The Sustainability Office has grown from two to three! We’re excited to introduce Laura Hnatiuk as RRC’s new Sustainability Coordinator while (former Sustainability Coordinator) Whitney Crooks takes on the role as Resource Reduction Specialist for the next two years.

Learn more about Laura in her own words.

Hello RRC! My name is Laura Hnatiuk and I am beyond excited to take on the role as Sustainability Coordinator. I look forward to engaging with students, faculty and staff to deliver and expand top notch waste, recycling and other sustainability programs and events on campus. So… who am I?!

Since a youngster in diapers, I’ve always had a fascination with nature. You could often find me gazing at the sky, picking at leaves, poking at bugs and collecting many, many rocks. Growing up, my fascination developed into a passion to protect and maintain the integrity of our earth and its valuable resources.

To no surprise, I went on to get my Bachelors in Environmental Studies from the University of Manitoba, focusing on biodiversity and conservation. After spending some time away in the Rocky Mountains, I returned to Winnipeg full of fresh mountain air, to pursue my career in environmental sustainability.

It became very evident to me that my ambition lies within public outreach and institutional sustainability, working towards the development and expansion of sustainability programs and initiatives to provide the access and resources needed to build a strong culture of sustainability, and promote behavioral change that can be carried forward into everyday life.

I have since worked to integrate sustainability programs and initiatives within both the public and private sector, most recently coming from Green Manitoba as the Organic Waste Program Coordinator. There my role was to coordinate the development and delivery of the Manitoba Composts Program, Schools Compost! Program, and expansion of various organic waste diversion initiatives, projects and funding opportunities throughout Manitoba. Before that, I had a great opportunity at MTS, where I established an Environmental Management System and worked to integrate waste, recycling and other sustainability programs across the telecommunications industry in Manitoba.

On my own time, I’m active in both the local environmental community and the gym (you can find me at Bootcamp!). I enjoy volunteering in many different fields of interest, particularly local arts and culture, as well as all things food! In addition to that, Farmers Markets and yoga take up much of my free time.

I am confident that RRC will continue to build its reputation as a leader in sustainability and am thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of the team! Please feel free to contact me anytime with comments, questions, concerns or ideas. I can be reached at lahnatiuk@rrc.ca,  204 632 2144 or drop by C519 (baking is always welcome).