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.

Yvonne joined WaterPower Canada in 2009 and is responsible for the association’s finances and administration. Yvonne has a diploma in Secretarial and Economics and Law from Stamford Collegiate Vocational Institute. She speaks English and Italian. Prior to joining WaterPower Canada, Yvonne spent her entire career in the hydropower sector while working for a major international consulting engineering firm that specializes in the development, design and construction of hydro projects. From this experience, Yvonne is a strong advocate and promoter of the waterpower industry.

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 family, outdoors, mental health and supporting Canadian businesses. When she is not working, Rebecca can be found chasing after her two busy sons (& husband) and spending time with her family outside.

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.