Celebrating our Alumni

I earned a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Manitoba, minoring in soil science. During my studies, I joined MEIA’s Student Chapter, which allowed me to attend conferences, connect with industry professionals, and gain firsthand insight into environmental consulting. It was an invaluable way to explore career opportunities beyond the classroom, especially for introverted students like myself.

Now, as a Project Scientist at SNC-Lavalin, my soil science background has led me to focus on reclamation projects. I’ve progressed from a junior to an intermediate role, with growing opportunities in project management.

In the field, I coordinate with subcontractors, lead tailgate (HSE) meetings, outline project scopes, and supervise site work to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

— Annalise Forsyth

I joined MEIA’s Student Chapter in 2015 during my first year of Environmental Studies at the University of Manitoba, connecting with industry professionals and exploring various career paths. My interest in public policy led me to pursue a minor in political science and write my honours essay on climate migration politics.

Currently, I’m finishing my Master of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa and working as an intern policy and research analyst at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. I advocate for small and medium-sized businesses while conducting research to support our members. With environmental policy becoming increasingly crucial, I look forward to combining my environmental background and prairie roots to support policies that promote both economic growth and sustainability. After graduating, I aim to continue as a policy analyst, advancing change at the intersection of business and the environment.

— Taylor Brown

MEIA’s Student Chapter helped me prepare for entry to the workforce by exposing me to the environmental industry as I pursued an undergraduate degree in environmental sciences.

Being a member of the MEIA student chapter helped me get started with my career by introducing me to the professional world where I attended my first conference. I have mainly focused on studying the Earth’s environmental processes; however, I have also been able to apply that knowledge to other planets within our solar system through my planetary research.

Providing students with networking opportunities with those already in the workforce will surely guide them in the right direction.

— Stephanie Connell

As an Environmental Studies Coop student at the University of Manitoba, I was actively involved with the MEIA Student Chapter for three years, first as Event Coordinator and later as Chair. Through volunteering and Co-op positions, I grew my network, which led me to my current role at Miller. The Student Chapter was a highlight of my student experience, particularly the tours, which provided a great opportunity to network and learn about local environmental initiatives. I secured 3 out of 4 student positions through networking, and two directly through my involvement with the Student Chapter.

Being part of the committee allowed me to develop skills in project management, event planning, soil and water sampling, and public speaking. Organizing the Student Chapter Discovery Night was both challenging and rewarding. Now, as a professional, I give back by mentoring the next generation of students.

After graduating, I joined Miller Environmental Corporation as a Regulatory Administrator, providing support to the Regulatory Department. I was promoted to Compliance Coordinator in 2020, where I continue to support environmental, health, and safety programs.

— Chelsey Gulak

I graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Manitoba. In my third year, I joined the MEIA Student Chapter as an Events Coordinator and later served as Co-chair for two years. Being part of the Chapter made networking with industry professionals much easier, and I was able to connect with mentors at events like Speed Networking and Discovery Night.

The Student Chapter also helped me access discounted courses, such as the Groundwater and Soil Sampling course, which I’ve used frequently in my role at Golder Associates (now WSP) as an Environmental Scientist.

A highlight was speaking at the 2019 Emerging Issues Conference, where we discussed the student experience in the environmental sector.

If you’re interested in joining, I encourage you to reach out—it’s a great way to get involved and bring in mentors for future events.

— Marissa Smirl

I was a student at the University of Winnipeg when the MEIA Student Chapter first started. I volunteered to organize a career fair, which was hosted at the University the following year. I led the committee, secured funding, and coordinated over 50 booths and 30 breakout sessions focused on various environmental careers. Mentoring the next generation of students to run future career fairs was especially rewarding, and speaking to a crowd of over 100 people as a panelist was a memorable experience.

I later worked as an Environmental Coordinator at Lafarge through the co-op program, eventually becoming the Manager of Environment and Public Affairs. I also volunteered as a mentor for MEIA and joined the board of Sustainable Building Manitoba. Now, as an Environmental Operations Specialist at Magellan, I focus on improving environmental systems.

Through the Student Chapter, I gained valuable networking and project management skills. My mentors helped me shape my career, and now, as a mentor myself, my door’s always open.

— Dawn Fraser

When I attended my first Emerging Issues Conference in 2007, I asked MEIA about the Student Chapter and discovered it was inactive. That opened the door to revitalizing it. With the support of two mentors, we hosted a few events in the first year, and student participation grew rapidly in the following years. It was exciting to see students from different schools get involved, and I took great pride in hearing about members landing jobs through MEIA’s job board, networking events, or career fairs.

One of my most memorable experiences was organizing the first Environmental Career Fair in 2010. Planning and executing the event alongside other educational organizations taught me invaluable skills in leadership, organization, and public speaking. The relationships I built and the mentorship I received helped shape my professional development and supported my university experience.

Today, I work as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer for the Government of Alberta, enforcing OHS legislation and working with employers to ensure compliance. The skills and connections I gained through MEIA continue to benefit me in my career.

— Vicki Latter

Many of my classmates and I joined the student chapter in 2010, when we invited to a brainstorming session with Rosemary and Deb, to help them lay the groundwork on what the student chapter would become. It has highlighted to me the many challenges students have during classes and entering the workforce. Networking and mentorship are powerful tools that I wouldn’t have experienced and developed without the Student Chapter.

I was able to attend the Emerging Issues Conference in 2010, where I was paired with an industry professional to shadow and network with for the day. Years later after graduation, I received a random phone call from the same gentleman I shadowed, and was offered a job!

Now I work at Pinchin Ltd as a Project Technologist, where I assessed various buildings throughout their life-cycles all of over Canada.

— Dana Shewchuk

I first heard about the MEIA Student Chapter from a former Chair I worked with, who encouraged me to attend Recruitment Night. I joined in 2018 as an Event Coordinator, then became Co-Chair for two years, and later served as Chair during my final semester. Being part of the Student Chapter helped me develop invaluable skills, such as networking and interviewing. The Speed Mentoring events were especially impactful, as they gave me the confidence to approach industry professionals and develop lasting connections. I was able to build relationships with people in industries I was interested in, which opened doors to new opportunities.

One of the most memorable experiences was being a panelist at the 2020 Emerging Issues Conference, where industry professionals shared how much they enjoyed our discussion—some even calling it their favorite part of the event. Realizing the reach and impact of my involvement in the Student Chapter was also eye-opening, especially when new connections already knew who I was. Today, I work as a Research Manager at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, where I lead subarctic research projects and support visiting researchers with their fieldwork. The hands-on nature of my job, combined with the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, has deepened my understanding of Manitoba’s North.

— Joni Reimer

I first heard about the MEIA Student Chapter through Red River College Instructor Dave Woytowich, who encouraged me to attend a Speed Mentoring event. That night, I connected with representatives from Magellan Aerospace, which led to a student position and later a full-time role as an Environmental Operations Specialist after graduating from the Joint Applied Environmental Science program.

Since then, I’ve stayed involved with the Student Chapter as a mentor, leading an Environmental and Emergency Management mini-workshop and participating in Speed Mentoring events.

I now work at Price Industries, an industry-leading commercial HVAC company, as an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist. I focus on environmental management systems, regulatory compliance, and working toward ISO 14001:2015 certification. Collaborating with safety professionals, I help maintain Price’s Safe Work Certification. My favorite part of the job is meeting with manufacturing associates and leadership to discuss challenges and implement solutions—turning ideas into action.

— Sheena Porco

I joined the MEIA Student Chapter during university and was actively involved for two years. It was an incredible opportunity to connect and network with professionals in the environmental industry, learn about new organizations, grants, and volunteer opportunities, and build a well-rounded skillset. I first heard about the Student Chapter from a co-worker at Lake Winnipeg Foundation, and we were both eager to grow our careers in the environmental sector. The annual MEIA conference was always a highlight, as it provided valuable insights into current environmental issues in Manitoba, offering multiple perspectives on sustainability and the important work organizations are doing.

Currently, I’m the Marketing Coordinator in the CBCRA department at Reclay StewardEdge, working on the Recycle Everywhere program. My role involves supervising events and bin delivery staff, as well as working on the Recycle Everywhere app. I’m passionate about promoting proper recycling habits and finding ways for businesses, organizations, and the public to collaborate on sustainability efforts, particularly with beverage containers. Reclay StewardEdge has been a fantastic company, allowing me to apply my STEM background while developing industry-specific marketing skills, and I’m excited to continue growing my career here!

— Cameron Mackay

I first heard about the MEIA Student Chapter through university instructors and classmates. Participating in Student Chapter events helped me in my career path by providing networking opportunities where I was able to meet people in the environmental industry and connect with professionals.

As an undergrad student, being able to introduce myself to people working in the industry and hear about their careers and ask them my questions was invaluable. Participating in the MEIA Student Chapter provides mentorship and professional experience while helping to expand the network of new professionals just getting started in the environmental industry.

I am an Associate and the Environmental Services Team Lead for Northern Canada at Stantec Consulting Ltd. In addition to coordinating environmental impact assessments and assisting clients with permitting requirements, I lead a team of environmental professionals located North of 60, primarily based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

— Carmen Anseeuw

I was a Student Chapter Member for two or three years back when I was attending the University of Manitoba. I attended a couple of conferences at discounted rates and got to have peer advisors at those conferences. Two people I met at one MEIA conference I ended up working for later!

The most memorable part of being on the Student Chapter was probably having the opportunity to connect with potential employers and colleagues in the field! Interacting and meeting other people definitely boosted my skills and my confidence.

I am now working as an Environmental Planner at Narratives Inc. I’ve been here for just over three years. I do a lot in this role, but appreciate that Narratives actively works to dismantle the effects of colonization and makes space for Indigenous expression. As an Andean-Indigenous woman, this is very important to me. I also appreciate the vast range of projects I work on at Narratives. One of my focuses has been the integration of trauma-informed practice in to the planning and impact assessment areas of my job. I do a lot of writing, qualitative data analysis, interviewing and engagement, etc. It’s a pretty great gig!

— Alrika Rojas

I attended MEIA conferences and events for four years during my Masters program, and they were some of the few opportunities I had to connect with professionals from a broad range of environmental industries and consulting firms. These events were invaluable in helping me explore potential career paths and building my confidence in networking and communication. The experiences I gained at MEIA events have shaped how I approach conferences, partnerships, and meetings with environmental professionals in my career.

One of the most memorable learning moments came early on when I was paired with a mentor who had a very different approach to environmental issues than I did. We struggled to connect at first, but as I listened to him discuss regulatory changes and industry issues, I gained a new perspective on environmental remediation and the importance of adjusting my communication style for more meaningful interactions. I now apply these lessons daily in my work as a Program Officer at Indigenous Services Canada-Manitoba Region, where I manage a variety of programs supporting community planning, governance, social programming, and educational funding for on-reserve First Nations.

— Stephen Howatt

Being part of the MEIA Student Chapter was a pivotal experience during my university years. Over three years, I served on the Executive Committee as Events Coordinator and later as Social Media Coordinator. These roles helped me develop strong organizational and communication skills while deepening my commitment to the environmental sector.

The Student Chapter was instrumental in connecting me with industry professionals, expanding my network, and giving me a broader understanding of the environmental job market. The events and mentor interactions helped me bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field.

Now, as an Environmental Scientist/Technician at Parsons Canada Inc., I look back on my time with the Student Chapter with gratitude. It was an essential part of my career development, and I encourage aspiring environmental professionals to get involved. The connections and experiences gained through MEIA can truly shape your professional journey.

— Varun Sharma