Congratulations to Kristi Dorian, one of the deserving winners of the 2024 BRAVO Awards for Sustainability Leadership! The BRAVO Awards are the highest form of recognition for employees who put our College’s core values and leadership into action. Among these awards, the Sustainability Leadership Award celebrates those making a meaningful impact on environmental, social, or economic sustainability.

Kristi has been a part of Red River College Polytech for 15 years, and in October, 2022 stepped into the role of Recreation and Wellness Coordinator. In this position, Kristi has supported sustainability through introducing new programs and initiatives that take a holistic view of wellness. According to Kristi, this means considering the well-being of individuals, groups, and the planet. “Campus well-being is a holistic approach primarily for students, but also staff, and we want to promote connection, belonging, well-being — physical, mental, and social” says Kristi.

Here’s a closer look at the sustainability-related programs and initiatives that led to Kristi’s nomination for the BRAVO Award:

Homeowners and Renters Workshop Series: This series offered practical, hands-on workshops covering topics like plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and electrical work. The aim is to help students and staff learn how to maintain their homes, promote energy efficiency, and reduce waste — all key principles of sustainability. The workshops have been a hit, with strong participation and great feedback. Kristi also pointed out that collaboration across College departments was key to the program’s success, most significantly a partnership with the School of Skilled Trades and Transportation.

Enhancing Understanding and Appreciation of Our Ecosystem: Launched in 2023, the Kindness Month program focuses on spreading kindness in many forms — to the planet, animals, others, and oneself. Activities include presentations on topics including nature, pollinators, and nutrition. The goal is to boost social well-being and build community, which ties into the social aspect of sustainability. Krist shared that support from the School of Indigenous Education was key to the series’ success: “For the kindness to the planet theme, I approached the School of Indigenous Education, and Elder Paul led a presentation about the sun and Mother Earth, sharing traditions, stories, and learning from an Indigenous perspective.”

Promoting Outdoor Recreation: These programs encourage outdoor, nature-based activities that boost health, well-being, and conservation awareness. The bike share program allows students and staff to borrow bikes for errands or leisure. Snowshoes have also been added to the lending library, giving folks more options for outdoor winter activities. Organized group trips to Birds Hill Park offer nature walks, promote physical activity, and reduce the need for personal vehicles.

Notre Dame Campus Community Garden: A collaborative effort between the Grounds Department, Student Association, and Campus Well-being, this initiative allows students and staff to garden their own plots, fostering a connection to nature and food security. As Kristi puts it, “Seeing how people’s plants are growing, even with the abundance of weeds this year, I encourage everyone to get their hands dirty, plant something, watch it grow, and experience the fulfillment of harvesting your own food. It’s a huge sustainability activity.”

When asked what inspired her to bring sustainability into her work and programs, Kristi reflected, “I’m more inspired now, and my future planning has sustainability more at the forefront of my thinking as a result of receiving this award and having my manager nominate me for it. Before, the inspiration was more natural, but now it’s much more intentional.” Looking ahead, Kristi is focused on integrating sustainability into all aspects of her future programming. She sees it as a challenge to help others recognize how their activities impact the environment, social connections, and the economic aspects of sustainability.

If you’re a staff member and reading about Kristi’s work has you thinking about the links between your own role and sustainability, or if you know someone who should be nominated for next year’s Sustainability Leadership BRAVO Awards, please reach out! We’re always interested in connecting with staff and faculty across the College on sustainability issues.

Thank you very much Kristi for your contributions to sustainability at RRC Polytech!