Women in Sustainability Freelancers feature 2024
In honor of International Women’s Day, we put out a call for freelancers specializing in sustainability on Turtle Island who identify as women, including those who are trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. As the demand for sustainability initiatives grows, the role of women in freelancing becomes increasingly vital. The rise of freelance opportunities presents a unique window for women to forge their paths in the professional world, especially in sustainability.
The shifting job market, marked by layoffs and uncertain prospects, is driving a shift towards freelancing as alternative forms of employment for many young people. Technological advancements and evolving societal norms are reshaping industries as well, showing businesses' rising preference to hire independent freelancers to increase their talent pool. In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, traditional employment structures are undergoing a transformation, creating a new model of flexibility and opportunity.
Women play a crucial role in sustainability efforts, yet they often face gender biases that hinder their recognition. Women bring unique perspectives and values, driving forward innovative solutions and advocating for environmental stewardship. This is why our initiative aims to spotlight the amazing contributions of women in the sustainability sector. Below is a curated list of women freelancers who have contributed their expertise to the sustainability industry. Many of these professionals are youth, underrepresented and available for freelance opportunities. Feel free to reach out to them via LinkedIn by clicking on their names.
Learn more about our remarkable selection of women in sustainability freelancers by reading their bios and the range of services they provide. We strongly encourage you to consider hiring them for your upcoming projects!
Njoki is a storyteller, facilitator, and poet from Kenya. She advocates for policies and stories that uplift the leadership of Indigenous and Black people and communities. Njoki recently completed a storytelling fellowship with the Community Foundations of Canada; an experience which catalyzed her to explore the relationships between public policy, emerging technologies, philanthropy and power. Guided by curiosity, she leads with the question: "What else is possible?"
Open to: Speaking, Facilitation & Storytelling
Maxime is a strategic project management and engagement specialist, having successfully executed initiatives that promote equitable social impact and climate action, with a focus in both Canada and internationally. Leading a climate adaptation planning project, Maxime is dedicated to championing the reinforcement of community resilience and the pursuit of a sustainable future through a lens of equity and social inclusion.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Program Design & Project Management
Mélanie is a Métis journalist, writer and editor with a passion for storytelling. She has reported on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), food sovereignty, and a range of stories related to climate, Indigenous governance, and innovation. She has worked with publications like Nunatsiaq News, the Winnipeg Free Press, Global News, and the Globe and Mail. She now divides her time between writing, editing and fact-checking.
Open to: Research, Writing, Proofreading, Editing & Fact-Checking
Rachael is a conscious storyteller and space-holder. She has explored challenges of people and planet through co-building a global storytelling organization, creating content for impactful organizations and coaching young Black entrepreneurs. With a BCom from McGill University in Strategic Management and Environment, she understands systems change. Through a psycho-social lens, she uses writing and empathic facilitation to tackle the roots of global crises and inspire lasting change.
Open to: Facilitation & Writing
Leonara is a skilled analytical professional who is passionate about sustainability. With a business law background and excellent communication skills, she currently assists organizations with sustainable strategies by conducting research on ESG regulations, analysis of reports, materiality assessments, stakeholder engagement, and developing growth strategies for social and environmental impact practices. She is highly organized and motivated, always approaching solutions with an intra/entrepreneurial approach.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research & Grant Writing
Mikellena, graduated with a Master’s in Sustainability Science and Society and a Bachelor in Medical Sciences. She integrates science, art, and social consciousness in her work. Pioneering research on Environmental Racism in Southern Ontario, she used GIS to map disparities for marginalized communities. As Community Engagement Manager at Climate Reality Canada, Mikellena leads change through climate education and her book club. Committed to a sustainable future, she embodies environmental advocacy.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Rochelle is an education advocate, author, social entrepreneur, and professor in Canada, recognized by The Globe and Mail. She is dedicated to promoting sustainable communities, engaging youth in political discourse, and inspiring positive change. With over a decade of experience in organizational development and community engagement, Rochelle's unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership skills make her a highly respected advocate for a more equitable and connected world.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research & Grant Writing
Aiza is an enthusiastic and dedicated academician with over 6 years of experience teaching environmental science to undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering with a concentration in sustainable urbanization and worked on different areas of environmental research including but not limited to sustainability, environmental systems, industrial ecology, and climate change mitigation. She currently has 10 papers published in reputable journals.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research, Grant Writing, Environmental Data Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment & Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Samia, an electrical engineer, merges her sustainable energy expertise with her role in executing power system studies to connect renewable technologies to the grid. She serves on the Board of Directors of The Starfish Canada and has researched applications of AI to predict the security status of renewable remote microgrids across Canada. Samia is one of Canada’s Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25, and Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Nicole is a Métis woman with over 20 years of experience in parks and environment and government administration, Nicole is a passionate and versatile consultant and municipal government professional who can deliver innovative solutions for a variety of projects. Nicole has secured substantial funding for environmental initiatives and has launched award-winning sustainability programs. Nicole has her BSc in Environmental Biology, her Environmental Professional Designation, and her Urban Parks Management Certificate.
Open to: Consulting, Research & Grant Writing
Stephanie is the founder of The Sprouts Initiative, a community organization focused on pillars of accessibility, community, and sustainability. Since 2017, The Sprouts Initiative has engaged over 300 youth in leadership and volunteer positions, organized 86 national community service projects, and raised $1.37 M in grants. Stephanie is graduating in May 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with interests in sustainable and renewable energy.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research & Grant Writing
Maggie is a poet, writer, and artist whose environmental journey started in first grade when she learned about deforestation of the Amazon in school. Since then, Maggie has organized a UN Sustainable Development Goals training, served on the NRCAN Youth Council and is the Co-Chair of the City of Toronto’s Climate Advisory group. She is a certified WWF Canada Living Planet Leader and a Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalist.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research & Grant Writing
Lulu, a seasoned sustainability professional with over a decade of experience across Canada and the USA, brings a strong blend of technical expertise and leadership. Excelling in collaboration, talent nurturing, and stakeholder management, her results-driven approach shines through in navigating complex dynamics and meeting deadlines. With a solid background in sustainability strategy, GHG accounting, and stakeholder management, Lulu is poised to drive positive change in any organization.
Open to: Speaking & Consulting
Ella is a trained researcher, having completed two self-directed theses projects with contributions to a number of other research projects. She has experience working in a variety of settings including academic, NGO, and municipal and federal government. She is passionate about environmental justice, specifically the social aspects of the energy transition and sustainable food systems. She has additional experience with program delivery, correspondence/social media, and public engagement/education.
Open to: Speaking, Facilitation & Research
Clarissa, a green industry professional, holds a degree in Environment and Urban Sustainability from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Currently pursuing an Urban Agriculture certificate (TMU) and a Sustainable Business Management postgraduate certificate (Seneca Polytechnic), she actively integrates sustainability into life and work. Passionate about empowering youth, Clarissa aspires to contribute to a movement fostering their active involvement in sustainable initiatives and learning.
Open to: Consulting, Research, Grant Writing, Workshop Facilitation & Project Management Services
Johanna is from a rural town facing rapid growth and development. Her interest in sustainability, fueled during her journalism studies at Sheridan College, extends beyond her hometown. She advocates for global sustainability efforts like climate action, regenerative farming, and responsible urban planning. She uses her writing skills and passion for climate education to create impactful articles, newsletters, and materials. Johanna believes her writing can drive positive change worldwide.
Open to: Consulting, Research & Long-form Copywriting for Media
Hiranya, hailing from South Asia, is a passionate advocate, relentless learner, researcher, and educator driven to impact the world positively. The two spheres she chose to focus are climate action and mental health. She holds a degree in Sustainable Business Management and co-founded Women in Sustainability Canada. Merging roles as a community animator and an artist, she firmly believes in the power of individual actions to drive collective change.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting & Facilitation
Romina is the Founder, Lead Sustainability Consultant & Event Strategist of Eco-Friendly Events, a consulting agency that supports people by sharing ideas and strategies for hosting more sustainable events. Through Eco-Friendly Events, she advocates for environmental and social justice and strongly believes in approaching environmental sustainability with incremental, yet impactful actions. She also teaches Foundations of Sustainability in Event Management at Seneca Polytechnic.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting & Event Planning
Lisa, Director of Creativity & Opportunities at iilo Creative Alliance, is a communication designer with a passion for amplifying changemakers' missions through compelling design. With 20+ years of experience, she specializes in branding, web, infographics, and publication design with a focus on accessibility and sustainable design practices. Lisa enjoys collaborating with her 100% remote team and has lived in Nanaimo, on Snuneymuxw & Coast Salish territory, for the last decade.
Open to: Consulting & Communication Design
Cheta is a Corporate Communications Specialist by day and award-winning spoken word artist by night. In 2022, she launched Sustainability For ME, an environmental non-profit organization, aimed at empowering youth to prioritize personal well-being and environmental health. Through her Creative Communications expertise, Cheta equips Canadian youth with eco-conscious knowledge, fostering responsible citizenship and inspiring positive change for themselves and the planet.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research, Grant Writing, Branding, Marketing, Project Management, Event Planning & Coordination
Beatrix specializes as a UX/Copywriter within the e-sports and sustainability sectors. With a passion for enhancing digital products, she is committed to contributing to a more sustainable world. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is dedicated to guiding others on their career paths, offering mentorship and coaching for those aspiring to enter the tech and sustainability industry, especially in UX fields.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Research & Grant Writing
Jaclyn is a personal wardrobe stylist with a focus on slow fashion. Over the last decade, Jaclyn has worked with 100s of diverse individuals worldwide to elevate their life through the power of personal style. Jaclyn is also the founder of Shopwise, Canada's first sustainable fashion marketplace, making it easier for consumers to shop from brands that prioritize people and the planet.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting & Facilitation
Sheena analyzed ecological systems and spent 10+ years in the field working with conservation nonprofits, oil and gas, government, and agriculture. Her roles included rangeland management, environmental assessments, program delivery, landowner relations, and growing awareness through education. Now as a copywriter, she uses that expertise in a different way – through the power of words. Helping environmentally-focused brands connect people with nature through copywriting that serves the planet and ourselves.
Open to: Copywriting
Abby is a sustainability professional and a musician – a singer/songwriter, pianist, and recording artist. Abby writes songs inspired by the collective and difficult emotions surrounding climate change. She performs these songs at sustainability events to help others get in touch with their climate-related feelings. Abby also hosts workshops to create space for others to share these emotions, and learns from others’ experiences to inspire new music.
Open to: Speaking, Facilitation & Musical Performances
With 15+ years' expertise, Lora excels in forging partnerships, leading strategic initiatives uniting 35+ organizations including NGOs, cultural and Indigenous organizations. As a first generation Canadian, Lora grew up in a family of immigrant farmers where she developed her love of culture, conservation, sustainable agriculture and creative storytelling. Through her professional experiences and as President of Sudbury Horticultural Society, Lora weaves science communication and environmental sustainability in fostering healthy communities.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Native Plant & Pollinator Garden Design
Titilope is an Environmental and Sustainability professional with over 5 years’ experience around environmental science and toxicology, sustainability management, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and project management. Titilope has a strong passion for sustainability, plastic pollution, and environmental justice. She is a co-founder of greenmark Environmental which focuses on ISO 14001:2015 certification for SMEs. She is currently driving sustainable manufacturing at Hunter Amenities as the Global ESG Manager.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Shreya is an ambitious master's student with a keen interest in sustainability and the environment. She worked for the ministry of environment, sustainability office and is currently part of the impact investing team at Dream Unlimited. She strives to create a positive impact wherever she works. Her unique experiences and multicultural background allow her to foster innovative and out-of-the-box thinking required to cohesively embed sustainability into all disciplines.
Open to: Speaking & Research
Heather is the Principal Advisor of Heather Mak Consulting with nearly 15 years of experience in the private and non-profit sectors on food, retail and consumer goods sustainability issues in North America and Europe. She is also the co-founder of Diversity in Sustainability, a member-driven network focused on creating a more inclusive field of sustainability for BIPOC sustainability practitioners through events, mentorship and research.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation & Research
Judy, with a background in Strategic Communication and Marketing, is currently advancing her studies in Sustainable Business Management. With a strong foundation in marketing strategies and hands-on experience in social media management, B Lab Assessment, and admin support, she is adept at both independent work and collaborative team efforts. Her goal is to create impactful marketing campaigns prioritizing environmental responsibility and social impact.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting, Facilitation, Research, Marketing & Social Media Management
Sabrina, a recent UBC graduate from the Master of Land and Water Systems, boasts expertise in environmental assessment, watershed management, and GHG verification. Having skills in ArcGIS and ENVI, she also excels in water measurement and scientific research. With a keen eye for detail and strong communication skills, Sabrina is eager to apply her passion for the environment to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Open to: Speaking, Consulting & Research
