Co-op students power inclusivity and innovation at leading startup
By: Krista Henry (she/her)
At Nuclear Promise X (NPX), “you are safe here” is more than a core value. It’s a promise that equity, diversity and inclusion are at the foundation of what they do.
NPX is modernizing the nuclear industry with a people-first approach that includes co-op students. The startup creates impact with the right blend of talent, nuclear expertise and cutting-edge technology. “It’s fundamental that we create a workplace of collaboration, camaraderie and innovation. Where people can bring their real selves to work and thrive,” says Margaret McBeath (she/her), co-founder and chief of people and brand experience officer at NPX.
People really do feel comfortable showing up authentically. What that does is create an environment and a community where people feel like they belong, they feel safe to share ideas, participate and help each other out.
Margaret McBeath, co-founder and chief of people and brand experience officer, NPX
Hiring snapshot
Industry: Clean energy
Location: Kincardine and Whitby
Years of operation: 7
Years as a co-op employer: 6
Total Waterloo co-op work terms: 134
Key roles filled: Nuclear innovation project management intern, business intelligence analyst, nuclear innovation software developer
The approach
NPX’s inclusion, diversity, equity and action (IDEA) team drives company-wide initiatives, including inclusive leadership training, employee resource groups, truth and reconciliation activities and quarterly transparency reports.
The company embeds IDEA team members and supporters in every level and department.
“If we want to address the climate crisis, it’s essential to not keep the status quo. We need innovators. We need to attract diverse people with different skills,” McBeath says. “We know that even with the best intentions, biases exist, systemic barriers exist. We really try to tackle them head-on.”
To support this core value of the company, NPX offers forums, co-op meetups, mentorship programs, coffee chat opportunities and more. All aimed at building community across the organization.
NPX team members pose with their bikes at an event
The impact of co-op students
Waterloo co-op students working at NPX participate in company-wide events and bring new ways to help grow the company culture. NPX empowers co-op students to lead initiatives like She Codes, a monthly coding program for girls aged 6-12.
Recently, Waterloo co-op students helped develop a barge-tracking app to improve transportation access for the Chippewas of Georgina Island.
Former Waterloo co-op student Maia Tse (she/her) always felt included during her time at the startup. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she thrived during her two work terms at NPX.
Today, Tse is a full-time project coordinator at NPX. “Even as a student, I felt like an owner of my work.” Tse (BASc ’25) says. “They gave me autonomy, support and the privilege of not having to worry about being a woman in the workplace.”
“Students bring energy, ideas and a deep care for making things better. They’re not just learning—they’re leading,” McBeath says. “They’re part of the team, part of the mission and part of the future.” NPX is driving the needle towards change in their industry for marginalized groups. Students play a key role in creating change.
"NPX believes in innovation. The team at NPX knows innovation can't happen without an inclusive environment. Only then can diverse opinions, including those of students, thrive," says Olivia Roth, account manager, CEE. "We're grateful our students contribute so much at NPX while also feel like they belong."
The takeaway?
NPX’s focus on inclusion and belonging has seen positive results. More than 50% of the leadership positions are held by women and women make up 40% of the staff company-wide, far exceeding industry norms. The startup’s student program boasts 50% gender parity, with many students returning for multiple work terms. These metrics are proof that inclusion can drive transformation at NPX.