SNOLAB’s Samantha Kuula a Woman of Distinction

October 10, 2024 — People Stories

Samantha Kuula, SNOLAB’s director of corporate services, has been named one of YWCA Sudbury’s Women of Distinction for 2024.

Kuula is being acknowledged as an inspiration to other women through her example and her accomplishments in a science-related field, including pure and applied sciences, social sciences, engineering or life sciences or through a significant contribution to technological advancement.

From left, Stephanie Fuller, Blaire Flynn, Erica Caden, Mandy Lamarche, Samantha Kuula, Sylvie Milks, Jodi Cooley, Lina Anselmo, Regan Picotte, and Mehwish Obaid.

Kuula has worked at SNOLAB since 2008 first as communications officer, then chief business officer before becoming a director in 2023. Always open to and wanting to learn new and better ways to do things, Kuula completed her Master of Science in Management with a focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at major research infrastructures in Canada in 2021, after nearly a decade in the field and with young children.

Kuula is an active and engaged mother, Anishinaabe from Wasauksing First Nation on Parry Island, a devoted ally advocating for EDI in science research, and a change maker both at work and in her community.

“Sam is one of the most resilient women I know,” said Stephanie Fuller, SNOLAB’s Senior Human Resources Officer. “When life or work presents a curveball, Sam faces it head on and always finds a way to persevere with a smile on her face. She wears many ‘hats’ and somehow always manages to find time for them all.”

Kuula’s contributions to our community are significant.  She is vice-chair of the Northern Cancer Foundation, received a 40 under 40 award in 2015, has been a speaker at TEDEd, has been published for her work on EDI, and was recognized for her impact locally by WISE Sudbury and She & Her. She also takes time to visit local classes to help shift the idea of what a scientist looks like so that young women and girls can see themselves in STEM.

“When we celebrate women’s successes, we give permission for others to step into the spotlight and do the same,” Kuula says. “When we recognize their work, we pave the path for future leaders. Highlighting the value that women bring to the table with unique skills, backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences improves all outcomes.”

Kuula was among seven women recognized by the Sudbury YWCA for their contributions to the community at a gala on October 2. All proceeds from the event will go to support The Power of Being a Girl, an annual conference focused on the developmental needs of girls and young women.