We are thrilled to introduce Ashleen Montgomery as the new Finances and Operations Manager at SPEC! Ashleen brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to our team, and we are excited to have her on board.
What Attracted Ashleen to SPEC?
Ashleen’s journey with SPEC began with the Zero Waste Team. She was initially drawn to SPEC’s mission and values, particularly the tangible impact of waste management. “Waste is a tangible thing that we all touch, so for me, it was a gateway to other forms of environmentalism,” she explains. Inspired by the work of other team members, Ashleen found her niche through the Master Recycler program. Her dedication didn’t stop there—she now leads a green team in her MURB (Multi-Unit Residential Building) and has extended her efforts to other buildings in the neighborhood. “If just my building alone can divert thousands of pounds from landfill each month, I’m excited to think about the impact if all the other buildings in Vancouver were able to accomplish the same thing.” In 2023, Ashleen was awarded the Carole Christopher Volunteer Award of Excellence for her dedicated volunteer effort as the Master Recycler Conference Coordinator.
The SPEC Community: A Source of Inspiration
Ashleen feels a deep connection to the SPEC community, appreciating its diverse backgrounds united by a shared passion for sustainability. “I immediately felt a sense of community and belonging when I started attending SPEC meetings,” she shares. Ashleen is continually impressed by the accomplishments of SPEC volunteers, often achieved with limited resources. “It just shows what you can accomplish when your work aligns with your values.”
Bringing Experience and Education to SPEC
With a career largely spent in start-up environments, Ashleen has honed her skills in leading projects, solving problems creatively, and collaborating with teams to navigate challenges. “I love collaborating and helping teams achieve our shared vision,” she says. Her educational background in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology provides her with a unique perspective on the complexity of nature and a solid foundation to understand environmental issues.
As a settler on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Ashleen feels a profound responsibility to advocate for the environment. “The Coast Salish Peoples have historically maintained a harmonious relationship with the environment through their stewardship practices, and I am committed to respecting and learning from this Indigenous wisdom.”
Join us in welcoming Ashleen to the SPEC family! We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make in her new leadership role.