Ready, Set, Network!

Victoria Fernandez holds a master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University, under the Fulbright Program. She has over 17 years of experience in Civil Engineering and for the last 15 years. Ms. Fernandez has been involved in a wide range of projects related to stormwater management, flooding risks, climate change adaptation, coastal protection and water quality in Canada, Venezuela and the United States. Her experience includes stormwater infrastructure detail design, flooding studies, low flow assessments and water and stormwater infrastructure assessment. Ms. Fernandez has accrued comprehensive experience in computer modelling of complex systems involving hydrodynamic processes, freshwater discharge, stormwater runoff, infiltration, wave action and sediment transport. Her experience also includes detailed design and construction services of stormwater and coastal protection infrastructure.

Layla Staats is an inspirational and creative multidisciplinary Artist based in the Six Nations, whose works stem from her journey of understanding and reclaiming her Indigenous strength as a generation survivor of residential schools. As an Indigenous Film Maker, Musician, Speaker, and Activist, she advocates for Indigenous rights, and utilizes her mediums to provide a platform for the stories and movements of her community.

Dr. Ryan Sorichetti is a Great Lakes Ecologist and Research Scientist for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. His work is focused on Great Lakes nearshore water quality and leads special focus projects and scientific reporting on shoreline areas undergoing changes, or with impairments, in water quality. Ryan completed his PhD at Western University in aquatic sciences with a focus on trace metals (iron) limitation on cyanobacterial growth in lakes and has continued research interest in biogeochemical nutrient cycling, algal physiology and taxonomy, lake physical processes and climate change science.

Ian Moran is an emerging leader at WSP, driven by a passion for technical expertise and strategic development. Since joining the WSP Team in 2020, Ian has collaborated with professionals across Canadian, building a strong network of major public clients, government officials, and industry advocates. His technical work has been influential in supporting First Nations development and addressing infrastructure challenges in remote and northern communities. In addition to his technical and market development initiatives, Ian is an active voice in industry conversations. His articles on thought leadership and technical excellence have been published in national and international magazines, and he presents at technical society conferences several times per year.

Melissa is Director, Policy & Programs at Pollution Probe, a national not-for-profit, charitable organization that seeks to improve the health and well-being of Canadians by advancing policy that achieves positive, tangible, environmental change. She is responsible for leading the organization’s Circular Economy and Great Lakes Programs and also contributes to its transportation file. Since joining Pollution Probe in 2010, Melissa has worked in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to find common solutions to challenging environmental issues. She has led a variety of research and development initiatives and public outreach and education campaigns related to environmental health, the Great Lakes, plastic waste, chemicals management and consumer engagement.