Suzanne Siemens has incorporated the values of sustainability into almost every aspect of her life. A chartered accountant by trade, and co-founder of Lunapads, a company which produces environmentally-responsible feminine hygiene products, Suzanne combines her full professional and personal life with community involvement.

In 2002, when Suzanne first became involved with the Georgia Strait Alliance, an organization committed to education, advocacy, and hands-on stewardship of the marine environment, she was pregnant with her first child. The opportunity to become aligned with a worthwhile cause, which would also enhance her professional life, was too good to pass up.

“Being engaged with the Georgia Straight Alliance happened to complement the work I was doing with Lunapads. At conferences and social engagements, I would meet people in the conservation field who were working in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.” The timing meant that she had to get creative when it came to juggling all her responsibilities. She quickly discovered that by drawing her family into her volunteerism, she was able to make the experience that much more fulfilling.

“When Suzanne came to our board, she immediately made the organization better,” explains Managing Director Christianne Wilhelmson. “Her skills as an accountant helped us improve how we tracked and reported our finances, and she helped us develop better cash flow and budgeting techniques so that we had the funds to do our work.”

For those considering contributing their skills, Suzanne has this advice: “Do your research. Make sure the work the organization is doing has some meaning to you. Then find out what skills they need and whether you can contribute.”