Influential Woman · Environmental

Annika Fain

Senior Geomorphologist, Fish Passage Engineer, Project Manager, NW Fish Passage

Bellingham, WA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's in Marine Ecology Degree Western Washington University Degree Master's in Environmental Science and Engineering Degree Oregon Health Sciences University Degree Master's in Oceanography Degree University of Washington Cert Certified Floodplain Manager Cert Fish Passage Certification Member Association for Floodplain Managers Member River Restoration Northwest

Her Story

About Annika

I've been working in the environmental field for 21 years, specializing in habitat restoration and fish passage work. Currently, I work as a project manager where I manage 3 to 5 projects at a time and supervise 2 people. My role involves a lot of communication with clients and my team members. Throughout my career, I've worked at 4 different consulting firms, and I'm most proud of having run my own business for 10 years, during which I managed 12 people. A lot of my work involves taking out fish passage barriers in the state of Washington. I've been in my current position since August, and my main area of expertise is habitat restoration.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Annika

01What do you attribute your success to?

I think having supportive friends and family has been crucial to my success, along with being passionate about what I do. The support system around me and my genuine passion for environmental work have really driven me forward in my career.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received is to follow what you're interested in. Following your interests has been a guiding principle throughout my career and has led me to where I am today.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would encourage young women to reach out to professionals like me and others in the field. Definitely follow your passion and pursue whatever you're interested in. I want to encourage them to pursue their dreams and let them know that there is a place for them in this field. Don't hesitate to connect with people already working in environmental science and restoration work.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenge in my field right now is definitely the funding for fish passage and habitat restoration work. There are a lot of projects that go on hold, and funding that is not being given, so that's a big problem we face. But on the opportunity side, there are a lot of really passionate people in this field, and we continue to advocate for the environment. The challenge with funding is real, but it definitely helps that we have a lot of people that are passionate about this work and keep pushing forward.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are communication, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and balance. Communication is especially important in everything I do, both professionally and personally.

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