September 27, 2024
Introducing the Team at CPAWS Manitoba
In September 2024, we’re excited to welcome Chelsea Thomson as our new Communications Manager at CPAWS Manitoba. With her passion and expertise, she will guide the development and implementation of our communications and marketing initiatives, driving our mission forward.
By joining CPAWS Manitoba, Chelsea combines her love for the outdoors with nearly 20 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Known for her expertise in public relations, social media, and traditional marketing strategies, she has worked for well-known Winnipeg organizations like Folklorama, The Forks, and the Reh-Fit Centre, as well as countless local businesses.
When she’s not writing or building strategy to help small businesses grow, you can find her camping with her family, running around downtown Winnipeg with her favourite run club, or binge-watching almost anything on almost any streaming platform.
A nature lover at heart, Chelsea enjoys exploring Manitoba’s parks and spending time with her family at their cabin in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. She’s all about embracing the outdoors year-round, with winter running being a personal favourite—nothing beats the crisp, refreshing Manitoba winters for her!
Q+A with Communications Manager Chelsea Thomson
- What Is Your Main Role with CPAWS Manitoba?
As the Communications Manager at CPAWS Manitoba, my main role is to develop and implement effective communications campaigns that raise awareness about our conservation efforts and inspire action. I work on producing impactful content, whether that’s through social media, newsletters, or other platforms, to engage our community and highlight the importance of protecting Manitoba’s natural spaces. I also play a key part in supporting and planning campaign-related events that bring people together, strengthen advocacy, and help us reach new audiences. Overall, my goal is to build strong connections with both our current supporters and potential new advocates.
- What Do You Hope to Achieve with Your Work?
As a Communications Manager at CPAWS Manitoba, my main goal would be to help amplify the message of protecting Manitoba’s wild spaces and to engage people who are passionate about nature conservation. I hope to inspire more people to get involved and take action—whether it’s through advocacy, volunteering, or simply staying informed about the work we’re doing. By sharing the beauty and importance of our natural environments, I want to build a strong, informed community that actively supports initiatives like preserving boreal forests, wetlands, and grasslands, and advocating for sustainable, long-term solutions to the climate crisis.
- Favourite part of your job?
Since I’m still new to the role, it’s hard to pick just one favourite part of the job, but I can already say I love the team I work with. Everyone at CPAWS is incredibly friendly, supportive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who care so deeply about protecting Manitoba’s natural spaces and are so dedicated to making a real impact. I’m excited to learn from them and collaborate as we work toward our shared goals.
- What Inspires You to Protect and Be an Advocate for Nature?
As a busy mom of two, I know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in screens all day, but research keeps reminding us that spending time outdoors, even just a little, can do wonders for our mental health and help us stay focused. It’s something I’m always trying to be mindful of, especially for both myself and my kids. That’s why it’s so important to advocate for nature and protect these spaces—because we all need them to recharge and reconnect, both for our own well-being and for future generations.
5. What are you working on right now in CPAWS?
Right now, I’m focused on learning the ropes in my new role and getting a deeper understanding of how CPAWS operates. I’m taking the time to familiarize myself with our goals, current initiatives, and the team’s strengths so that I can effectively contribute to future campaigns.
Fast Facts:
- How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
Clever, talkative, honest, storyteller, mother.
- Favourite outdoor activity?
Winter running with friends.
- Favourite Manitoba Vacation spot?
My family’s cabin in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, or Clear Lake. Both hold many memories with family and friends.
- Favourite Provincial Park?
If I have to pick just one I’d say Turtle Mountain, although the Whiteshell comes in a very close second.
- Favourite Winnipeg Park?
Bois-des-Esprits!
- Favourite nature book or documentary?
Does “Tiger King” count? Just kidding. I liked “Fire of Love,” which follows two volcanologists in love who died in a volcanic explosion. Rolling Stone called it, “The greatest lava-fueled love story ever told.”