During our Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers series, meet the UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) alumni who are committed to addressing pressing and complex public policy and global affairs challenges facing communities around the world.
Today, we are featuring Denby McDonnell (‘20) who is a Program Manager, Climate Innovation at Ecotrust Canada.
SPPGA: Could you please tell us a little about yourself, your background, and how you became interested in public policy and global affairs?
I studied Environmental Biology, researched gene expression in fish exposed to diluted bitumen, and worked as a biologist in impact assessment before I started the MPPGA. While I found the work important and meaningful, I always found myself asking the big questions of how to effect change. I became interested in public policy and global affairs because I wanted to learn how to arrive at answers and implement solutions.
SPPGA: Were there experiences you had during the MPPGA program that directly or indirectly contributed to your career journey?
The experiences I had in case competitions, including the National Annual Public Administration Case Competition and World’s Challenge Challenge, both provided unique opportunities to collaborate with a team, analyze problems in tight timelines, design policy solutions, and present and communicate recommendations to a large audience. These competitions helped me develop the skills needed to work with funders, clients and partners, and communicate complex information in a clear and understandable way.
SPPGA: What was your Co-op position and what were your key takeaways? Did this position change how you think about your skills and career path or interests?
I was fortunate to work for the federal government at Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, in the fiscal policy arrangements branch. This role provided a unique opportunity to work on fiscal policy development with the self-governing Indigenous Governments across Canada. Before I started the MPPGA, I never thought that fiscal policy would interest me. This position helped me realize my passion for economic and fiscal policy, and led me to pursue my current role, where I work on carbon market policy and project development.
SPPGA: Please describe your current role. What makes you proud about this work?
In my role as Program Manager, Climate Innovation at Ecotrust Canada, I work with Indigenous communities to advance forest carbon offset projects, develop climate policies and mechanisms related to carbon markets, and work with Blockchain for Climate Foundation to enable countries to issue and exchange carbon credits on the Ethereum blockchain. I am proud that this work is demonstrating what can be possible at multiple scales – on the ground in partnership with communities, in government policy, and at the international level.
SPPGA: Could you describe the policy influence or impact you are having in this current role?
Our work strives to ensure that carbon market policy development enables financing for Indigenous-led projects that support biodiversity, enhance community values, and support rights and self-determination. Our team provides expert comments to help shape federal policies, such as Canada’s negotiation policy framework for carbon markets at COP26, and has inspired Canada’s new Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund that is investing in nature-based climate projects across Canada.
SPPGA: What specific knowledge, skills, and/or networks did you gain in the MPPGA program that help you succeed in this role?
The skills I developed in identifying an issue, understanding the multiple facets to a problem, and understanding opportunities for solutions provided a foundation for strategic thinking and problem solving in all of my work. The skills I developed in analyzing technical economic or policy data and distilling that into clear communications has been important to my current role.
SPPGA: What is your career advice for current MPPGA students and new graduates?
My biggest piece of advice is to pursue your passion! When you find it, you will stay curious, and your work will make you feel alive.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights Denby!
