Amit Saxena

Ben's Bio

Ben Cress is a Calgary-based environmental professional with over 15 years of experience in the energy sector. He focuses on finding practical, creative ways to reduce environmental impact while improving performance, bringing a broad perspective shaped by working through a wide range of environmental challenges. While he offers an industry lens, his core passion is environmental stewardship and finding solutions that work in the real world.

 Ben was first introduced to Inside Education at a youth summit and has remained engaged ever since, drawn to its hands-on approach and its focus on curiosity, critical thinking, and the exploration of complex issues from multiple perspectives.

 As a board member, Ben is excited to support Inside Education’s work to help students and educators better understand the connections among energy, the environment, and everyday life.

Billy-Joe's Bio

Billy-Joe has over 20 years of IT experience in the energy, municipal government, and retail industries. Currently, as General Manager, L48 Digital Technologies & Global Strategy, Billy-Joe is accountable for all Digital and IT services for ConocoPhillips.

With her passion for technology, she is also passionate about education and STEM. The opportunity to work with Inside Education to bring tangible experiences to the students aligns with her goals. She leads a volunteer-based organization called Girls Talk Tech, which aims to educate and empower young women to embrace technology for the future.

When she isn’t behind a computer, you can find her climbing mountains and cycling open roads.

Catherine's Bio

Cat is Legal Counsel at Enbridge on the Safety & Reliability Law team where she supports work related to lands, the environment, and safety.

Cat first joined Inside Education as a Forest Educator in 2017 during which time she delivered forest education programs in southern Alberta, and coordinated two of the forest field sites.

Cat now returns to Inside Education as a member of the Board with the hope of utilizing her previous experience as a staff member, passion for energy and environmental education, and legal acuity to support the organization.

Outside of work, you’ll find Cat coaching girls rugby, skiing, or running with her dog, Hazel.

Sithara's Bio

Sithara Fernando is a teacher, enjoys working outside and loves to engage with indigenous communities. Sithara enjoys travelling to new places, likes to take pictures, be outside and have fun with her dog. She is a passionate advocate for marginalized groups and volunteers extensively. She often blogs, enjoys writing, and one day hopes to write a book about all of her experiences. She is an avid reader, an engaged employee, and likes working as part of a team. She is a very kind and attentive individual who cares about all of the folks around her.

Sithara is currently a Natural Resources Manager for the Akisqnuk First Nation.