Ceece Holz
Dr. Ceecee Holz (she/her or they/them) is the Senior Research Associate at the Climate Equity Reference Project and the Executive Director of the Climate Equity Reference Project Canada. Ceecee is also an Affiliated Researcher at the Stockholm Environment Institute and co-teaches the core course of Carleton University’s Masters’ specialization in climate change. Her field of research and practice is international and Canadian climate change politics, with an overall research and advocacy agenda focused on the role of equity and fairness as enablers of ambitious domestic and international action on addressing climate change, while safeguarding and advancing the fundamental right to decent lives free of poverty for all. Ceecee also researches the role of civil society in international climate change politics and advises several Canadian and international organizations on climate policy and climate diplomacy.
Ceecee is a queer non-binary transwomen of many interests. They play double bass in the Ottawa Pops Orchestra and bass guitar in a local band, are a roller derby player and referee with the Ottawa Valley Roller Derby league (playing on the Ottawa Valley Riptides travel team and the Street Rats home league team) as well as a competitive ultra-distance cyclist (currently holding a title of North American Champion in 24 Hour Time Trial cycling; possible the first time any sport has ever awarded a continental championship in a gender-diverse category). Ceecee gives back to her community via volunteer service on the boards of directors of several climate advocacy and queer organizations and in other ways.
Nereah Felix
Nereah is a trauma-focused therapist who works from a relational, feminist, and anti-oppressive lens. Her practice is deeply rooted in supporting individuals from BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, with a strong commitment to creating safer therapeutic spaces that honour clients' lived experiences and intersecting identities.
With training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Nereah specializes in helping clients process and heal from trauma, including experiences of systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and relational wounding. She views therapy as a collaborative process where clients are the experts of their own lives, and works to gently challenge internalized narratives shaped by societal, cultural, and gender-based expectations.
Her approach draws from feminist-based therapy, emphasizing empowerment, embodied awareness, and the exploration of power dynamics both within and outside the therapy room. Nereah believes that healing is not only personal but also political — and she supports her clients in reclaiming agency, cultivating resilience, and finding their voice.
Natasha Dupuis
Natacha Dupuis (her/she/they) is a retired Master Corporal of the Canadian Armed Forces, bringing over 16 years of dedicated service to her country. Her military career includes participation in critical missions, such as the ice storm crisis, a tour in Bosnia, and two deployments to Afghanistan. It was during her second tour in Afghanistan that Natacha faced profound personal challenges, including the tragic loss of two comrades, which led to her diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
In her journey toward healing, Natacha embraced various recovery techniques, ultimately discovering the transformative power of rigorous physical exercise. She expresses deep gratitude to the Soldier On Program, which played a pivotal role in her reintegration into sports and fitness. The support and camaraderie of her fellow participants have been a significant source of inspiration throughout her recovery.
Natacha’s athletic prowess was showcased at the Invictus Games, where she competed as an athlete in Orlando 2016, earning two gold medals in track and field (100m and 200m) and a bronze in powerlifting. She continued her success at the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, serving as Co-Captain and securing three gold medals in track and field (100m, 200m, and 400m) and a silver medal in indoor rowing.
Originally from the south side of Montreal, Natacha now resides in the National Capital Region, where she has embarked on a new and fulfilling career as a public servant. Through her experiences, Natacha exemplifies resilience and determination, inspiring others to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams.