Please start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kaila Kelly (she/her), and I am the Energy Manager for Cape Breton Regional Municipality. I was born and raised in Cape Breton and hold a Chemical Engineering degree from Dalhousie University.
Why did you pursue a career in the clean energy sector?
Having grown up in Cape Breton, I have always felt a strong connection to my hometown. Pursuing a career in clean energy has allowed me to contribute to positive changes, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations. As an engineer, I am driven by the desire to see the bigger picture and to work on long-term solutions that benefit both the local community and the province.
Clean energy is not just about immediate benefits; it is about looking down the road and making decisions that will have a lasting, positive impact. In my role as Energy Manager, I advocate for sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Change is never easy, especially when people are accustomed to the status quo. However, I aim to be that voice of reason, building relationships and making the transition to clean energy smoother and more accessible for everyone.
Tell us about your career journey and growth at EfficiencyOne.
I began my journey at EfficiencyOne during the last semester of my university studies, starting with a contract term from February to July, 2021. My career at EfficiencyOne started as a CIS tech coordinator, then I moved on to become a Small Business Efficiency Specialist (SBES) and eventually transitioned into my current role as Energy Manager for Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
What is most meaningful about your current role?
Being from Cape Breton and working to improve my hometown adds a layer of personal significance to my work. As a female engineer, I am also aware of the importance of representation. There are not many female engineers locally, and I hope to serve as a familiar face and a role model for young girls. By seeing someone from their own community succeeding in engineering, they can be inspired to pursue their own dreams and know that there are diverse opportunities available to them.
I actively engage with young girls through organizations like Girl Guides, where we can introduce them to engineering early on. Through activities like building solar ovens, constructing windmills, and playing efficiency bingo, they can learn about the field in a fun and interactive way. These activities not only offer them hands-on experience but also allow them to see a tangible role model they can look up to. My goal is to mentor and inspire them, helping them realize that there is a place for them in engineering.
Seeing the recognition and development of these young minds around town, knowing that some of them might be inspired to follow a similar career path, is incredibly fulfilling. It reinforces the importance of representation and mentorship in creating future generations of engineers.
What has been the most impactful project you’ve worked on to date?
The New Waterford and District Community Centre project holds personal significance for me because my cousins, who are avid hockey players, skate there, and it’s the same place where my mom, a former figure skater, learned to skate. In addition, my first job was at the bingo hall within the centre, and Friday night skating was a cherished hangout spot for me and my friends.
The success of this project has reinforced my commitment to creating sustainable environments and has provided me with a profound sense of fulfillment knowing that the community will benefit from these improvements for years to come.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to fail; it’s an inevitable part of the journey. Ensure you have a strong support team who can help you bounce back. Having amazing female role models like my mom and aunt, who are my biggest supporters, has been invaluable.
What is your favourite place(s) or thing(s) to do in Nova Scotia? Why?
On Sunday nights, I enjoy playing darts at the New Waterford French Club. I love spending time with friends and family, especially during the summer at the beaches. One of my favourite activities is spending time my great aunt, Auntie Mar. I am a big advocate for staying local and promoting staycations in Cape Breton. My fisherman friend from Glace Bay, where I grew up, often takes us out on his boat. I also enjoy spending time with my Siberian Husky, Nova, going for adventures, car rides and ice cream.
What is your favourite thing about working at EfficiencyOne?
Working at EfficiencyOne has allowed me to make significant professional growth in the environmental sector. The involvement and enthusiasm of everyone, even those working remotely, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of a family.
My mission is to encourage more women to enter the engineering and energy sector, demonstrating that the field is open and inclusive. Although my family has a background in oil and gas, I am committed to working towards a sustainable future for the coming generations.
I plan to continue my efforts in creating a livable environment for as long as I can, ensuring that our work today contributes to a better tomorrow.