Dr. Elaine Ho-Tassone takes home two Algoma Visionary Awards

Dr. Elaine Ho-Tassone started working for the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre's RAIN (Rural Agri-Innovation Network) division just under a year ago. Since then, she's completed her PhD in Social and Ecological Sustainability (specializing in Integrated Water Management) from University of Waterloo and took on the role of Project Coordinator at Lake Huron North (through RAIN.)

Not only does Dr. Ho-Tassone have a long list of credentials, qualifications, interests, and experiences, she has a contagious passion for learning and sharing her knowledge. Being in a meeting with Elaine, or having a conversation with her, means that you will walk away learning something . It comes as no surprise that she is also part-time faculty at Algoma University. These are just some of the reasons that we at the Innovation Centre knew she would stand an excellent chance of winning the Strive YPG Algoma Visionary Award for Young Professional of the Year and the Environmental and Natural Resources Industry Award.

Being drawn to community collaboration, and achieving meaningful results are things that Dr. Ho-Tassone feels passionately enough about to welcome viewers to join her in working towards a common goal of water sustainability while making her speech at the SYPG Algoma Visionary Awards Gala.

In response to winning these awards, Dr. Ho-Tassone commented:

"Since relocating to the Sault in early 2020, I have been consistently awed and inspired by the collaborative spirit of everyone I have encountered. The work we have accomplished together is entirely owed to the immense support, interest, and commitments others have contributed. Therefore, the recognition I received at this year's Strive gala truly belongs to the large team of passionate collaborators who have made these projects possible!

Watching the awards ceremonies and hearing about all the fantastic work that is being done in our community was extremely humbling, as there are so many people out there making a real difference in the lives of people all around us. Some of these people received recognition through nominations or receipt of awards, but many others have not! I recognize all those persons and organizations, including those giants who came before us and paved the way for all of us to be engaged in the ways we are.

I am honored to have accepted the Environmental and Natural Resources Industry Award and the Strive Young Professional of the Year Award; however, I am even more grateful to be a part of a community of peoples that include many past, recent, and future nominees and award recipients. I look forward to continuing to collaborate on various projects across our region (reach out if you're interested!) and I hope to honor those who have put so much into collectively making Baawaating an even better place for all. Thank you, miigwech, and congratulations to all our team members, collaborators, and to SSMIC's hardworking and impactful community for all that you do!"

Congratulations Dr. Ho-Tassone! Continue the great work that you are doing to make lasting, meaningful impacts for the betterment of our natural environment and for you commitment to sharing your knowledge to those around you.

Check out  Dr. Elaine Ho-Tassone's website to learn more about the type of work she is doing and to learn more about how she is bridging gaps between various disciplines and making connections that lead to results: https://www.e-h2o.ca