About the Alberta Emerald Foundation
Accelerating Environmental Excellence Since 1992
We’re a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.
With a legacy spanning over three decades, our work is amplifying. Through our educational narratives and celebration of Alberta’s environmental leaders, we’re building a future where all Albertans advance environmental excellence where they live, work, and play
MISSION
We accelerate environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.
VISION
A future where all Albertans advance environmental excellence where they live, work, and play.
VALUES
- Influence: Promoting environmental leadership and engaging the next generation of environmental leaders
- Integrity: Remaining a trusted and respected platform for environmental excellence
- Community: Sustaining success together by amplifying collaborative impact
- Diversity & Inclusion: Embracing inclusivity, respecting diverse perspectives
Our programs
Emerald Awards
Since 1992, the Emerald Awards have showcased almost 400 recipients and 900 finalists who are raising the bar in addressing environmental and climate change issues. These environmental awards celebrate excellence across all sectors, making them unique not only in Alberta but also in Canada.
Sharing Stories
Our Sharing Stories program shines a light on the organizations, projects, and individuals across Alberta who are working to build a more sustainable and resilient future.
Youth Grants
The Emerald Youth Grant (EYG) program is dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship among Alberta’s youth by empowering students and youth groups aged 5 to 25 across Alberta to develop an understanding and passion for environmental issues.
Meet the Team
Marisa Orfei
Executive Director
Marisa is a creative and innovative leader with a passion for telling stories and building relationships. Throughout her career, she has created and told important stories that impact positive change in our community.
Marisa has extensive leadership, stakeholder relationship, and communications experience within government, philanthropic and not-for-profit organizations. Her career began at Alberta Environment and led to her role as Director of Communications for the Premier.
Marisa then spent 10 years with the Palix Foundation developing and implementing creative communications strategies for complex research. She produced award-winning resources that told the story of ‘How Brains Are Built’.
Marisa then took on a position as Interim Executive Director for APPLE Schools, focused on giving schools and children a healthier future.
Her other passions include spending time with her family and friends, traveling, gardening, and cooking from scratch!
Sabrina (Bri) Huot
Communications & Engagement Specialist
Sabrina (Bri) is our dynamic Communications and Engagement Specialist! With a Bachelor of Commerce degree from MacEwan University, Sabrina specializes in digital marketing, content creation, and public outreach. Since joining the Foundation in 2021, Bri’s role has evolved significantly. In addition to spearheading social media, website management, and digital marketing, she now manages AEF’s 4 primary programs.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Bri is a versatile musician, contributing her talents to both rock and traditional folk bands. Her musical repertoire includes the guitar, mandolin, alternative percussion, lead vocals, and harmonies.
Looking ahead, Bri is enthusiastic about continuing to share Alberta’s environmental success stories, inspiring fellow Albertans to champion environmental excellence in their communities.
Board of Directors
The Alberta Emerald Foundation operates under the guidance and expertise of its Board of Directors. Thanks to their generous contributions of time and talent, the AEF is successful in its mission to accelerate environmental excellence across the province.
Board Chair
Executive Director, Sustainability Services, Alberta Municipalities
Past Board Chair
President, Torque Communications
Vice Chair & Resource Development Committee Chair
Secretary
Forest Nature and Conservation Manager, Drax Canada
Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair
Digital Analytics Associate Manager, Accenture
Communications Committee Chair
Environmental Management Leader, City of Calgary
Director
Director
Executive Director of Water Availability and Partnerships Branch, Environment and Protected Areas
Director
Vice President of Stewardship, Alberta Recycling Management Authority
Director
Dean of Augustana Faculty and Campus, University of Alberta
Director
SomeArtyGirl Studios
Director
Science Learning Leader and Science/Math Teacher, Calgary Board of Education
Director
General Supervisor, Environmental Management & Utilities Supply, Environment & Climate Resilience, Urban Planning & Economy, City of Edmonton
Reports and Manuals
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge and honour that we operate on Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territories, of which we have been beneficiaries since their signing. We extend our hands in peace and friendship to all Indigenous peoples who have made these places their homes since time immemorial.
We are grateful for the journey we are on as treaty people, with the responsibility and opportunity to carry forward and renew the spirit and intent of those agreements. To learn, to grow, to celebrate this journey of discovery, and to share our stories as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.
We call forward the spirit of tatawaw which in nehiyawewin means “Welcome, there is room” to guide us as we do our part to make Alberta a more welcoming and sustainable place to live for all.