Three new leaders join Volt-Age’s Advisory Board
Jessica Bouchard, VP of Public and Economic Affairs and Impact Initiatives, Chamber of Commerce, Montreal.
Volt-Age is pleased to welcome three outstanding leaders to its Advisory Board: Jessica Bouchard, Corinne Gendron and Melina Laboucan-Massimo. Each brings deep expertise in sustainability, public policy and equity-based approaches to energy system transformation.
Jessica Bouchard is Vice-President of Public and Economic Affairs and Impact Initiatives at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. With her strong background in economics, public policy and institutional transformation, we are confident that Bouchard’s presence will be a valuable asset as Volt-Age deepens its collaborations across sectors to accelerate energy innovation and electrification. Her leadership at the intersection of, business, government and environmental policy offers valuable insight into how economic development and the energy transition can go hand in hand.
Corinne Gendron, professor at Université du Québec à Montréal.
Corinne Gendron is a professor in the Department of Strategy, Social and Environmental Responsibility at Université du Québec à Montréal, business school (UQAM). She is Canada’s leading voice on social acceptability and is internationally recognized for her research on sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, and alternative economic models. A member of the French Légion d’honneur and of The Royal Society of Canada, professor Gendron also brings a strong network across Europe, particularly in France. Her critical perspective on governance and the socio-economic dimensions of ecological transitions will help ensure Volt-Age’s work remains socially grounded, academically rigorous and attuned to public acceptance.
Melina Laboucan-Massimo, of Sacred Earth Solar and Indigenous Climate Action. | Photo by Nikki Sanchez
Melina Laboucan-Massimo is the founder and Executive Director of Sacred Earth Solar and co-founder of Indigenous Climate Action. A prominent advocate for Indigenous-led renewable energy projects and climate justice, she brings decades of experience in community-driven sustainability initiatives. Her presence on the board will help ensure that Indigenous knowledge and leadership remain central to Volt-Age’s efforts toward an inclusive, clean-energy future.
These three new members will support Volt-Age’s mission to advance integrated, community-centred electrification solutions across Québec and Canada. As part of the Advisory Board, they will contribute to shaping the program’s strategic direction, strengthening its connections to real-world needs, and ensuring that equity and inclusion remain central to the energy transition.
“Our Advisory Board plays a vital role in keeping Volt-Age grounded in both innovation and societal relevance,” says Karim Zaghib, CEO of Volt-Age. “The leadership and diverse expertise of Jessica Bouchard, Melina Laboucan-Massimo and Corinne Gendron will help ensure we are building solutions that are not only technologically sound, but also just, inclusive and aligned with community needs.”
Volt-Age is a pan-Canadian research and innovation initiative funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. It brings together academic, industry, government and community partners to accelerate the shift toward a sustainable, electrified society.
Learn more about Volt-Age.
