About

Lorena holds an MBA from the University of Texas in Austin and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development from Dalhousie University. Lorena moved to Ottawa in 2018 as Director of Public Affairs for TC Energy, after heading Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations for the firm for nearly 15 years in Mexico City. She was President of the Mexican Natural Gas Association from 2016 to 2018, a Board Member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, and represented the Mexican Natural Gas Industry during CUSMA negotiations and in bilateral conversations between Mexico and the United States on the US – Mexico Energy Business Council. A native Albertan, Lorena was the first representative of the Alberta Government to be posted at the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City, in 2002. Most recently, Lorena was the Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy for the Association of Canadian Distillers (Spirits Canada).

In 2008, Michaelle Jean awarded Lorena with the Governor General’s Award for her work in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Canada and Mexico. She is a founding member of Voz Experta, an organization that works to increase the visibility of women in the Mexican energy sector, is a proud member of the Ottawa chapter of the International Women’s Forum. Lorena speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Caroline brings 20 years of public affairs and government relations experience to Waterpower Canada. Prior to joining the organization in 2024, Caroline was Regional Director of Industry and Government Relations for Quebec and Atlantic at Arterra Wines Canada. Passionate about big policy issues, she previously worked on a variety of future-forward files in the legal cannabis industry, recycling, health care, and transportation.

Fully bilingual in English and French, with professional fluency in Spanish, Caroline has proven to be a versatile public affairs professional, working at the municipal, provincial, federal and international levels. Having served on a number of boards as part of her professional roles and to support organizations whose mission she believed in, she has a knack for governance and has coordinated advocacy efforts with a wide range of industry stakeholders.

Caroline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from McGill University and a Master of Public Affairs from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po). She enjoys the outdoors as well as the indoors, here and abroad, and can be found hiking, biking, practicing yoga or cooking and wine tasting.

Rebecca Leikin is a highly skilled event professional with over 15 years of experience in the event planning sector.

In her role as Senior Director of Events, Rebecca plans and executes all in-person, virtual and hybrid events for WaterPower Canada, including our annual, national conference, webinars, networking events, member-only events, and more.

Prior to joining WaterPower Canada, Rebecca led the event management, philanthropic and corporate partnerships work for Experiences Canada, SOS Children’s Villages Canada and Easter Seals Ontario.

Rebecca is passionate about her family, the outdoors, mental health & well-being, and enjoys spending time cooking and gardening. When she is not working, Rebecca can be found chasing after her two busy sons (& husband) and spending time with her family outside.

Paula is a strategic communications and marketing expert with over a decade of experience driving impactful campaigns for mission-driven organizations. As Director of Communications at WaterPower Canada, Paula leads the development and execution of communication and marketing strategies that amplify the organization’s voice, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and build nationwide support for hydropower’s vital role in Canada’s clean energy future.

Paula’s previous experience includes leading Communications for Canada at Change.org, where she directed earned media and digital strategies that significantly elevated brand visibility and drove social impact. At Environmental Defence, she spearheaded advocacy communications, crafting messaging and strategies that engaged diverse audiences, mobilized support for legislative reforms and earned widespread media coverage. As Digital Manager at EcoParent Magazine, she led digital marketing and content strategy, driving significant growth across platforms.

A Chartered Marketer (CM) and Meta-certified Creative Strategy Professional, Paula combines her expertise in digital marketing with a passion for climate action, storytelling, and advocating for a sustainable future.
Outside of work, Paula is a classically trained musician who enjoys the arts, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Emily Everett is a proven associate with solid analytical skills and over seven years of progressive corporate management experience. Her career has included leadership roles in fast-paced settings and demanding environments, including being tasked with managing up to 90 employees. With a degree in journalism and public relations, she leverages her interpersonal and organizational skills, combined with a solid record of enhancing processes for organizations.

Prior to joining WaterPower Canada, Emily played an active leadership role while spearheading process improvement throughout operations for a real estate firm and non-profit in the United States.
Emily is passionate about family, giving back to the community, and exploring Ottawa. When she is not working, Emily can be found spending time with her 19 month old son, husband, and two dogs.

Gilbert Bennett is a recognized leader and expert in renewable electricity, energy transition, and the broader energy sector, with more than two decades of experience. Having served as a WaterPower Canada Board Member and Board Chair (2010–2022), as well as Interim President, Gilbert continues to advance the organization’s goals through his leadership and contributions on technical and industry matters in his role as Senior Advisor.

From 2005 to 2022, Gilbert worked with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, where, as Vice President of Power Development, he was responsible for the development of the Muskrat Falls Project. Earlier in his career, he held senior engineering and operations roles in the telecommunications sector.

Gilbert holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from Memorial University and is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registered in Newfoundland and Labrador. He is also a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

In 2024, Gilbert was named one of the 75 most influential people in hydropower by International Water Power & Dam Construction magazine.

Laura Walsh is a marketing and community engagement professional with experience across technology, nonprofit, and startup ecosystems. She specializes in stakeholder relationships, engaged communities, and strategic communications that support organizational growth and collaboration.

At WaterPower Canada, Laura will serve as Engagement Officer, supporting membership growth and actively engaging members, collaborators, and stakeholders. She will lead day-to-day member communications and support the planning and coordination of national events, webinars, and member initiatives.

Laura previously worked with the United Nations Development Programme and spent more than 20 years living and working in Asia. She holds a master’s degree in International Development Studies and speaks English, Japanese, and conversational Thai.