Adding three new people to the national team makes ALUS more robust, as demand for the program grows in existing communities and new ones
Innovative solutions to drought, flooding and biodiversity loss are urgently sought by communities across the country and around the world. As the premiere not-for-profit charity that supports farmers and ranchers to create, manage and maintain nature-based solutions, ALUS continues to grow to meet the needs of its existing communities and those seeking to implement a local program. The national team ensures that local programs can effectively help farmers and ranchers striving to add valuable nature-based solutions to their land through a program that is accessible and flexible, providing technical and financial support to a critical demographic of land stewards.
To that end, ALUS has created three new positions to expand its capacity to provide programming in communities across the country.
Kathleen Mulawka joins ALUS as Eastern Hub Manager, broadening the organization’s ability to deliver nature-based projects in existing and new communities in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.
“The best part about working with ALUS is that it bridges my educational background and three favourite things: community development, the French language and environmental stewardship,” says Kathleen.
Kathleen in Bangladesh.
With more than 8 years in the non-profit and public sectors, Kathleen has worked across Canada and abroad to mobilize communities around education, civic engagement and leadership development. Her previous role as Executive Director at Youth 4 Youth Quebec and Development Coordinator at Trans Canada Trail, have given her a keen understanding of the intersection of communities and the environment.
Outside of work, Kathleen spends her time exploring the four corners of Montreal on rollerblades and picking up litter in her neighbourhood.
As Program Manager, Nicole Baldwin will assist ALUS communities with the implementation of regenerative agriculture practices.
“I look forward to supporting the excellent work already taking place on our landscapes and am excited to see the momentum behind regenerative agriculture principles and practices continue to grow in the Prairies and across Canada,” says Nicole.
Nicole hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island.
Nicole has experience in the environmental non-profit sector, including the development, implementation and management of nature-based solutions programs on a local, provincial and national level with Forests Ontario. She holds a master’s degree in environmental toxicology from the University of Saskatchewan and has served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a reservist for 10 years. She is the recipient of the 2017 Saskatchewan Future 40 Under 40 honour from the CBC; the 2017 Saskatchewan Scholarship of Honour from the Government of Saskatchewan; and the NATO Article 5 Active Endeavor Medal and Canadian Operational Service Medal from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys reading, cycling, camping and hiking. She is currently located in Toronto, though will be returning to Saskatchewan in 2022.
Joining ALUS in the role of Community Fulfillment Manager is Kirsten Grant. In this position, Kirsten will help community reporting and program evaluation efforts. She will also assist in donor relations, ensuring that project outcomes are accurately reported based on funding deliverables.
“Joining ALUS is a natural fit for me,” says Kirsten. “I am excited to bring my agriculture and environmental experience from research and industry to the non-profit sector. I’m excited to be working with the ALUS team to support impactful community reporting and meaningful donor relations.”
Kirsten hiking in Lynn Canyon Park, B.C.
To this position, Kirsten brings a wealth of experience working in rural stewardship across sectors, from academia to industry, focusing on agriculture and water quality in the Great lakes region. Kirsten previously worked in the ag space as a Crop Specialist at AGRIS Co-operative, giving her a firm understanding of the priorities of farmers and ranchers. Prior to that, Kirsten developed skills in project management, reporting and knowledge mobilization while coordinating the Lake Futures project at the University of Waterloo. Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Guelph, and a Master of Science in Geography from the University of Waterloo. She is based in Sarnia, Ontario.
