Prior to attending the University of Western Ontario, Sturgess served in Alberta as an engineer with the National Energy Board and Esso Resources Canada Ltd.
Sturgess is the founder and CEO of WaterSMART Solutions Ltd.,[4] a service organization committed to the improvement of water management through better engineering.
She also founded the Alberta WaterPortal Society, which provides water education internationally,[5] and served as its executive director for 18 years.
In 2016, Sturgess became a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her achievements and community service, and received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from her alma mater, Queen's.
[15][16] In 2012, she was named the Outstanding Businesswoman in Calgary by the Consumers Choice Awards, and in 2021, she was listed as one of To Do Canada's 12 Inspirational Alberta Women You Should Know About.