In recognition of Women’s History Month, we celebrate women who are not only leading in their fields but also reshaping what leadership looks like. This year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” is reflected in the journey of Andrea Labelle, Environmental Coordinator II at the Temiscaming plant—a leader defined by resilience, growth, and grounded strength.
Early in her career, Andrea entered a heavy industrial environment where physical endurance often translated to credibility. Like many women in male-dominated spaces, she felt the pressure to prove herself. She kept pace. She took on the physical demands. She earned respect. But it came at a cost.
Over time, Andrea recognized that strength is not measured by how much you can carry. It is understanding your value beyond output. It protects your longevity. It is known that resilience is steady and sustainable—not rooted in self-sacrifice.
That perspective was shaped by the women before her—women who faced hardship and moved their families forward with determination and grit. From them, Andrea learned that resilience does not require losing yourself in the process.
Years later, while focused on growing her family, Andrea’s role was unexpectedly eliminated. The professional identity she had built felt suddenly uncertain. As both an environmental professional and a mother, she felt untethered.
So, she rebuilt.
She worked in the service industry. She supported her family. She kept moving forward.
She often reflected on her mother, who balanced multiple jobs to provide stability, and her Baba, who immigrated and built a life from very little. Their example reinforced a lasting truth: titles may change, but resilience endures.
That chapter reshaped her definition of success. It became less about position and more about adaptability, integrity, and rising with intention.
Andrea once described herself as shy—her voice trembling when she spoke. Today, she speaks with clarity and confidence.
Each chapter—navigating industrial environments, rebuilding after disruption, and stepping into environmental leadership at Temiscaming—strengthened her sense of purpose. She learned that true strength is self-awareness paired with resilience. It is the courage to speak up, advocate for others, and lead with empathy.
As Environmental Coordinator II, Andrea contributes to a more sustainable future for her site and community. Her leadership extends beyond compliance and policy. It is visible in mentorship, for example, and in her belief that sustainable leadership also means sustaining yourself.
She stands on the shoulders of strong women. Now, she carries that strength forward—with intention.
Andrea hopes the next generation of women will not feel compelled to prove their strength through sacrifice, but through skill, sustainability, and confident leadership.
Because shaping a sustainable future begins with understanding your strength—and using it to elevate others.
