CAFES Ottawa is excited to share that our team has grown with the addition of four enthusiastic and experienced team members! 🎉 Each brings unique experience, passion, and perspective to our work advancing climate solutions and community action. Meet Zeenat Mackwani, MJ Schmidt, Nancy Daniel, and Aaron Kelly!
Zeenat Mackwani – Energy Program Lead
Zeenat is a climate and sustainability professional with experience across climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and risk management in international development, private, and non-profit sectors. Based in Ottawa, she is focused on people-centred, practical approaches to advancing the energy transition and clean energy adoption. Zeenat is bilingual, holds a Master’s in Geography, is completing her MBA, and is also bringing a farm-to-table business idea to life.
MJ Schmidt – Events Coordinator
Originally from Scarborough, MJ moved to Ottawa to study Anthropology and Environmental Studies and has since become deeply involved in local climate justice, anti-colonial, and humanitarian activism. A creative and empathetic educator with experience in outdoor education, they bring a strong commitment to community engagement, collective learning, and meaningful events.
Nancy Daniel – Communications Coordinator
Nancy is a Nigerian-Canadian environmental professional with over a decade in the Ottawa area. She holds a BSc in Earth Science and Physical Geography and has worked across government, private, and non-profit organizations in climate, environment, and local food systems. At CAFES, Nancy supports communications, storytelling, and events, with a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and community-led climate solutions.
Aaron Kelly – Energy Program Strategist
Aaron works with the CAFES team to help advance the clean energy transition. He holds degrees from Middlebury College and Vermont Law School, including a BA in Environmental Policy, an MA in Energy Regulation, and a Juris Doctor. Aaron brings expertise in renewable energy, grid systems, green building, and sustainable transportation. His background spans commercial solar development, grassroots advocacy, projects to reduce building carbon emissions, and policy work supporting sustainability.
Please join us in giving Zeenat, MJ, Nancy, and Aaron a warm welcome—we’re thrilled to have them on the team!
