Caitlin Peeling, Ottawa, Ontario

Caitlin Peeling is a female food hero because she is a worker-owner at Ottawa-based La Siembra Co-op which markets certified fair trade and organic cocoa, chocolate and sugar products. Currently sales and distribution manager, she has worked in community outreach, public education, producer relations, fair trade certification, and marketing communications, and has represented La Siembra in fair trade, co-operative and social economy networks. Caitlin says, "My job gives me the chance to do something practical in support of my values and ideals. I can see the difference fair trade and co-operation make in the farming communities we work with, and I get to collaborate with an amazing network of partners across Canada."