2012 CWEA Finalist: Sarah Sajedi

Sarah Sajedi, Chief Technology Officer & CEO, ERA Environmental Management Solutions

Over the past 17 years as Chief Technology Officer and CEO of ERA Environmental Management Solutions, Sarah Sajedi has had to carve out a place for herself in a competitive and largely male-dominated industry. Through her business acumen, degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry, and determination, Sarah has established herself as an authority in environmental management solutions across the automotive, metal, and wood industries and beyond.

Sarah’s leadership philosophy is simple: investing in the education and growth of employees promotes innovations, new ideas, and a stronger company.  By fostering emerging talent from a diverse workforce, Sarah has grown ERA from a small firm into Canada’s most successful environmental management solution provider, successfully winning out fortune 100 and 500 companies against multimillion-dollar U.S. competitors.

Sarah is a passionate advocate for higher education.  Sarah believes education is empowering: that is why she currently sponsors three scholarships for higher education and is working toward establishing a foundation to provide financial aid and university access. She believes in helping others, particularly young female entrepreneurs, by providing means to obtain higher education and independence, which is vital for their continued success.

Volunteerism is also an essential part of Sarah’s leadership: she works with Angels of Mercy to provide food, clothing, and a listening ear to Montreal’s homeless population, and through the Helping Hands organization she provides clothing and education to children in developing nations. It’s important for her to be able to work hands on with those in need.

Under her leadership, ERA has been recognized as a sustainability leader in Montreal. It was recently awarded the West Island Accolades award for sustainability, and was one of the first local businesses to participate in e-recycling and corporate electric vehicles. However, Sarah cites her greatest achievement as being able to create a successful business while raising a large family.

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