On May 4, Nature Canada’s Women for Nature launched Phase 4 of its mentorship program, during which thirty-five mentors and thirty-five mentees came together via Zoom. Participants were chosen for their love of nature and efforts towards conservation and protection of our planet.

Hosted by Pollinate Networks’ Cindy Collins, the kick-off call was led by Nature Canada’s Jodi Joy who oversees the Mentorship program with a team of advisors.

ABOUT WOMEN FOR NATURE

The Women for Nature Mentorship program invites female professionals in the conservation sector to share their experiences and offer advice to young women looking to make a difference for nature. The program serves as an opportunity for the professional and personal growth of the mentees. We believe women supporting women is an important and critical aspect of helping young female leaders break the barriers placed upon them both in and out of the workplace.

THE PROGRAM’S PERFECT PAIRINGS

Past mentees since its inception back in 2017 reported that they gained skills, confidence, as well as insights and reflections about career planning and potential challenges as some of the most valuable things gained from this experience. For example, Tanya Clark, Fundraising & Engagement Manager at The Couchiching Conservancy said that the Women for Nature mentorship came at the perfect time as she is now a team lead in her organization and used these management skills to supervise her team, get curious about problems and look for solutions that work for everyone.

“Together my mentor and I were able to discuss some challenges and potential solutions. I have since been able to implement a number of practices and strategies into my work.”

The Women for Nature mentorship enhanced Tanya’s professional skills in order to protect more nature. This passion for protecting nature is a connection that all Women for Nature share. “We need to lift each other up. Our climate crisis and reality feels heavy – in so many ways. Encouraging and learning from the next generation of women is a part of the solution. We have so much to learn from each other,” Tanya said.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Women for Nature mentors strongly believe that strengthening the power of young women working in conservation will make a significant impact on the biodiversity crisis we are facing and strengthen restoration efforts across Canada.

Sound like you? Consider volunteering as a future program mentor. Learn more by watching the video below or getting in touch with us!

Nature Canada thanks The Chawkers Foundation for funding this important work. We applaud Pollinate Networks, RW & CO and CLIF BAR® for their support of our efforts. Special thanks to six Scotiabank employees for volunteering as mentors and all the Women for Nature volunteering as mentors over the next six months.