Chantal Bernatchez, 2026 Knight of the National Order of Quebec and a dedicated member of CECI since 2005

For more than 30 years, Chantal Bernatchez has dedicated her expertise, energy, and ability to inspire others to projects that drive change. As an industrial engineer, social entrepreneur, volunteer, and mentor, she has built an exceptional career marked by a deep conviction: sustainable development relies above all on human potential, collective action, and the capacity to innovate.

Her story with CECI began in Burkina Faso. After an initial stay in the country as part of her university studies, she returned in 2005 as a volunteer with the Uniterra program. Working with the Songtaab-Yalgré Association (ASY), a CECI partner, she supported women involved in the production and processing of shea, a resource essential to the local economy. This experience would have a profound impact on her personal and professional journey.

Working alongside shea producers, Chantal helped develop Karidélice, an innovative project aimed at adding value to shea fruit pulp through the production of jams. In 2006, the initiative won the World Bank Prize for Best Women’s Innovation, along with a grant of 45,000 US dollars. This international recognition highlights the potential of local innovation when driven by women entrepreneurs and supported by strong partnerships.

This experience also enriches her academic career. Her research focuses on the quality of shea butter and processing methods, contributing to the development of this industry, often referred to as “women’s green gold” in Burkina Faso.

But beyond her projects and accolades, it is above all her commitment that defines her journey. As she shared in an interview with CECI in 2017, her volunteer experience profoundly transformed her worldview and shaped the course of her life. There, she discovered the power of collective action, the importance of believing in the potential of communities, and the value of human connections that are built over time.

Over the years, Chantal has remained closely connected to CECI. She became involved with the Ambassadors’ Club, actively participated in the organization’s activities, and helped promote the values of solidarity and commitment that drive her. In 2017, she received the Rosario-Demers Award, an honor recognizing the exceptional commitment of a volunteer.

Alongside her role as the mother of five children, she has built a remarkable career at Hydro-Quebec for more than 15 years. She contributes to complex projects related to innovation, continuous improvement, and infrastructure adaptation. Whether working on organizational transformation projects, value chain mapping, or grid development in Northern Quebec, she consistently places collaboration, engagement, and people at the heart of her approach.

Her commitment is also evident through numerous community and international initiatives. With more than 25,000 hours of volunteer work and over 35 awards received throughout her career—including the King Charles III Medal—she has dedicated a significant part of her life to supporting others, sharing her knowledge, and encouraging civic engagement.

Today, her appointment as a Knight of the National Order of Quebec recognizes her exceptional career dedicated to serving her community, fostering innovation, and promoting the common good.

For CECI, this honor is also an opportunity to celebrate the lasting impact of international volunteerism. Nearly twenty years after her assignment in Burkina Faso, Chantal Bernatchez remains a source of inspiration for our network. Her story reminds us that a volunteer experience can become the starting point for a lasting commitment, based on mutual learning, collaboration, and a desire to contribute to positive change.