Today is International Women’s Day (IWD), which makes it a perfect time to celebrate the super women we have working at Churchill Wild. Women have always played a huge part in our success, and we’re proud to recognize these fabulous ladies (and the many more who work at our ecolodges during polar bear viewing season) on a day that celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.
Churchill Wild co-owner and founder Jeanne Reimer is the consummate hostess for Churchill Wild, and also happens to be an incredible chef with an extensive pedigree in the luxury lodge business. Jeanne grew up working in the lodge business for her parents Doug and Helen Webber and her skills in creating the ultimate home away from home for guests were acquired from early childhood. Her commitment to guest comfort has been unwavering ever since. Learn more about Jeanne…
Churchill Wild CEO Toni Morberg has come a long way from her childhood days of hopping boulders, dodging polar bears and chasing lemmings on the Hudson Bay coast. Her passion for health and wellness, her love of nature and the fact that she has performed every job in the company has its advantages.
“One of our responsibilities is to find ways to help people make connections between their actions, the health of the planet and their own well-being,” says Toni. “They leave our lodges with more self awareness and as better stewards of the earth.” Learn more about Toni…
Shari Wright is the master of organization at Churchill Wild. As Director of HR and Logistics, one of her most noteworthy jobs is managing the movement of staff and guests in and out of our remote lodges throughout the season. This is a feat in itself, but Shari also coordinates freight shipments, hires some of the best people on the planet and oversees training for staff. Oh, and did we mention she’s also in charge of supervising our accounting staff? Learn more about Shari…
As our Manager of Sales and Guest Relations, Doreen Booth spends much of her life telling the story of Churchill Wild. She has been an integral part of the Churchill Wild team since 2007, but her ties go back nearly 25 years to when she married Churchill Wild Director of Operations Nolan Booth. Doreen is a model ambassador for Churchill Wild, spending her days helping guests find their perfect itinerary, and explaining how we safely walk with polar bears. Being able to watch guests experience their first moment at ground level with a polar bear is something Doreen cherishes most about her job with Churchill Wild. Learn more about Doreen…
Churchill Wild Marketing Manager Vanessa Desorcy landed a dream career straight out of the University of Manitoba when she joined Churchill Wild in 2010 as a sales and marketing assistant. The concept of ethically walking with polar bears captured this animal-lover’s heart. Vanessa’s love for animals and for the planet in general, drives her deep-seated commitment to the Churchill Wild culture and mission. Learn more about Vanessa…
With an artistic flair and an enviable head of red hair, Sue Brown fills the roles of Graphic Designer and Office Administrator at Churchill Wild. Since 2014, Sue has been instrumental in putting Churchill Wild’s best foot (paw?) forward. Sue can always be found flawlessly creating flow and harmony throughout the company and this is invaluable during our busy season. Her creativity and cheerful demeanor make her an irreplaceable team member. During her third year with Churchill Wild, Sue travelled to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge and had her first polar bear encounter. Even after the thousands of photos she’s seen come across her desk, the real thing left her speechless. Learn more about Sue…
Seal River Heritage Lodge Manager Nicole Spinks is a bubbly, enthusiastic and organized go-getter, which makes her a perfect fit for the job. Previously a competitive gymnast and a national cheer leading competitor, Nicole pursued a career in Developmental Psychology before jumping into the outdoors, and she has a true heart for the wilderness. Nicole loves the absolute remoteness of the lodge and the feeling that you’re the only person in the world who has ever stood in some of the places on the Hudson Bay coast. Learn more about Nicole…
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge manager and polar bear guide Bella Waterton’s love for the natural world was instilled at an early age in adventures that included canoeing, hiking, skiing and camping. Bella began guiding in high school on multi-day, self-supported sea kayak and white-water canoe trips throughout Canada. From paddling through stunning canyons on northern rivers in Canada, to kayaking through the ice in Antarctica, Bella has been captivated by the polar regions for the past 10 years. Having the time to simply watch the polar bears’ movements and behaviours is enthralling to Bella, and unique to her position at Churchill Wild. Learn more about Bella…
Allison Francoeur is Churchill Wild’s lead expeditor and logistics coordinator. As one of Mike and Jeanne Reimer’s daughters, Allison has held many different positions in the company, where from a young age she was already a co-hostess at the lodges, charming guests with her delightful chatter. According to Alli, standing on the shores of Hudson Bay with a cup of hot chocolate in her hand, watching the northern lights dance, is one of the best incentives she could ask for in a job. Learn more about Allison…
Courtney Horwood has been an incredible sales assistant for Churchill Wild since 2015. As Doreen’s steadfast right hand, she has brought superior customer service, organizational skills and an attention to detail to the position — all important when handling a client’s dream vacation with polar bears. Courtney has a gentle heart and a love for all critters that practically oozes out of her, particularly when it comes to dogs — and, of course, polar bears. Courtney’s favourite experience with Churchill Wild was seeing her first polar bear in the wild.
“To walk in harmony with the largest land carnivore on earth was without a doubt the most magical moment of my life,” Courtney says. Learn more about Courtney…
Thank you to all the fabulous women above, and to the many more who work at Churchill Wild throughout the season, for all that you do for Churchill Wild — and in life — for all who surround you.
You are greatly appreciated!