Friday, March 21, 2025
As we approach International Women’s Day, people around the world are coming together to recognize and celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. The theme for this year is “Strength in Every Story,” so it’s a fine time to put the spotlight on the state of women working in the environment sector and how we’re taking action to support strength, ensure equity and encourage empowerment.
There has been much progress made in Canada when it comes to women training for environmental jobs and working in the environment sector. And there are some women leading the charge. Recently, former federal environment minister Catherine McKenna launched the Canadian chapter of Women Leading on Climate, a global network of female leaders in business, finance, policy, and civil society working to drive ambitious climate policies and economic opportunities. According to the group’s statement, women play a crucial role in advancing climate action. They are 2.5 times more likely to demand that their government take action on climate change and twice as likely to engage civically on the issue. Also, companies with women in leadership roles tend to have better climate performance.
However, according to the latest research from ECO Canada, we are still underrepresented in the industry and big pay gaps still exist; yep, we are still being paid less to do the same job.
We are also underrepresented in the C suite. This is an unfortunate reality for the economy and everyone concerned. More women in senior management is better for the bottom line, according to a recent article in Corporate Knights. The story cites a study concluding that companies with a high proportion of women in their decision-making structure have 42 per cent higher profits and their invested capital yields a 66 per cent higher return.
These issues are not new, but they have yet to be resolved. And now there is a backlash brewing for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives, prompted by you-know-who, impacting all sectors across North America.
Well, not on our watch. At Environment Journal and our parent company, Actual Media Inc., we have more than 50 per cent female staff and will continue to be supportive of DEI while we explore ways to strengthen the role of women in the workplace.
Welcome to WEG
Yesterday, we were excited to kick off a new initiative for women working in the environment sector in Canada, the Women’s Environmental Group (WEG).
After much discussion and research with colleagues in the industry, as well as a survey to gauge interest, I, along with founding group members Corinne Lynds (Actual Media Inc.), Tanisha Monster (Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc.), Miranda Lewis (Associated Environmental Consultants), and Jasmeen Jatana (ERIS), were excited to present the inaugural gathering.
Lynds kicked things off with reflections on common experiences and challenges of in the workplaces and how we’ve realized a need and an appetite for an industry-focused group. “We have landed on Women’s Environmental Group, fondly known as WEG. We’re eager to tackle critical issues and to provide mentorship and networking that ultimately is going to support women working in the environment sector.”
Together, WEG will endeavour to provide this platform for sharing resources, providing and receiving mentorship, addressing important issues, providing education and possibly training, and enjoy networking opportunities with a variety of women to enable further awareness and empowerment. Our promotions on the website, in the weekly newsletter, in the digital edition and through social media for the initial meeting succeeded in drawing in over 70 women from across the country, and the list is growing by the day.
For the initial meeting, 20 women joined us to engage virtually in introductions that included their backgrounds and interests, representing diverse professional backgrounds and experiences; there were CEOs, managers, lawyers, consultants, engineers, communication representatives, and more. Some spoke about the challenges women have faced and continue to encounter in the workplace, while others voiced the need for a supportive network of females, and others raised the importance of fostering community connections to help newcomers navigate their careers. The collective comments highlighted the significance of collaboration and representation among women in environmental professions, reinforcing WEG’s objectives.
We also invited a strong and well-regarded leader in the industry to share her incredible career journey and path to award-winning work.
Featured Speaker: Judy Lam on Authentic Leadership
Judy Lam has made her mark in the environment industry by digging in her heels to overcome roadblocks to environmental remediation and urban revitalization, carving out a successful career that has spanned both the private and public sector. She is a long-standing champion of economic development through community transformation. In 2024, she was recognized at the Brownie Awards with the prestigious Brownfielder of the Year award.
Lam holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree from Dalhousie University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Currently serving as manager of Commercial Districts and Small Business for the City of Hamilton, Lam has about 40 years of experience working in economic development, infrastructure lending, business loans and leasing, and government administration industry. She also serves as a mentor and role-model to other professionals, transferring her knowledge and sharing lessons learned.
Attendees found it inspiring and informative to learn about her incredible career journey over the past four decades, as she reflected on her experiences in predominantly male environments and the importance of mentorship. Lam emphasized the value of authenticity and self-acceptance, encouraging women to seek mentorship opportunities that enhance their visibility and leadership potential. Her insights inspired us to embrace their true selves and personalities, and to support each other in our professional journeys.
Lam began by discussing her transition from the private sector and her experiences in a male-dominated commercial banking and leasing industry. She also shared humorous anecdotes including a memorable deal closure on New Year’s Eve, where, as a non-smoker, she participated in a cigar celebration with her boss to fit in.
She also shared the challenges of applying for leadership roles and how female leaders in the industry were often characterized with negative associations.
“That opened my eyes about the difference between how women and men are seen. If a woman is assertive and strong, then there they were called ‘Dragon Ladies,’ which is unfair, because a lot of times men would just be seen simply as confident, strong with leaders,” recalled Lam. “And so I realized that we do have things to overcome, even though we’ve come a long way.”
She emphasized how fair treatment and support is crucial for overcoming biases and achieving success. She also shared her observation in applying and hiring that generally women are more concerned about having all the credentials and criteria necessary for the job before applying, but men are more likely to apply if they only have some of the credential and criteria.
It was also interesting to hear about her lessons learned at each of her jobs, even those she disliked, and how her experiences in both the private and public sectors shaped her professional growth. She described her current role with the City of Hamilton as the most challenging, especially with the recent economic pressures, but how it is also the most rewarding role of her career.
Lam also highlighted why mentorship is worthwhile. “I find it very rewarding to help other women, to help lift them up, especially given the challenges that we’re seeing with DEI. There are still biases and whatever we can do to support each other is very beneficial,” said Lam, adding that time-pressed women are inherent “multitaskers, involved in so many things, whether it’s personal, with your families and but with your career as well, with networking and taking additional training and education.”
When it comes to her team meetings, she shared advice on the benefits of leaning into your unique strengths and of being authentic. She explained that as her career progressed, she became more comfortable being herself and it has been beneficial in connecting with her team. For example, she enjoys baking and bringing good food to help foster a positive atmosphere. Her baking has become a part of her identity within the organization, and she feels less concerned about judgment from others these days. She also emphasized the importance of respectful communication for meetings.
The meeting wrapped up by providing everyone with an opportunity to share upcoming events they were attending or supporting, and the group expressed excitement for upcoming WEG events and a commitment to fostering a supportive community for women in the industry.
With WEG, we will do our best to connect on solutions as we reach new heights and make a positive impact in the sector together.
Connie Vitello is editor of Environment Journal.
Note: A survey will be deployed to the member list soon to help fine tune the focus of WEG. Stay tuned for that and for information about upcoming events. For further information, click here.
Featured images credits: Getty Images and Brownie Awards/Actual Media Inc.
