Jason Hale

Tawnya's Bio

Tawnya is from the Piikani Nation, she was recently hired as the Project Manager for the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project because of her passion for bettering the lives of her community.

Tawnya has 6 years working in various projects that brought new opportunities to the Piikani people through, food sustainability, land stewardship, promoting the importance of language and encouraging land based learning with youth and elders.

Through Tawnya’s educational background in journalism she has encompassed the skills to network and build important relationships throughout the confederacy.

Rural Routes to Climate Solutions

Mike's Bio

As the Sr. Manager, Environmental Sustainability at Nutrien, Mike leads Nutrien’s global sustainability work on water, biodiversity, waste, and climate as priority sustainability topics and how they relate to sustainable agriculture. He also supports Nutrien’s climate strategy and looks for opportunities around system solutions between the nature-climate-food nexus with agri-food value chain partners.

Mike received his Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Environmental Science and his Master of Science with a concentration in Hydrology from the University of Lethbridge. He is registered as a Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) and an Environmental Professional (EP), and currently serves as the Chair of the Water Committee for the Potato Sustainability Alliance in North America.

Nutrien

Stephanie's Bio

Stephanie Draper is a Program Coordinator with CAREERS: The Next Generation, where she supports students exploring careers in the Agriculture and Environment industries by helping them gain hands-on experience through internship opportunities that showcase the diverse pathways in these fields.

CAREERS The Next Generation

Balwinder's Bio

Dr. Balwinder Kumar is a Research Scientist at Lakeland College’s Applied Research in Vermilion, Alberta. He specializes in cereal and forage crop agronomy, nutrient management, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient farming systems. With over 20 years of experience in research, teaching, extension and administration, Dr. Kumar works closely with farmers, scientists, and students to solve real-world agricultural challenges.

At Lakeland College, he leads projects focused on improving production of wheat, barley, oat, triticale and forage crops to support crops and livestock producers across the Prairies. His research helps farmers grow healthier, more productive crops using smarter agronomic management and conservation practices.

Originally from India, Dr. Kumar has shared his research in over seven countries and has received international recognition for his work. He’s passionate about engaging youth and the next generation of agricultural leaders in science, sustainability, and innovation.

Lakeland College