PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release February 7, 2023

DUC in Manitoba Recognizes Women in Science on February 11

Leaders in Brandon and Winnipeg provide “astounding” depth to conservation efforts

Charlotte Crawley is proud to raise cattle near Rapid City, Manitoba, a short drive from the land her family first farmed in 1897. She’s also proud to be a woman breaking down barriers in two occupations: farming and conservation.

“There’s a quote I recently heard that I fell in love with: ‘Act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog’," says Crawley, a conservation specialist with DUC since 2015 working in the Brandon office. "If your heart is in it and you’re willing to work for it, women can do anything.”

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is recognizing Crawley and two of her Manitoba colleagues for their contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11.

Lisette Ross joined DUC in 1990 as a research biologist. Today, she is Head of Wetland Services for Native Plant Solutions, an arm of DUC that provides environmental solutions to corporate clients and governments. She was instrumental in a first-in-Canada project in Niverville to transition a former sewage lagoon into community space using natural processes

“The more diversity we can incorporate into our work and office environments, the better products and approaches we will possess for attaining our wetland and waterfowl conservation goals,” says Ross. “We often want to promote or work alongside people who think like us. It may be easier but there is a danger in that.”

Originally from Nigeria, Abosede Adeoye is the head of finance for DUC’s $15 million Manitoba budget. She holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from University Canada West, Vancouver, BC.

“Women and girls often play a critical role in everyday management of natural resources in the family and community,” she notes. “I am a firm believer in the old African proverb, ‘If you educate a man, you educate an individual but if you educate a woman, you educate a family (nation)’.”

DUC employs 17 women among 34 staff at its provincial office in Brandon, plus nine of 11 staff at Oak Hammock Marsh Wetland Discovery Centre and eight of 14 at Native Plant Solutions in Winnipeg.

“Beyond the numbers, the experience and abilities provided by our female colleagues is simply astounding,” explains Mark Francis, Manager Provincial Operations – Manitoba, “and the collective office mix makes for a great team We salute Charlotte, Lisette and Abosede for their roles in applying science-based solutions to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.”

See the attached Backgrounder for more about the staff members recognized for Women in Science.