About the Trellis Fund

The Trellis Fund was established in 2024 honour of Veronica Barnes (Gardner) by her daughter Rebecca Black alongside an advisory committee of women dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion in the renewable energy and infrastructure sector in Canada and beyond.

Veronica was a pioneering and inspirational woman and community builder. She strove for equality, justice and hope.

That support encouraged Rebecca and Trellis Advisory Committee members to establish Women in Renewable Energy WiRE in 2014, and the Trellis Fund in 2024.

Our mission: to remove barriers to non-traditional participants who seek work in the clean energy sector.

Our vision: an inclusive and thriving clean energy sector powering a healthy planet.

The founding members of the Trellis Fund at the 2024 launch event

The Trellis Advisory Committee celebrates the launch of the Trellis Fund March 2024. From left to right: Valerie Kitchell, Debbie Ellis, Jen Aitchison, Lisa Oelke, Stephanie Landers, Mary Warner, Brandy Giannetta and Rebecca Black.

Why Trellis?

Rebecca Black smiles with her beloved mother Veronica Barnes Gardner

The Trellis Fund was established by sustainability professional and equity advocate Rebecca Black in honour of her mother, Veronica Barnes (Gardner).

Veronica was a dynamic and caring individual who believed in the power of advocacy and love to positively influence the people around her. Her actions backed up her words: she was a social worker, volunteer, friend and mother who actively supported her community with kindness and generosity.

The Trellis Fund honours the attributes she shared - her deep and unwavering practice of caring, and her commitment to sharing.

The name Trellis is also inspired by Veronica: she was an avid gardener - her garden was just absolutely stunning - and her maiden name was Veronica Gardner.

And of course a trellis is a supportive element that allows plants to climb, reach for the sun and thrive, just as the Trellis Fund aims to support students in a clean energy future.

Trellis in the News

  • Trellis 2025 Launch Event draws 100+ students and energy professionals

    LinkedIn

  • Globe and Mail Trellis article Jan 25 2025

    Pitching in: Scholarships for women in the renewable energy field

    Globe and Mail Report on Business

  • Announcing the four recipients of the inaugural Trellis Fund student #grants.

    LinkedIn

  • “When a group of women get together with a vision and a mission, they will collaborate.”

    Women in Power Systems

  • "...the grant would make a big difference in helping the recipients complete their studies."

    The Energy Mix