On the Map with Wendy Baldin and Diane McCullagh

March 20, 2025

Angela Alexander

GIS Ambassadors play a vital role in supporting and guiding teachers and students in their journey with ArcGIS. This post highlights the work of two GIS professionals from the Niagara area who are making a difference in local schools by supporting the integration of ArcGIS into classrooms.

Meet Wendy Baldin and Diane McCullagh

Wendy and Diane, both from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), are committed to sharing their expertise in GIS and career possibilities in geospatial technology. The NPCA is dedicated to protecting and managing the Niagara region's natural environment, and Wendy and Diane have brought their passion for GIS to local teachers through hands-on, in-person workshops.

Two women standing in front of a plant smiling. Diane McCullagh (left) and Wendy Baldin (right) are GIS Ambassadors who enjoy educating others on the value and benefit of geospatial technology and its insight potential.

GIS Expertise

Wendy is the Manager of Digital Transformation and Information Technology. She leads the strategy in the direction for how NPCA uses technology and manages information. She supervises the setup and maintenance of important business systems, infrastructure, GIS solutions, and the development of data services that support the NPCA.

Diane is a GIS Analyst that collaborates with the NPCA team to create and apply new solutions using geospatial data, non-spatial data, and reports. She also helps manage the enterprise GIS system, including developing related applications and supporting strategic goals.

GIS Ambassador Program Support

Through the GIS Ambassador Program, Wendy and Diane connected with Teri Cristelli, the Arts/Social Sciences & Student Leadership Consultant at the Niagara Catholic District School Board. Teri organizes professional development opportunities for teachers, helping them integrate tools like ArcGIS Online that are available through single sign on at Niagara Catholic into their teaching.

Teri has partnered with GIS Ambassadors to facilitate in-person workshops for teachers in Grades 7, 8, and 9. In September 2024 and February 2025, Wendy and Diane eagerly answered the call, leading the introductory workshops and contributing to a growing sense of community engagement around GIS education. They also shared their career and education backgrounds highlighting the potential of GIS.

Images show two women presenting maps to a class.

GIS Ambassadors play a pivotal role in advancing GIS education across Canada. With their diverse expertise in various GIS fields, they serve as invaluable resources for both teachers and students, helping to enhance learning and foster a deeper understanding of geospatial technology like ArcGIS.

Reflections from Wendy and Diane

Recently, Wendy and Diane shared their thoughts on their work with Teri and the Niagara Catholic District School Board teachers. Here's what they had to say:

Diane: "As an Esri Canada GIS Ambassador, this role has allowed me to develop my leadership and communication skills through hands-on training opportunities. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how GIS can make an impact in education, promoting spatial thinking and real-world applications of GIS technology to both teachers and students. Being an ambassador has also given me the chance to showcase my versatility and contribute meaningfully to our industry."

Wendy: "Being an Esri Canada GIS Ambassador has enabled me to give back to the community by supporting teachers and students in discovering the power of GIS. It's rewarding to help foster spatial thinking and demonstrate how GIS can be used to solve real-world problems. This role allows me to drive innovation, support sustainable growth, and build strong collaboration within my local community."

Thank you, Wendy and Diane for your continued support

Wendy and Diane’s involvement in the GIS Ambassador Program demonstrates the powerful impact that professionals can have in supporting local education. By sharing their expertise and fostering hands-on learning opportunities, they are not only helping teachers integrate GIS into their classrooms but also inspiring the next generation of spatial thinkers. As the demand for geospatial skills continues to grow, collaborations like these are important for preparing students to tackle real-world challenges and create a more sustainable future. The continued support of GIS professionals in education helps bridge the gap between industry and the classroom, creating a lasting impact on both students and teachers.