Amanda McCallum
Ignite Education Inc
Amanda is a geologist, prospector, communications specialist, educator and entrepreneur. She is the founder and president of Ignite Education Inc., a consultancy company specializing in geoscience education, outreach, communications and project management. Amanda is the author of the Minerals Guide Newfoundland and Labrador and the Women in Mining Career Connections Guide. She is also the principal author of Discovery Global Geopark's application dossier, in which she led this international project to secure Newfoundland and Labrador’s first UNESCO Global Geopark designation.
Amanda's 20-year career has included working with the private and public sector, including corporations, government, industry associations, not-for-profit organizations and boards. Her business, communications and public relations roles in the energy, minerals industry, economic development and tourism sector have provided leadership to support monitoring and analyzing issues in a changing social, economic, political and environmental landscape.
Previous work experience includes serving as Outreach Geologist with the Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey Newfoundland and Labrador. During this time with the public service, she coordinated mining, minerals and energy related outreach, promotions and marketing initiatives, serving as the Chair of NL Mining Week, and founded and chaired the NL Women in Mining Forum. In 2013, she undertook a professional development assignment with the Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination Division, NL Department of Natural Resources to develop a departmental strategic plan.
Amanda's love for the outdoors inspired her to pursue a career in Earth science. It was the rocky hills, rugged coastline and inlets of her childhood hometown that first sparked an interest in geology. She has also served in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including Past Chair of the Board of Directors with Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC), Past President of the Canadian Geoscience Education Network (CGEN) and Past Outreach Director with the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES).
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science (Geology) and a Bachelor of Education degree, both from Memorial University and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from Schulich School of Business, York University. Amanda is also a holder of the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.