Hariett Madigan, Owner

Mother of three wonderful adult children, grandmother to 9 amazing grandchildren and supported by my partner, Lee Madigan, in all my adventures., I am also a social entrepreneur, and a seed planter. I plant the seeds of possibility, loving kindness, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

I have a broad range of experiences as a social entrepreneur. Women10 Living Fit Inside-Out is an association of mature women. We are dedicated to creating and facilitating a program for women to socially connect and to create a better quality of life, individually and collectively. Earth in a Nest is a social enterprise that I created to help businesses, their clients and employees, envision how their individual behaviors can contribute to the global good and how they can be a force for positive change that is profitable and in the best interests of humanity and the earth.

North Bay Heritage Gardeners program, which I co-founded in 1997, is a volunteer organization (averaging 250 volunteers/year for 24 years) to maintain 53 botanical garden beds at our waterfront. I also founded Nipissing Botanical Gardens, and led a project to create a tree nursery in the heart of our city. These volunteer projects are dear to me, and I am still participating in both. I’ve had direct involvement with many other community projects such as the creation of Community Waterfront Park, a community collaboration to build a park, between our downtown and waterfront, on remediated rail lands. I served as First female Honorary Colonel, 21 Squadron, 22 wing, CFB, North Bay, a privilege and honour to be chosen for this role. 

Clean Green Beautiful North Bay is another volunteer organization which I founded and chair with the help of other community leaders who sit on our steering committee. This project’s exists to bring the beauty of our waterfront throughout our community, and a stewardship culture to our city.

All of these initiatives exist today because of collaboration with and support of the community.

“We all have an unlimited capacity for caring, compassion, and positive social connection. I believe that, when we manifest these values in the presence of each other and tell our stories, it not only makes us better human beings, it makes the world a better place. That is our common ground.”

Hariett Madigan

Jessica Ruppert

I became connected with the North Bay community through my placement at the Village at Canadore College, and instantly felt aligned with the mission and vision of Earth in a Nest and Hariett. I am so passionate and inspired to build an inclusive, strong and sustainable community - a model of what could be in all other towns and cities in Ontario. I believe a connection with the Earth and those around us are the two most valuable parts of life. Earth in a Nest fights to protect this connection, and allow everyone to feel valued and a part of their community. 

Currently, alongside my partner, I am living nomadically in Central and South America, exploring different countries and learning about unique cultures. However, I still remain a key role in building and growing Earth in Nest, while completing my Masters in Counselling Psychology. The ability to do this, and continue to work and study online is an opportunity I do not take for granted. And not to worry - my laptop with WIFI is never far - so I am as present as if I was living right next door!
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