Age: 32
Company: We generate green energy through community investments.
Education: Master of environmental studies. Dalhousie University (2010)
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow enters important next phase
For Ginger Bertrand, some of her earliest childhood memories in Ottawa are centred around healthcare. “I grew up across the street from what was originally the General Hospital,” she explains,
How the uOttawa faculty of engineering instills an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ in students
A decade ago, Terrafixing chief operating officer Vida Gabriel was a chemistry-loving student in high school with little to no interest in business or entrepreneurship. “I didn’t like the sales
Charitable involvement: Ecology Ottawa
Biggest biz achievement: Raising $7 million in investments from individuals in Ottawa and spending all that money on local solar energy projects.
Biggest biz obstacle: Developing viable renewable energy projects.
Biggest influence: The founding directors of OREC for their vision, commitment, knowledge and good nature!
Biggest lesson learned: Find the experts who want to work with you. Don’t try to do everything from scratch.
First job: Gymnastics coach
Advice I’d give the younger me: Be patient. Embrace failures. Question defensiveness. Know when to compromise and when not to.
What’s left to do: Continue to learn. Live lightly. Speak up. Leave a positive impact. Create a local investment co-op. Support a co-op farm. House climate refugees. Laugh. Dance.
Favourite pastime: Trail running
I’m currently reading: The Burning Answer: A User’s Guide to the Solar Revolution by Keith Barnham
Favourite movie: Moulin Rouge
Favourite song: Lost Balloons by Caledonia
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Fury FC
Favourite local summer event: CityFolk
Preferred social media platform: Facebook
Company Twitter handle: @ORECoop
