Ben Hargreaves
Ben graduated with distinction from Ryerson University’s renowned journalism program and as a freelance Multimedia Journalist his writing and photojournalism has appeared in publications like the Toronto Star, Global News, Peterborough This Week, Peterborough Examiner, The Torch GTA, My Kawartha, as well as Ryerson affiliated publications. He has also written, directed and produced three documentary shorts which involved his skills of research, writing, cinematography and editing.
Sarah Patterson
Sarah is the consummate generalist. She worked at summer camps in every capacity possible for longer than most would consider appropriate. While working on her Masters of Child Studies & Education at OISE, she got side-tracked and began an 18-year career at Scotiabank where she held a variety of increasingly senior positions in many different divisions and capacities. She then returned to her passion of camping and was in charge of running 5 summer camps. When COVID saw her laid off from that gig, she pivoted to helping establish Common Earth. Her role in facilitation and programming there allows her to combine all of her passions – nature and the planet, connecting meaningfully with other people, and community building.
Stan Gibson
Stan worked for many years in integrated community development in urban and rural communities globally.
In 1998, he co-founded the Ecologos Environmental Organization, a registered environmental charity which creates transformative learning experiences that stir citizens into real action for a sustainable future. He is passionate about protecting Ontario’s water, and has been instrumental in programs such as Water Hour, Stop the Mega Quarry, the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium, the Water Journey, and the Water Docs suite of programs.
Stan and his family own a 500-acre farm near Algonquin Park which they are developing as an example of sustainable agriculture.
Damian Ali
Damian is a multimedia content creator and content writer with a background in journalistic communications and marketing endeavours. He has ample experience across the broadcasting industry, having been a part of 680 NEWS and other news stations. Damian remains steadfast about advocating for social justice and environmental issues, and hopes to make a practical difference using the skills he has acquired throughout his career.
Jean Ann Ledwell
Proud of her Newfoundland heritage, Jean Ann has been an adult educator and tireless advocate for the rights of women, the poor, the disabled and the environment – in Canada and the developing world. She is an Ursuline Sister and has served on her congregation’s Leadership Team for Ontario. She is a founder of The Elderberry Connection and serves on the board of the Canadian Alternative Investment Co-operative Foundation.
Ashley Catania
Ashley is a creative media professional with a range of experience in film, communications, content creation, marketing, arts education and advocacy. She has worked for the National Film Board of Canada, Cineplex Entertainment, Ryerson University, and many independent film festivals. She is dedicated to supporting socially relevant content and programming, and wants to continue to connect people with projects that inspire, challenge and inform.
Rienk DeVries
Rienk has worked with public sector organizations in three countries to implement best practices in water utility service delivery. He co-authored the Water Environment Federation Manual of Practice 33, “Information Technology in Water and Wastewater Utilities,” and helped develop Canada’s Urban Strategy Report. He has also worked with water and wastewater utilities across Canada to deliver cost-effective services that meet stringent quality standards. He loves helping Canadians find ways to protect water.