From Science World President to Donor: Why We Give with Janet Wood

Our Why We Give series spotlights our supporters and why they give to our non-profit organization. 

In summer 2019, after a remarkable three years as Science World’s President and CEO, Scott Sampson announced he’d take the opportunity to return to the U.S. and be with his family full-time as the Executive Director of California Academy of Sciences.

As the Board prepared for their global search to find his replacement, they wanted to bring on an interim leader, and thought of Janet Wood as having the right skillset for the job.

Board member Kirsten Sutton, Vancity’s Chief Technology & Information Officer, approached her friend and former SAP colleague about taking on the role.

“At first, I said, ‘No,’” Janet laughs. “I had just retired, and the weather was beautiful!”

Wonder, Ignited

In addition to the pleasant climes, Janet had a few more reasons to forgo the opportunity.

Her distinguished career as a tech executive had more than fulfilled her, and her tenures on multiple boards—both non-profit and corporate—still occupied her time.

“But then my husband reminded me that retirement is different in the winter months. ‘It’s magical now,’ he said, ‘but wait until the rain starts.’”

She agreed to a dome tour, led by Scott and then-Board chair Launi Skinner.

“What can I say?” Janet lifts her hands. “The experience completely pulled me in.”

She remembers visiting the galleries to observe families as they played and learned, and being moved by their energy and curiosity.

Meanwhile, Scott and Launi delineated Science World’s strategy to increase science literacy in BC by fostering a love for science in learners from kindergarten into the golden years.

"The mission to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature," recalls Janet, "I thought, what an incredible way to end my career, to be a part of that.”

She accepted the offer, and, after a three-week cruise and bicycle trip through Europe, started the job in September 2019.

Six months later, the pandemic hit and reshaped every system in the world. Science World’s doors closed and the future seemed uncertain. “It was a traumatic time for everyone,” Janet says.

But, what happened next would end up changing her understanding of Science World’s role in BC, and ultimately inspire her to become a major donor.

A New Day

“After our four-month closure, we re-opened. No one had ever done that before,” Janet marvels.

“And we didn’t bring in consultants. We did it ourselves. With the brilliance, talent and dedication of Science World staff, and the support of critical donations from our community.”

As Science World programming pivoted online, Janet observed how the absence of in-person programming contributed to the hardship and isolation of teachers and students across BC.

“When I began to truly understand the impact of bringing Science World to kids across BC, going On The Road to northern towns and delivering the weekly Super Science Club in under-resourced schools, I knew I wanted to continue to support Science World up-close. It’s why I became a donor.”

After Tracy Redies took the helm as President and CEO in September of 2020, Janet started to enjoy actual retirement.

She still sits on many boards and is deeply involved as the Canadian Regional Chair for Young Presidents' Organization (Gold).

Despite her accomplishments at Science World, Janet says her favourite Science World memory happened just last month, when her niece visited from Edmonton with her daughter Piper, and they spent a day at Science World.

“Piper was just so excited. She loves rocks, so she loved the geology exhibit and the rock climbing. She was checking out the lizards and all the insects, and the T. rex exhibition. She did the skiing. She did everything! I’ve never seen her with so much joy and enthusiasm.”

It brought to mind the day she took the tour with Scott and Launi, as they led her through the galleries bustling with kids, and she made the major decision to come out of retirement.

“We always want to feel like we're making a difference and having an impact. I loved what I did before Science World; I had a great career that I really enjoyed. But in the last year of my working life, I felt I had a really important purpose. It wasn't about increasing shareholder value. It was about every person who walked through those doors, and all the students we reach outside the building. It was about making a difference in their lives through the endless possibilities of science.”

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Expand possibility.

Join Janet and donate today.