Morgan joined econext in 2025 as a Home Energy Navigator with the Shift Program, an initiative delivered in partnership with the City of St. John’s. In this role, Morgan helps homeowners understand their energy use and explore ways to make their homes more efficient. They guide participants through assessing energy performance, identifying upgrades, and connecting them with rebates and trusted local contractors. Focused on making energy efficiency practical and accessible, Morgan supports homeowners every step of the way toward creating more comfortable, sustainable, and affordable homes in St. John’s.
Tonya Knopp is a Professional Engineer with over 23 years progressive experience in the construction industry. She has worked in both public and private sector with her main areas of expertise in linear and vertical (building) infrastructure projects. She is currently the Project Director/Senior Project Manager for Riverhead WWTF Secondary Expansion project.
Academically, Tonya is a strong advocate for continuing education and has added the following qualifications to her resume over the years: a Master’s Certification in Project Management from York University, a Lean Green Belt in Continuous Improvement from the Leading Edge Group, a Certified Asset Management Professional from PEMAC, a Master’s Degree (M.Sc.) in International Construction Management with Merit from the University of Bath, a Certified Passive House Designer, a Gold Seal Intern and is currently completing a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Civil Engineering from the University of Bath with a specialization in Climate Resilience of Building Infrastructure.
When she is not working or studying, she spends her time volunteering with the following organizations: PEGNL, WISENL, Tequity+, AMAL Unite & Empower Connector Program, YWCA Career Compass Program, PMI-NL Construction Focus Group, National Model Codes Committee, and is currently 3rd Vice Chair of the Executive on the NLCA Board of Directors. In 2024, Tonya was awarded the NLCA Women in Infrastructure Award of Excellence for her work in advancing women in construction and the promotion of skilled trades and technology as successful careers for youth, and women specifically. In 2025, Tonya was a nominee for the Community Leader Award with the Canadian Construction Association, a nominee for the YWCA Circle of Distinction Awards, and the 2025 Trailblazer Award from the Project Management Institute – NL Chapter and the 2025 NLCA Community Leader Award.
Grant is a civil and structural engineer and project manager with over 25 years of experience delivering large-scale industrial, institutional, and municipal infrastructure projects across Atlantic Canada. Grant has managed projects ranging from $1M to $150M in value, including hydroelectric-site construction, mining camp infrastructure, and one of the largest land-based aquaculture facilities in the world. More recently Grant has been involved in design and project management for a mass timber residential apartment buildings and two new schools in the Greater St. John’s area. Grant is a member of the board for the Canadian Homebuilders Association of NL and Happy City St. John’s.
Mitchell Stead is the owner of Heat Pump Solutions Ltd, a locally owned and operated HVAC company with a team of 30 employees.
Mitchell has built Heat Pump Solutions on a strong sense of pride in his team and their work, and a commitment to helping Newfoundland homeowners make their homes more comfortable, affordable and energy efficient.
Mitchell’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond the services Heat Pump Solutions provides. He believes businesses have a role to play in the transition, and as a result Heat Pump Solutions currently operates 12 fully electric vehicles, with plans to continue expanding its EV fleet.
Mitchell brings to Ideathon the perspective of a local business owner who sees firsthand both the opportunities and the challenges involved in advancing energy efficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Josh Green is co-founder and CEO of Mysa, a smart thermostat company he started in St. John’s to bring controls to electric heating. Mysa now partners with utilities across North America on residential demand response across baseboard, in-floor, heat pumps, and central HVAC.
Sepehr Khosravi is the Manager of Climate Services at econext and Newfoundland Provincial Specialist at CLIMAtlantic, where he works at the heart of climate change adaptation in Newfoundland. Sepehr connects municipalities, communities, businesses, Indigenous organizations, and government with the climate information, tools, and resources they need to plan for a changing climate. He has supported dozens of communities across the province in securing funding for local climate projects, contributed to training programs for emerging practitioners, and led on-the-ground adaptation planning work in coastal communities facing real and immediate climate impacts. Sepehr is passionate about making climate action practical and meaningful for the people and places it affects most. He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ali Husnain is a Professional Engineer and works as a Sustainability Engineer with the City of St. John’s. His work focuses on improving the energy performance, sustainability, and long-term resilience of municipal infrastructure and buildings.
Ali holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and is passionate about practical, innovative solutions that help communities transition toward a more sustainable future.
Sara Jafari is the Manager of Planning and Development with the Town of Conception Bay South and an urban planning and sustainability professional with more than a decade of experience in planning, sustainable development, climate action, community development, and project management. Her expertise includes sustainable and resilient communities, green buildings, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and the integration of sustainability principles into planning and development. Through her municipal and professional work, Sara brings a practical understanding of how building design, land-use planning, policy, infrastructure, environmental considerations, and community needs intersect to create more sustainable and climate-resilient communities. She also holds an MBA in Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship from MUN and has served as a judge for econext’s Ideathon competitions in previous years. Sara enjoys supporting students and emerging professionals in developing innovative, practical, and implementable solutions to real-world sustainability challenges.
Shariqa Saiyara, EIT, CEM, is an Energy Solutions Engineer with Newfoundland Power’s takeCHARGE program, specializing in energy efficiency, sustainable energy solutions, and utility incentive programs. A Certified Energy Manager and active mentor for newcomers in the energy sector, she brings a practical, technical perspective and a passion for supporting innovative clean energy ideas in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a judge for the econext Ideation, she is excited to support innovative ideas that advance clean technology, energy efficiency, and sustainability in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Liam Wickens is the owner of Island Insulation, a Mount Pearl based company specializing in residential and commercial insulation and air sealing. With extensive hands-on experience in building-envelope upgrades, Liam understands the practical challenges of improving both new and existing buildings in Newfoundland’s demanding climate.
Liam brings a grounded perspective on insulation performance, energy efficiency, project feasibility, and the difference between an idea that sounds good on paper and one that will work in the real world. He is passionate about quality workmanship and practical improvements that reduce energy use while making homes and commercial buildings more comfortable and durable.
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