Leadership Matters. It’s one of my favorite Maxims.

“Leadership Matters” is a powerful saying because it highlights the role effective leadership plays in shaping the vision, fostering community, driving innovation, and guiding progress. The GoGeomatics Executive Team member award is our way of recognizing that within our community.

There is a special group of professionals who get together each week online Tuesday nights from across the country to discuss current happenings in both the Canadian and international community. From those discussions we create the International and Canadian Geospatial Digests.

Each volunteer gives of their passion, energy and expertise to give to the community in a vendor neutral community. This group plays a vital role in promoting the Canadian geospatial sector at home and around the world.

Right now these leaders are:

Jacob MacLean, Crystal Fitzpatrick, George Petropoulos, Kruti Mehta, Zhe Chen, Grace Nijdam Leo Poon Alefiya Dungrawala

Each year we recognize one leader who has gone above and beyond and we acknowledge their leadership and drive.

This year it’s our great pleasure to announce that Alefiya Dungrawala is the recipient of the GoGeomatics Executive Team Member Award presented at Canada’s National Geospatial Leadership Conference GeoIgnite.

Alefiya is being recognized not only as one of the leaders of the editors and writers group but for her mentorship of new writers and editors.  In addition to this she continues to write on all things geo that interest her.

Alefiya holds a degree in Computer Engineering and began her career as a software programmer. Over time, her interest in geographical information systems (GIS) grew, drawing her towards the field. She is passionate about combining her computer science expertise with map production and the integration of earth imagery.

We caught up with Alefiya on her summer vacation. What follows is that interview.

GoGeomatics: Hi Alefiya and congratulations on your award.  It’s very much deserved. Thank you for being a leader in the community. Where did you go to school and where did you grow up? Where are you based out of now?

Alefiya: I am from India and grew up in a small town of Dahod. I finished my schooling and university from India. I am a graduate in computer engineering with a diploma as well in computer science. I live in Waterloo, Ontario.

GoGeomatics: Why are you passionate about GIS and geo?  How did you decide to make a career out of it?

Alefiya: I enjoy GIS and geospatial because they connect software and geography. With my fundamental abilities of computer engineering, programming, and databases, I was sure that I could combine geospatial and software skills to analyze patterns and relationships while adding geographic context.

GoGeomatics: why did you decide to first volunteer as a writer and editor for GoGeomatics and then decide to join the executive team? What part of your work is the most fun for you?

Alefiya: I learned about GoGeomatics, Canada, at the end of the GIS program. Volunteering as a writer and editor allowed me to express myself by writing about various current trends in the geospatial sector, and how GIS and geospatial technologies can be leveraged for sustainable solutions.

Joining the executive team, in my opinion, was about taking more responsibility and displaying leadership. I was able to take baby steps toward becoming an executive team member with the support of Jon and other team members until I felt completely at ease. For me, writing has always been the most enjoyable task.

GoGeomatics: What does the award mean to you?

Alefiya: The awards mean a lot to me. It is token of appreciation and validation of my contributions to this field.

GoGeomatics:  You are a prolific writer writing on topics that interest you. Where can we read those articles?

Alefiya: All my articles for GoGeomatics are here.

GoGeomatics:  What interests you most in geospatial sector?

Alefiya: Analyzing geospatial data, understanding the pattern, decision making.

GoGeomatics: What is your dream job?

Alefiya: GIS analyst would be the dream job for me.

GoGeomatics:  Would you encourage others to join the volunteer group and why?

Alefiya: I would, of course. It’s beneficial to network among professionals in the geospatial business and stay informed about emerging trends and stories. Also, if you have a special interest in writing about geospatial, it is perfect place for you.

On behalf of the entire community a big thank you to Alefiya for being a leader and sharing your passion for all things geo.

If you are interested in contributing your talents and passion for all things geo to the community. Please send us your resume to info@gogeomatics.ca      Here is the link to our volunteer program.