UBC Forestry alumnus Wongela Aklilu Dessalegn received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation, majoring in Global Perspectives, in 2015 after a childhood experience inspired her to be a voice for nature. With a growing interest in data science and artificial intelligence (AI), Wongela currently works in leadership at Shopify, managing a team that covers Canada and Ireland. She embodies the essence of a ‘Third Culture Kid’ — feeling both at home in Canada and deeply connected to her upbringing in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Pakistan and Uganda — which continues to fuel her passion for travel. Wongela currently splits her time between Rome, Toronto and Vancouver.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, Black History Month is a time to celebrate the incredible diversity and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It’s a reminder of the struggles we’ve faced but, more importantly, it’s about celebrating Black excellence and success, which drives us towards the future. Personally, it inspires me to honour figures like Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in environmental conservation and sustainable development, and Mutale Nkonde, who advocates for ethical AI and works to ensure that technology is developed and used in ways that promote racial and social justice. Women like these paved the way for me to become among the first Black women to graduate from the Faculty of Forestry at UBC, a milestone that reflects my commitment to breaking barriers and advocating for diversity in my field.
What is one of your biggest career accomplishments so far?
One of my proudest accomplishments was starting a Black leadership meet-up at Shopify after realising how few people in my demographic were in managerial roles within the tech industry. The meet-up provides a safe space for Black managers to seek mentorship and coach other Black employees. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the impact it has had, with several Black employees reaching out to thank me for the visibility and support.
What drew you to study at UBC Forestry?
My love for forests started when I was just eight years old. My family moved to Tanzania and I didn’t speak much English. Participating in a musical about Earth Day gave me an opportunity to practice the language and make friends. It also made me think about how trees can’t speak for themselves. I realised then that I wanted to be their voice. When representatives from UBC visited my high school in Uganda, I was captivated by their programs and the chance to study in such a unique academic ecosystem. It felt like the perfect fit for my mission to be an advocate for nature.
Why did you choose a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation, majoring in Global Perspectives?
The program was perfect for me because it offered hands-on experiences, like standing atop Cypress Mountain one week and visiting a Garry oak ecosystem the next. The opportunity to amass international experience was a big draw, too. I spent three months interning at the United Nations Environment Programme in Kenya and another three months working with a sea turtle conservation organization in Costa Rica. These experiences broadened my understanding of conservation through different perspectives and helped shape my career goals.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming Forestry students?
My advice would be to stay open-minded. The Global Perspective major at UBC Forestry encouraged me to take courses that I had never heard of before — from food science to oceanography and Geographic Information Systems. Embrace diverse learning opportunities and explore interdisciplinary courses, as they can really enrich your understanding of conservation and prepare you for a dynamic career. You never know what topic might spark a passion or lead to an unexpected career path!
What occupies you in your spare time?
For the past eight years, I have had the honour of presenting my art installation called “Time Nomads” at music festivals across BC. It’s a photo series dedicated to people being a positive force where they live and visit. The project also invites people to send postcards to their future selves. It’s been amazing to see how “Time Nomads” has fostered community engagement while addressing two important social issues in Canada: cultural identity and mental health.
Lately, I’ve developed an interest in data science, dedicating time to honing my skills in computer programs such as Structured Query Language — commonly referred to as SQL —and gaining confidence with tools like BigQuery and Looker Studio reports to analyse large datasets and identify trends. I’ve also taken up hobbies like skiing, kayaking and going on multi-day hiking trips.