Judi Vandenbrink is gifted at identifying issues and developing solutions that are feasible for everyone involved.
Judi at River & Pathway Cleanup in Bowmont Park
Most recently on a contract as the project manager of the City of Calgary Mayor’s Environment Expo, Judi has focused on creating environmental education opportunities for Calgary youth. Last year this project was awarded the Alberta Emerald Award for environmental excellence based on Judi’s work with schools. This award recognizes the dedication and achievements of Albertans with regards to environmental initiatives.
Judi has been working diligently to create and nurture environmental connections within Calgary for many years. She is the founder and Executive Director of EcoLiving Events Ltd. which runs a number of popular local initiatives, including:
- EcoLiving Tours, allowing Calgarians to see new technology in an applied setting;
- EcoLiving Speaker Series, a venue for local and international experts to share their success stories and challenges in creating sustainable communities; and
- EcoLiving Fair, a showcase of building technologies, alternative energy systems, water conservation and other initiatives within a trade show setting.
Volunteering has been a big part of Judi’s life. She continues to volunteer for many of the organization listed:
- Heart and Stroke Foundation – canvasser
- Pathway and River Clean up – team organizer
- Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation – wildlife rehabilitation
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Association – awareness campaigns
- Alberta Wilderness Association – Tower Climb fundraiser
- Parent volunteer at Belvedere Parkway and TB Riley Schools
- University of Calgary Swim Club – timer and fundraising
- YWCA – Fitness instructor
- Women’s Centre – Help line
- English as a Second Language – homestay host
- Sustainable Calgary
- Clean Calgary
- EcoLiving Events
When not volunteering, Judi’s other interests include hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, skiing, travel, music, gardening, wildlife, pets and people.
A confident communicator, Judi has led training sessions for teachers, students and the general public about sustainable development, alternative energy, water/energy conservation and community involvement.
She has authored weekly articles in the Western Wheel and the Gateway Gazette, has been published in several non-profit organization newsletters and has been featured in the “U” – University of Calgary Alumni Magazine, the Calgary Herald, Calgary Sun, Metro and Fast Forward newspapers. Because of her expertise in environmental issues, Judi has been interviewed by local TV and radio stations on a number of topics. She has been the Master of Ceremony for events relating to her work with EcoLiving Events and the City of Calgary Mayor’s Environment Expo.
Judi has attended several conferences over the years pertaining to the betterment of the community. The latest was the Cities in Transition conference held at the University of Calgary in 2010.
Judi has traveled extensively, visiting cities around the world and believes that her training, hands on experience and global exposure will provide her with great insight to directing Calgarians towards long-term health, growth and prosperity.
Judi is a longtime resident of Ward 1 and has lived in Bowness since in 1989. She holds a BSc. in Ecology from the University of Calgary, and has extensive entrepreneurship training. Judi is proud to have raised two daughters, Cora (30 years old) and Darcie (28 years old) as a single parent. Judi’s unrelenting spirit and passion for community is exemplified in her commitment to Calgary.