A Legacy of Inclusive Growth
When Rebekah joined Our Living Waters (OLW) in the fall of 2021, she felt an immediate sense of alignment. “It was as if the job posting had been written for me,” she recalls. The newly created position offered the perfect intersection of her passions for water protection, knowledge mobilization, languages, and creativity. The role came into being as the OLW Network expanded – particularly within the francophone water community – after the curation of a list of 300+ shovel-ready projects to advance climate resiliency and watershed security in 2020.
Throughout her four years at OLW, Rebekah has watched the Network continue to grow its reach, and has thrived in the creative and strategic dimensions of her role. “I loved interviewing passionate water leaders across the country and giving voice to their stories, while also designing graphics and immersing myself in bilingual Network Weaving,” she reflects. Rebekah strategized about deepening Network engagement, identifying opportunities and gaps, and matchmaking amongst member organizations. This sleuthing was one of the most fun and fulfilling parts of her job. She says, “It was like connecting dots across a map to help people collaborate better.”
Of course, facilitating collective action isn’t easy. “There are multiple potential pathways for Network stewardship – the choices are endless – and you can’t do it all.” Throughout, Rebekah has helped to steer OLW toward priorities like bilingualism, Right Relations, and bridging across regions. For example, she played a key role in implementing simultaneous translation for a number of OLW webinars, including a bilingual dialogue on participatory water science, the role of the Canada Water Agency in national freshwater collaboration, and Ecologically Significant Areas as a new freshwater and nearshore conservation tool.
“OLW fills such an important gap in the waterscape in Canada. I feel deeply grateful for my time here, for the relationships, and for everything I’ve learned.”
What’s a favourite memory?
“Going to Quebec for the Forum on Participatory Water Science was incredibly energizing since we work two-dimensionally most of the time. With the water space being so complex, in-person gatherings are essential for strategizing and relationship building. The Forum in Quebec served as the launchpad for a new collaborative initiative, the Quebec Water Collective.”
What will you miss?
“I’ll miss the relationships and community – the people across the country who care for the waters that sustain us. And I’ll also miss wearing so many different hats!”
What’s next?
“My next chapter will remain ‘water-adjacent’ and collaborative in nature, connecting communities with experts who can help address environmental impacts. Find me on LinkedIn if you’re curious to know more!”
What’s an important learning?
“I’ve learned to be more comfortable with the need to pivot. Working for a Network has taught me to hold structure and openness in balance, listening meaningfully to multiple perspectives and designing for emergence. This is key to building a Network that members can trust and see themselves in.”
What’s a hope for OLW?
“I hope for more opportunities for the nonprofit water community to meaningfully work with other sectors on implementing and socializing watershed security goals.”
We will miss Rebekah, her professionalism, compassion, and dedication. Knowing that water connects, we look forward to having our paths cross once more.
About Natalija Vojno
Network Engagement Lead, Our Living Waters: water and positive peace champion facilitating connections with head and heart.
