Hayley Rutherford is a white settler who brings insight, clarity, and curiosity to complex problem-solving. She is deeply committed to making ideas accessible and actionable, and she approaches her work with a systems lens grounded in both rigor and heart.

With a passion for interdisciplinary thinking and evidence-based design, Hayley supports organizations in clarifying vision, aligning strategy, and deepening impact.
Hayley holds a Master’s degree in Food and Bioproduct Sciences and a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication, giving her a unique foundation in both technical knowledge and accessible storytelling. Prior to joining Roots & Rivers, she served as the Research and Programming Manager at the Waterloo Global Science Initiative, where she contributed to a series of international thought leadership conferences and stewarded outcomes.

Since 2020, Hayley has been a core member of the Roots & Rivers team. Her role includes leading projects, operations, communication and marketing. She excels in synthesizing information, managing complexity, and supporting teams through deep listening. Her practice is rooted in care, integrity, and a commitment to social impact.

Outside of work, Hayley loves dancing, lifting weights, and creating art that can be beautifully destroyed.