Four Canadian women with bold visions for the future

If you want to see change, you gotta be part of making change.  I nominated four outstanding Canadian women for the 2014 A Bold Vision initiative, a meeting of 23 outstanding women in Canada.  I'm taking a leaf from Dawn Bazely's example (see here and here) by posting about why I think they are terrific candidates. Click on their names to read the full  nomination.

Update: Turns out that I was nominated too!  

Dr. Diane Orihel

“Risking your career to advocate for something you believe in, now that’s having a bold vision. In 2012, biologist Diane Orihel was finishing her PhD research on aquatic ecosystems when the federal government decided to close one of the world’s most important freshwater research facilities: the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario. Almost overnight, Dr. Orihel galvanized national and international science communities to sound the alarm, becoming one of Canada’s most ardent and articulate defenders of environmental science. Facing incredible odds, and potentially sacrificing her career, Dr. Orihel worked tirelessly with citizens to scientists to reverse this decision – and she won.”

Diane is an Assistant Professor at Queen's University. 

Dr. Katie Gibbs

“Dr. Katie Gibbs is a scientist, community organizer and strong advocate for science and evidence-based policies. Her research at the University of Ottawa was about threats to endangered species. She was the lead organizer of the 2012 ‘Death of Evidence’ rally on Parliament Hill – one of the largest science rallies in Canadian history. The rally ignited a national grassroots movement of academics and scientists advocating for science integrity and evidence-based policies. Dr. Gibbs’ leadership and vision is inspirational, which, combined with her media savvy, has brought sustained national and international media attention to Canadian science policy issues.”

Katie is the Executive Director of Evidence for Democracy. 

Dr. Catherine Potvin

"Dr. Catherine Potvin is a world leader in the study of global change biology, particularly the intersection between climate change science and international policy. Her dedication to rigorous scientific research is only matched by her activities to inform evidence-based policies and communicate science to the public. Climate change pervades every facet of our lives, from our health and food-security to disaster preparedness and city planning. A vision for Canada’s future must include experts in this over-arching issue, most specifically focused on how to mitigate its adverse effects. Dr. Catherine Potvin is exactly this person.”

Dr. Potvin is a Professor at McGill University and lead of  Sustainable Canada Dialogues.

Ms. Trina Isakson

“Trina Isakson should be selected because her work helps ensure diverse individuals can meaningfully contribute to their communities. Young people and community leadership, women and politics, and introverts and social change are just a few of her interests in changing the status quo of community involvement. Through her volunteerism, consulting work, and teaching, she creates tools for others to get engaged. Trina’s vision for a strong Canada includes opportunities for all citizens to participate in ways that are meaningful to them; Trina is already contributing to that vision.”

Trina is a consultant who helps non-profit executives to be more effective.

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Here is my plea for YOU to nominate terrific people for awards - and to encourage people to self-nominate!  Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see some awards in science, social justice, conservation, and more. Please consider diversity of all types when you think of nominees.