Industry Role Models

Our gallery OF

Mia Otokiak

EDUCATION

High School Diploma

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

Nunavut Impact Review Board
Ikaarvik: Barriers to Bridges

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Research & Development

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Being an Ikaarvik Youth Mentor. Not only being able to work with youth all across Nunavut, but show them that their knowledge and power is so important. Showing them that they have the ability to be involved in science and research in a meaningful way.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

That it may get difficult sometimes, but to keep fighting. Your voice and your actions have a bigger impact that you expect. Raising your voice and showing people that you’re passionate about the Ocean shows them that you’re in it for the long haul.

Kiley Best

EDUCATION

M.Sc. Biology (Aquaculture)

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

Marine Institute

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Research & Development

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Starting the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium in 2013 and staying in operation ever since. In addition to becoming the board Co-Chair of the Canadian Network for Ocean Education (CaNOE) in 2019.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

Volunteer with a like minded organization and get the experience that you need to be competitive when it comes to starting graduate school and or a career.

Kenneth Oguzie

EDUCATION

Bachelor Degree in Business Management, Masters Degree in Social Policy and Development

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

DOTCAN (Development of Ocean Tech Capacity with African Nations)

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Ocean Tech Business, Training & Maritime Security

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

I consider myself a global citizen having lived in 6 countries (4 continents).

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

It is important to network with fellow professionals and seek opportunities to be mentored.

Judith Underwood

EDUCATION

B.A. International Relations

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

Blue Institute

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Ocean Technology
Development & Manufacturing

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Becoming the first “blue economy banker” in the U.S.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

Use LinkedIn to reach out and connect with target companies and people.

Ashley Noseworthy

EDUCATION

BSc (Biology), MSC (International Marine Environmental Consulting), MCPM (Masters Certificate in Project Management)

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

EDGEWISE Environmental

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Marine Environmental Consulting

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Milestones/achievements include: all of my degrees, the launch of the business, ability to hire employees, Edgewise has worked in all major bodies of water within Canada (except for the Arctic)

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

Leverage the diversity and differing points of view you can bring to a team. Research those companies you really want to work with, including their diversity and inclusion policy. Seek a mentor (a piece of advice I give all persons entering the ocean sector, particularly those that are new).

Ogaga Johnson

EDUCATION

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

Canada’s Ocean Super Cluster (OSC)

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Industry Partnership

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Being the Founder of Yield Leadership Initiative (YLI), a faith based not-for-profit organization that aims to give God’s love by developing the potentials of young Africans. Through YLI, we empower young Africans by helping them maximize their potentials (through identifying, developing and using their potentials) so that they become their best and leaders in their respective fields.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

You are unique and that makes you very powerful because you bring a special value to the ocean sector that no one else can. You have what it takes, never look down on yourself. It is possible and Yes you can! Get the knowledge needed to excel, network and put yourself forward for opportunities.

Dr. Jackie Dawson

EDUCATION

B.Sc. in Natural Science
Masters in Business
PhD in Geography

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

University of Ottawa

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Scientific Research in Shipping

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Adopting my two sons.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

If you don’t see yourself represented in the sector you want to work in look harder and if you still don’t see yourself represented then become this change and ensure that those coming after you will feel represented and be inspired.

CarolAnne Black

EDUCATION

B.Sc. in Physics
M.Sc in Oceanography

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

CarolAnne Black, Consulting Science Writers

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Writing, Research and Communication Services

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

I had the pleasure of creating a report, Gender Equity in Ocean Science: Amplifying Voices, Increasing Impact, for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

A Seth Godin quote: “You are more powerful than you think.
Act accordingly.”

Dr. Emily Choy

EDUCATION

Biology

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

McGill University

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Scientific Research

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Working in partnership with northern communities to study the impacts of environmental change on the prey of Beaufort Sea beluga whales. I was also a Weston scientist on the Victoria Strait Expedition to find the lost ships of Sir John Franklin.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

Just go for it. You will bring a unique and important perspective to ocean science!

Shannon Steele

EDUCATION

Oceanography and Ocean Mapping

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

Kraken Robotics Systems Inc.

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Ocean Technology Development and Manufacturing

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Becoming an inventor by developing End-fire Synthetic Aperture Sonar, which is currently under patent review.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

Don’t be afraid to ask for the opportunities you want.

Cortney Banks

EDUCATION

Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Shipbuilding

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Upon graduation I took a job in another country where I didn’t know anyone. It was a really difficult but ultimately really rewarding experience.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

Find other people in your underrepresented group that you can connect with. These people don’t have to be at your company, they can be elsewhere in the industry. Having someone in your life the same boat is helpful for discussing the challenges you are facing and gaining support.

Katie Surette

EDUCATION

Welding

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

Irving Ship Building Inc.

ASSOCIATED OCEAN SECTOR

Shipbuilding

Name an achievement or a milestone in your life/work that makes you proud.

Being the first woman to win apprentice of the year at Irving shipyard in 2018.

What advice would you give to underrepresented folks looking to get into a career in the ocean tech sector?

Your under representation does not define you. Don’t let that intimidate you. Once you start working in your sector you will find your own skill set that will help you succeed. If you have a strong work ethic and drive, you can conquer anything.