Michael Wagner

Amit's Bio

Amit Saxena is a large mammal wildlife biologist, working in the Environmental Planning Section of TC Energy. Amit has spent a large part of his career working as a biologist in Alberta’s energy sector, focusing on predator/prey dynamics related to large mammals (especially wolves, bears and caribou).

Amit’s Masters studies took him to places all over the world studying everything from Grizzly bears to tigers. Amit has been a frequent speaker on Inside Education teacher workshops and many previous youth summits.

TC Energy

Stephanie's Bio

Stephanie Leonard (She/Her) was brought on by Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada in 2017 in the roll of Environmental Coordinator. As part of the Land and Resource Department, Stephanie assists with environmental projects, consultation activities, GIS mapping, and is the Program Manager for AWN’s Caribou Patrol Program, which received an Emerald Award in the Wildlife and Biodiversity category in 2023.

Stephanie loves being outdoors near the small mountain town of Grande Cache, where she lives, spending time camping, hiking, and horseback riding. She is passionate about the work she does with caribou and on the environment.

Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada

Kristen's Bio

Passionate about the environment, Kristen Foxcroft began her career in reclamation and remediation for the upstream oil and gas industry in southern Alberta after earning an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. Embracing the outdoors, Kristen found fulfillment in returning former well sites to a pre-disturbed state.

Over the past 13 years, Kristen has transitioned to a role with an energy producer, managing diverse projects. From overseeing reclamation efforts to leading caribou habitat restoration initiatives, Kristen works closely with Indigenous communities to refine restoration approaches. Her commitment extends to participating in the development of sustainability projects, shaping a positive environmental impact.

ConocoPhillips Canada

Jessica's Bio

Jess is passionate about creating connections between people and forests. A graduate from University of Toronto’s Master of Forest Conservation program, Jessica (Jess) Kaknevicius has spent over 15 years in the non-profit sector including nearly nine years with Forests Ontario in a range of management and director roles between 2009 and 2018, focusing on growing education and awareness programming, fundraising, and supporting strategic development for the organization.

She also acted as the Vice-President of Education for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), where she played a critical senior leadership role overseeing philanthropic efforts and government agreements, governance, and supporting strategic planning and communications. She is a well-known advocate for the forest sector and co-founded Women in Wood, a networking group for women in the forest and wood-related sectors to share advice, information, and encouragement.

Forests Ontario

Women in Wood