Faced with the climate emergency and rapidly evolving societal expectations, organizations are seeking partners who can guide them through structured, ambitious and purpose-driven approaches. Through its consulting and strategic advisory services, CIMA+ acts as a catalyst for this transition by combining technical expertise, analytical rigour and a sustainable vision. At the heart of this approach is forward-thinking leadership, capable of building tailor-made strategies that are integrated into clients’ operational realities and aligned with industry best practices.
Today, we meet the Director of Strategic Consulting and Advisory, Sustainability and Decarbonization to explore how she brings this vision to life every day. Anaïssia shares her insights on climate leadership, applied innovation, and how CIMA+ turns environmental ambition into concrete and lasting action.
What value guides you the most in your professional life, and how does it show in your day-to-day work?
The value that guides me most in my professional life is a strong sense of individual responsibility in service of the collective. This shows up in my daily commitment to seeing projects through and contributing positively to the team dynamic. I also rely on core principles like transparency, respect, collaboration, the joy of working together, and the courage to think outside the box and innovate.
Why did you choose consulting engineering?
I chose consulting engineering because I love variety — in delivering projects, engaging with clients and meeting challenges. Working in this field allows me to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, from small and large municipalities to private operators, ports and mining companies — sometimes all in the same day!
It's an incredibly enriching experience. I’m constantly discovering new things, and I enjoy sharing best practices across sectors to benefit all my clients.
In 2015, I provided my first consulting services to public transit agencies on integrating electric buses into their fleets, thanks to a modelling tool I had developed. Today, these zero-emission buses are on the road in several Canadian cities. It's very motivating to see the real-world impact of our work, especially when it contributes to major issues such as the energy transition.
As Director of Strategic Services in Sustainability and Decarbonization, what is your vision for supporting clients in their climate transition?
My vision is grounded in pragmatism. We know we must act in the face of the climate emergency — but we can’t afford to get it wrong. To me, supporting clients in their transition means building strategies based on a strong technical foundation, to ensure that goals around decarbonization, infrastructure adaptation and ecosystem protection are truly achievable.
That rigour is what guides our work: delivering strategic plans rooted in reality, supported by CIMA+’s engineering expertise. Because beyond good intentions, it’s with concrete, practical and measurable solutions that we can drive meaningful climate action.
How do you build a team capable of addressing the growing complexity of climate issues while aintaining a human and collaborative approach?
For me, it all starts with passion and purpose. I’m fortunate to work with a deeply committed team that truly believes in helping our clients succeed in their climate transition through solid decarbonization and resilience plans. That shared passion and drive to make a difference is what binds us together.
When someone new joins the team, it’s never by chance — they share that same personal and professional drive. That’s what allows us to maintain a collaborative, warm and high-performing culture. We strive for excellence, but always with humility and a strong sense of purpose at the heart of what we do.
In your opinion, what are the most powerful levers to help organizations adopt a long-term sustainable approach?
For a sustainable approach to last, it must begin with genuine intent — not just words, but consistent, pragmatic action. This clear intention is what allows organizations to build strong, benefit-driven plans, while also embracing a more profound transformation.
To me, the most powerful levers are those that push us to rethink business models and financing approaches, stepping outside traditional frameworks. We need to embrace more collaboration, more sharing of resources and data, and greater transparency. That shift in both strategy and mindset is what we support and encourage in our work with clients.
How do CIMA+’s strategic services stand out in an increasingly competitive market?
What sets CIMA+’s strategic services apart in an increasingly competitive market is that we practise what we preach. We don’t just advise our clients on transition; we’re on the journey ourselves. CIMA+ is electrifying its own vehicle fleet, has established a dedicated ESG team and a sustainable development committee that ensure these principles are integrated into every design. Sustainability is not just part of our offer - it’s part of our DNA. Our services are at the core of the vision we’re building, step by step, at CIMA+.
Another key strength is that we’re a national team. This gives us the ability to quickly share lessons learned and best practices from projects across the country. Our clients benefit from support that is grounded, consistent and enriched by a broad and connected perspective.
Outside of work, what drives you day to day?
What drives me day to day is discovery. A friend recently pointed out that when I’m not working on climate solutions, I’m usually diving into new hobbies or interests. Right now, I’m into sewing and gardening — but that often changes!
That said, there are two constants in my life: yoga, which helps me stay grounded, and the joy of sharing good vegan meals with friends and family. These simple, meaningful moments bring me a deep sense of joy and connection.
Learn more about CIMA+’s strategic consulting services in sustainability and decarbonization, and our expertise in climate change mitigation and adaptation.