Leena Thomas

Leena is a senior project manager for our Project Development group based in our Saskatoon, Canada office.

Leena is a passionate leader and mentor who empowers young professionals by creating impactful opportunities for growth and leadership. She cultivates an inclusive environment where emerging engineers can thrive and succeed. Beyond her role at Hatch, Leena serves as vice chair of Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan, where she actively champions gender equity and inspires teams to foster greater collaboration and innovation.

Leena was one of the recipients of the 2025 Positive Change Awards, a program to recognize employees who contribute to building Hatch’s inclusive organization, who exemplify the values of our Manifesto, and who actively work towards strengthening our diverse teams. 

Why do you believe in diversity and inclusion?

I believe diversity and inclusion are essential to building stronger teams, making better decisions, and driving more innovative solutions. As a BIPOC woman in engineering, I’ve experienced firsthand the difference it makes—both when inclusion is present and when it’s missing.

When people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together, we challenge assumptions and expand our collective thinking. In leading projects, I’ve seen how inclusive environments foster collaboration, boost engagement, and lead to better outcomes.

My academic background has deepened my understanding of how systems of power and privilege operate, while my professional experience has shown me that creating space for a range of voices leads to stronger teams and more meaningful results. But beyond the business case, it’s simply the right thing to do.

What do you think we need to do as individuals to improve inclusivity?

Improving inclusivity starts with personal accountability. Each of us must examine our own biases, listen actively, and intentionally create space for others to be heard. It’s also essential to pause and ask: Who’s at the table? Who’s making the decisions? And do those voices truly reflect a diverse group—or are we simply reinforcing the status quo? It’s easy to fall back on familiar patterns, but real inclusion requires us to consciously disrupt those norms.

What does positive change mean to you?

To me, positive change means advancing toward a more effective, equitable, and sustainable future—not just in the outcomes we deliver, but in how we get there. While innovation and technical excellence are essential to our work, I believe the most meaningful progress comes from building strong, authentic connections—within project teams, with clients, and across our organization.

Driving positive change requires us to challenge the status quo with intention and purpose. In my experience, that often means adapting to evolving needs, both technical and human. Sometimes change happens through bold shifts in culture and mindset, but more often, it’s shaped by consistent, everyday actions that build trust and lay the foundation for lasting transformation.

What do you think are the toughest challenges facing our clients?

Many of our clients are navigating complex transformations while being asked to deliver faster, more sustainably, and with fewer resources. They’re contending with aging infrastructure, workforce transitions, rapidly evolving technologies, and mounting regulatory and ESG pressures—all against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty.

Beyond the technical demands, one of the most significant challenges is organizational: aligning strategy with execution, implementing consistent project systems across diverse teams and geographies, and fostering a culture that embraces change. It’s about breaking down silos and empowering people to deliver results in a constantly shifting environment.

What are you most proud of?

What I’m most proud of is that, despite the often chaotic nature of projects, my team has become a trusted advisor to our clients while still genuinely enjoying working together. By listening, adapting, and building strong relationships, we’ve helped create a more connected and resilient organization. Knowing I’ve contributed to helping people succeed, feel heard, and grow is what I find most meaningful and rewarding.

What do you like most about working at Hatch?

I joined Hatch because many of my friends and colleagues were already part of the team—proof that friends really do recruit friends. Beyond that, Hatch stands out for its remarkable breadth and depth of expertise across nearly every discipline. Its flat organizational structure makes it easy to access that knowledge and connect with the right people quickly.

What I value most is the combination of purpose, challenge, and collaboration, along with the trust I’m given to manage and guide my own work. I also appreciate a culture that blends technical excellence with a genuine focus on people. Being part of a forward-thinking, inclusive team committed to making a positive impact is what keeps me engaged and proud to be here.

What truly sets Hatch apart is its flat, entrepreneurial culture and the deep trust it places in its people. Unlike more hierarchical organizations, Hatch empowers leadership at every level. You’re encouraged to take initiative, share ideas, and influence outcomes. There’s a strong sense of ownership and accountability, balanced by collaboration and mutual respect. I’ve also found that Hatch invests in relationships, both internally and with clients, fostering transparency and a shared commitment to meaningful impact.