I was born in Winnipeg, MA, my father being a new immigrant to Canada (paternal) and my great grandmother (maternal) from Europe. We moved to Ottawa before settling in Sault Ste. Marie. I am honoured to live in Bawaating (‘place of the rapids’) with my family (in Sault Ste. Marie and Goulais Bay near Gitche Gumee - Ojibway for ‘Big Sea’). This place, situated on the shores of the Great Lakes, has profoundly shaped my identity, values, and commitment to the community and the environment.

Background

My research background is focused on transformation - individual leadership and regenerative change. My action research transformations target wellbeing (including regeneration/sustainability), transformational learning, social entrepreneurship, and strategy, with a focus on intercultural, inclusive relationships. I work at the intersection of academia and community, co-developing projects that bring together diverse voices to address local and global challenges. I hope the work I do will elevate individuals and communities to greater thriving, flourishing and wellbeing. We need to be the change - Gandhi.

Additional Interests

I am interested in creative scholarship, contemplative leadership, and experiential learning. I am drawn to practices that weave together academic inquiry, personal reflection, and collective action to create transformative spaces for change. I love the outdoors (paddling, mountain biking, hiking, etc.) and painting and engaging with our natural world - especially during sunsets and sunrises. I want to have time to imagine what we can do and what we can become and build together.

Strengths

I love people, humanity and the beauty of nature and the gifts of nourishment, protection and wisdom offered in my relationships with life. Building meaningful relationships, discovering insight and joy, fostering collaboration across sectors and cultures, and developing innovative approaches via social entrepreneurship. I also bring creativity, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of care and integrity into my work.

Why do you work for the water?

Paddling across a bay in Lake Superior, I witnessed a sturgeon coming to greet my canoe. I thought it was Mishipeshu! On my paddles, and being raised by the water, I have observed water health decline. Water is life-giving. Protecting and honouring water connects us to our responsibilities as stewards of our life, the life around us, and to one another. Water is central to the well-being of future generations, and my children. I enjoyed swimming and fishing in these lakes without issue and want my family to do the same. I feel called to contribute to protecting water, reshaping our relationship in business to respect it, and to amplify Indigenous knowledge and leadership in this work.

I was born and raised in Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world- the capital of Bangladesh, a riverine country in South Asia. I pursued my graduate studies in New Jersey and Iowa, USA, before immigrating to Canada with my young family six years ago. Since then, we have called Sault Ste. Marie home.

Background

I study how people move, work, and build communities—focusing on labour migration, public economics, and community development. Right now, I’m exploring how migration choices, wage gaps, and welfare programs shape families across Canada. I am committed to turning data into clear stories, seeking to address socioeconomic inequalities and advocate for policies promoting fair treatment and opportunities for all, regardless of their background. I hope to contribute to building cohesive strategies and capacities for the Upper Great Lakes Region through my involvement in community-based action research regarding freshwater entrepreneurship opportunities in the Algoma region.

Additional Interests

I am interested in mentoring the future generation of Northern Ontario researchers in evidence-based research. When I’m not crunching numbers, you’ll find me cheering at my son’s hockey games, sharing meals with friends, or trying to explore new places - local cultures, cuisines, and most importantly, local people.

Strengths

I love engaging with people, trying to understand and appreciate their unique perspectives about aspects of life, and building meaningful, lifelong relationships. I am not shy of exploring new things, be it food, a place, or a complex research methodology.

Why do you work for the water?

I work for the water because I believe humans are not entitled to destroy it. A few years back, I had this conversation with a friend, and the more I think about it, the more I realize its meaning. Somehow, our conversation came to a point where I claimed that I’m smarter than at least a slug. My friend said we can’t really know. At the time, I thought it was ridiculous. How could I not be smarter than a slug? My friend also talked about this awe-inspiring (well, at least for me!) network mushrooms have in a forest, where they’re all connected to each other. As time passed and it simmered, I understood what that conversation was about. We humans are not better than slugs or any other animals. We are good at being humans, just like slugs are good at being slugs, and mushrooms are good at being mushrooms. None of us is better than another. We are all neighbors coexisting in this world. That’s why I wonder: how can humans feel so entitled to destroy the environment and the water that surround us? We are not entitled, and no one (or nothing) gave us the right to destroy another being’s home.