized climate governance approaches and feminist climate futures.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Cameron is an environmentalist and youth advocate. She worked with Lake St. Martin and Dauphin River First Nations to document the effects of environmental racism and find community-led solutions. Cameron works with Youth Climate Lab and sits on EarthEcho International’s Youth Leadership Council. She was selected to represent Canadian youth at UNEA-5.2 and received The Platform’s Redefining Leadership Environmental Fellowship. Cameron sits on Students on Ice’s Arctic Policy Cohort.
Open to: Speaking, Facilitation & Research
Marcia is a Strategic Business and Communications Consultant specializing in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C). Her expertise includes a Master of Environmental Studies and over 15 years of experience in private and public sectors. Being mindful of the realities of living through a global pandemic, her work in the A/E/C industry requires purpose. She possesses a passion for supporting businesses that aim to thrive in a new landscape.
Open to: Speaking, Business Consulting, Proposals/Grants/Pitch Decks, Research, Copywriting, Marketing/Communications, Branding & Infographics
Nikita developed her own research method that found a sustainable way to research the hydrocarbon potential of the ocean floor surface without harming the ecosystem. She won 7 awards at 5 conferences creating this method. Nikita excels in leadership and training. She can work independently and in teams productively. She works well under stressful situations and possesses excellent communication skills. She is extremely passionate about the science behind the earth and environment.
Open to: Speaking & Research
Alyson is a graduate at TMU, completing the Environment and Urban Sustainability program. She has a passion for sustainability and equity. This grew in her career focusing on the intersectionality of environmentalism and climate justice. Leading her to have an experience at COP26 as a BIPOC youth representative of Canada, speak on panels, produce workshops, and work with her local community promoting a better environment for all.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research, Grant Writing & Environmental Justice/Injustice Presentations
Riya Mehta is a 19-year-old policy researcher and public speaker. At 16, she became an intern at The Hospital for Sick Children in the Global Health Laboratory, to help patients experiencing diseases due to climate change. She is now a Canadian representative for the UN developmental organization, an ambassador for the UN Foundation, and a contributor for UNICEF policy briefs, to bring youth to the forefront of climate action.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting & Research
Kirsten Dodroe is a Planetary Health practitioner who provides evidence-based research consultation to organizations, including Health In Harmony and Partners In Health, in their efforts to achieve health equity and environmental justice. With tested experience fostering collaborations with partners across Sub Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, Dodroe approaches transdisciplinary planetary challenges grounded in a respect for the dignity and wisdom of the communities with which she collaborates.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Shahreen is a PhD student at YorkU’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change with a professional background in the environmental non-profit and government sectors. She is interested in community planning, sustainable development, and environmental research, and has publications in areas such as environmental policy, climate adaptation strategies, and the environmental humanities. Her skills include project coordination, research, and report-writing and she is passionate about research-based advocacy.
Open to: Speaking & Research
Erica is a sustainability and social finance consultant. She works with organizations mitigating impacts of climate change with a social inclusion lens. She draws from a decade of strategy experience in social impact and clean energy transition. Erica additionally sits on the board of directors at Social Planning Toronto. She holds an Honours BA and G.Dipl. from the University of Toronto and is earning an MA in Environment.
Open to: Consulting & Research
Kayla is a conservationist, writer, and former soldier. With experience in operations, project development, and digital content, Kayla has integrated her professional background with her passion for nature and local communities. Leveraging her technical abilities and conservation project experience, Kayla’s latest endeavour involves helping companies in the environmental sector improve the quality of their online footprint with website design and management services.
Open to: Website Design (Including Creation or Redesigns) & Website Management
Suhasini is a graduate from McGill University. Currently she is researching contaminated soils. She is also part of TEAL Climate, a start-up NPO working to solve environmental, agricultural, and landscape issues. With them, she is building a model to recognize mangroves using AI. She is passionate about sustainability and is always on the lookout for getting her hands dirty. She is comfortable working in teams or alone.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research, Grant Writing, Writing Technical Reports & Computation Skills
Ingrid is a co-founder of KIAM Consultancy, where she put her background of biotechnology and molecular biology to good use as a life sciences consultant. Her specialty is bringing together biotech, sustainability, and circular economy to help clients achieve their goals. She’s passionate about innovation and making a positive impact on the planet. She loves helping organizations navigate the wild world of science and technology to create a more sustainable future
Open to: Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Shamily co-founded Corals and Bees, a platform for promoting intersectional environmentalism and climate justice. Shamily graduated with an Honours BES from University of Waterloo, she is now working on her Masters in Economic Development and Innovation. She focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation in industries like energy, water, soil, in the non-profit and corporate sectors. Shamily aims to educate community members on various environmental challenges while encouraging local action.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting & Facilitation
Joana is a first generation immigrant from Burundi. She’s the Vice President of a women-led organization called Sayaspora. Sayaspora aims to create representation for the African diaspora in Canada. She is dedicated to creating representation for black women in academia. She has published work about the circular economy, sustainable development, and climate policy. She hopes to complete a PhD, consult & teach. She currently works as a climate program officer.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research & Grant Writing
Melina is an environmental scientist and educator. She currently works at Ontario Nature, a non-profit organization based in Toronto as a communications coordinator. She also teaches a course at Centennial College on Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development. She has a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University and a graduate diploma in environmental education, and is the first author of two scientific studies on the impacts of plastic pollution on wildlife.
Open to: Speaking, Facilitation, Research & Social Media Management
Sonia specializes in recognizing and sharing the social and sustainable impact organizations have through her digital marketing and impact reporting agency. Through her work, she has created innovative digital marketing strategies as well as reporting materials for gender equality initiatives, circular economy advancements, and youth engagement programs with one goal: to track project influence on the communities they are meant to serve.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Research & Marketing
Carly is a social impact, sustainability and non profit consultant. She works with small to midsize companies, and non-profits to improve the impact of their community and sustainability initiatives. With a background in engineering and over seven years of experience in the social impact and non profit sectors, she brings a creative approach to solving problems for her clients.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting & Facilitation
Randi Kruse is a values-driven and agile corporate leader with experience managing numerous business programs and teams simultaneously. She brings a unique blend of strategic corporate sustainability consulting and internal culture development executed through compelling, targeted communications. Combining her skills in team management and mentoring with GHG inventory and reduction strategies, Randi has the ability to help solve complex challenges with sensitivity to diverse needs.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research & Grant Writing