Meet the Ambassadors

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Olivia Moore (she/her): Climate Outreach Cohort Lead
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Olivia is a fourth-year student completing her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. Growing up in North Vancouver, on the unceded land of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Nation, Olivia developed a love of nature and a desire to work in sustainability. Throughout her degree, Olivia has been interested in social movements and climate justice, aiming to understand how systemic forces intersect to disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Olivia is looking forward to building upon her previous experience in communications and project assistance in a space dedicated to sustainability. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys baking, watching documentaries, and spending time outdoors.

 

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Anna Beech (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Sustainability

Anna is in her second year at UBC pursuing a major in Conservation. She is interested in the sustainable management of our natural resources and how ecosystems are affected by anthropogenic and climate-related disturbances. Through this program, she hopes to develop her interpersonal and leadership skills, as well as gain some perspective on how climate change can be tackled at a local scale. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and running through Pacific Spirit Park.

 

 

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Caelin Estrabillo (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering

Caelin is a third-year Environmental Engineering student who loves connecting with people and nature. She is passionate about providing access to clean drinking water and promoting a circular economy. Caelin is excited to begin her journey with and learn from the Climate Outreach cohort and UBC Sustainability!

 

 

 

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Charisse Wang (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation + Bachelor of Education

Charisse is a third year student at UBC taking a dual degree in Natural Resources Conservation and teaching biological sciences at a secondary level. She enjoys participating in informative conversations on socio-political issues and looks forward to sharing knowledge on climate change to residents in Vancouver. In her free time she enjoys going back-country camping, reading thrillers and listening to podcasts.

 

 

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Ella Shi (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences + Master of Management

Ella is a third-year student completing her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and a Master of Management. She has an unwavering passion for sustainability that drives her to pursue opportunities as the Science Undergraduate Society’s sustainability commissioner and a global climate simulator ambassador to make a meaningful environmental and social impact in her community. Ella is thrilled and honoured to have the opportunity to conduct climate outreach in the city of Vancouver with her cohort!

 

 

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Joan Chen (she/her): Ambassador
Master of Engineering & Leadership

Joan is a Master of Engineering & Leadership graduate specializing in Clean Energy, grew up in fossil fuel-dependent regions. Committed to an equitable and affordable energy transition, she wish to leverage her expertise as a sustainability ambassador to educate the public on adopting tangible sustainable practices, like using public transit and installing heat pumps.

 

 

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Ruby Lieu-Ashthorn (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance

Ruby is a fourth-year student completing a degree in finance and concentrating on sustainability and social impact. Growing up exploring the Yukon's backcountry, on the extraordinary traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Taan Kwachan Council, her profound connection to nature was established very young. She is deeply inspired by Indigenous land stewardship and leadership in environmental conservation and preservation and believes they present a significant opportunity in combatting the climate crisis. Ruby aims to combine her passion for environmental protection, Indigenous inclusion and consultation, connecting with people, and her business background to inspire genuine action and advance the decolonization of the climate crisis.

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Saisha Arora (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of International Economics (BIE)

Saisha is a second-year Bachelor of International Economics (BIE) student, passionate about sustainability and addressing economic issues such as inequality and food insecurity. She has researched on millet farming to enhance agricultural resilience. Through the Sustainability Ambassadors Program, she is eager to conduct outreach, educate communities, and inspire tangible change.

 

 

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Shambhavi Arora (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Shambhavi is a fourth-year Political Science major with a minor in Law and Society, deeply passionate about pursuing environmental law in the future. Her research has focused on waste governance and land rights in the Arctic, and she is committed to advocating for sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges. Shambhavi is excited to continue her academic journey and learn from UBC sustainability!

 

 

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Yanfu Dong (he/him): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Yanfu is a second-year Sociology student at UBC, with a keen interest in exploring the connections between social systems and sustainability. He’s curious about how social dynamics shape environmental issues and how communities can unite to tackle these challenges—preferably before the polar bears start sending us angry emails. Through the Sustainability Ambassador program, Yanfu aims to sharpen his skills in advocacy and collaboration while gaining hands-on experience in creating impactful change on a local scale. In his spare time, he enjoys getting lost on hiking trails around Vancouver and playing basketball.

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Yoshiki Tanaka (he/him): Ambassador
Bachelor of International Economics (BIE)

Yoshiki is a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of International Economics, with a strong passion for developmental economics, particularly in the area of circular economy. Before joining UBC, he led an environmental club at his high school, and he now seeks to further his understanding of sustainability and public policy.

 

 

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Zoey Yang (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering

Zoey is a third year Chemical Engineering student who is passionate about clean energy and her previous research focused on decarbonization in the cement industry. Zoey is one of the VPs at UBC Student Energy, where she was introduced to the Sustainability Ambassador program. She is part of the Climate Outreach cohort and is excited to learn more about climate change and promote public sustainability awareness in the city of Vancouver.

 

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Naomi Leung (they/them): Climate Wellbeing Cohort Lead
Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems

Naomi is a Han Chinese settler and guest on stolen Musqueam and Tsawwassen territories in colonially named “Richmond, BC.” They have a background organizing for climate justice education, harm reduction, and policy change with Climate Education Reform BC, Sustainabiliteens, and The Climate Justice Organizing HUB. Naomi is majoring in BSc Global Resource Systems where they are integrating environmental science and global health, and minoring in psychology. As a visual artist, Naomi believes IBPOC art, ideas, joy, and futures deserve to be centered and made space for in the climate movement and dominant culture.

 

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Alessia Montecalvo (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Alessia is a fourth-year International Relations student with interests in global health policy and Indigenous rights advocacy. As a Sustainability Ambassador, she hopes to broaden her understanding of transnational solidarities and community-engaged responses to climate grief.

 

 

 

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Diana Bratu (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health

Diana is a third-year Dietetics student, interested in learning more about the interplay of human health and climate wellbeing. As a future dietitian, she hopes to contribute to policies that prioritize the health of both people and the planet. Diana also enjoys travelling, meditating, and electronic music!

 

 

 

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Emma Brooks (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation

Emma is a fourth-year Natural Resources Conservation student in the Faculty of Forestry. She became part of the Sustainability Ambassadors program to get more involved with sustainability initiatives and to articulate shared emotions about the climate crisis. In her free time she enjoys kayaking and coaching volleyball.

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Helen Liu (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science + Philosophy

Helen is a fifth-year student majoring in Philosophy and Political Science. Her motivation to become a sustainability ambassador stems from her strong passion for exploring critical theories, particularly investigating the correlations between environmental degradation and its impact on social justice. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing.

 

 

 

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Lar Cora (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Lal is a fourth-year BA in International Relations with a minor in Economics candidate from Istanbul, Türkiye. She joined the Sustainability Ambassadors program to learn more about the interplay between climate change and mental health, and to contribute to life on campus. During her free time, you can find Lal biking around or DJing somewhere!

 

 

 

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Ren Akagi (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Environment & Sustainability

Ren is a third-year Environment and Sustainability major passionate about urban sustainability and nature conservation. Raised in Tokyo, she became interested in how cities can balance sustainable practices, resident well-being, and economic development—an area she hopes to explore further through the Climate Wellbeing Cohort. Vancouver’s unique mix of natural beauty and urban life offers the perfect backdrop for her to pursue these interests.

 

 

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Luke Elliot Chan (he/him): Ambassador
Bachelor of International Economics

Luke is a second-year International Economics student excited to learn about sustainability and climate action. He hopes to expand his field of view and explore different fields of knowledge and action.

 

 

 

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Rojini Kathiravel (she/her): Ambassador
Master of Applied Science in Forestry

Rojini is a final-year master's student in the Wood Science program at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of wood buildings through performance-based design (PBD). Currently, her master's research aims to optimize carbon emissions in the construction industry, particularly in wood structures. Rojini previously completed her master’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, where she focused on the hygrothermal performance of insulation materials. She has also contributed to projects on net-zero energy buildings and their environmental feasibility across Canadian climates. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and engaging in environmental advocacy.

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Saba Saberi (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

Saba joined this program to better understand how to manage climate change and help make a difference from a medical perspective by helping people with their overall health as changes occur. She loves going to the gym, hiking and reading. She also loves spending time with her friends and family!

 

 

 

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Shubhreet Dadrao (they/them): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in English + History

Shubhreet is a third-year undergraduate studying English Literature and Language and History in the Faculty of Arts. They joined this program to learn more about climate justice and climate grief while broadening and incorporating their understanding in the field as a literary and historical scholar.

 

 

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Yiwen Qiu (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Commerce

Yiwen is a second-year Commerce student passionate about environmental and social enterprise. Her motivation to become a UBC Sustainability Ambassador comes from her involvement with clubs like Pickup UBC and Sprouts, where she learned about waste recycling and food waste while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable UBC community. Through this program, she wants to expand her knowledge of climate justice and wellbeing and embrace leadership.

 

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Aida Mohajeri (she/her): Campus + Community Planning (C+CP) Climate Action Cohort Lead
PhD candidate in Educational Studies + Master of Education

Aida is an Educational Studies PhD student, settler, and guest on the traditional, ancestral, unceded, and stolen territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. Her research explores the intersections of unsustainability, higher education, and systemic inequities. Her past experiences include research and policy in the non-profit, federal government, and education sectors. Aida holds an Ed.M. from Harvard University and a BA from Villanova University.

 

 

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Emily Chan (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Emily is a fifth-year Arts student majoring in Sociology and minoring in Early Childhood Education. Over the course of her time at UBC, she has found joy and purpose in her studies and work centred around the social and sustainable development of intergenerational communities. She has joined the Sustainability Ambassadors Program because she strives to expand her learning, build leadership skills, and take collective climate action.

 

 

 

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Eunice Kong (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition & Health

Eunice Kong is a fourth-year student majoring in Nutritional Sciences in the Food, Nutrition, and Health program under the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Passionate about addressing food insecurity and systemic food issues, Eunice joined the program to explore sustainable approaches that promote healthier and more equitable food systems, contributing to a more sustainable society.

 

 

 

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Grace McNamee (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology + Sociology

Grace joined the Sustainability Ambassadors program to promote sustainable habits and drive collective action. Passionate about integrating sustainability into daily life, she aims to address the disproportionate environmental impact of Western consumption. This program empowers her to work alongside like-minded individuals toward a more sustainable future.

 

 

 

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Ivy Chiu (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition & Health

Ivy is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student in Food, Nutrition, and Health, passionate about promoting sustainability and addressing food insecurity among vulnerable populations. Through the Sustainability Ambassadors Program, she is eager to connect with UBC communities and contribute to UBC’s sustainability goals, fostering a resilient and inclusive future.

 

 

 

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Keiran Hoang (they/Them): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Environment & Sustainability + Master of Management

Keiran is a second-year student completing a Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Sustainability and a Master of Management. Passionate about practical sustainability, they aim to drive meaningful change in institutions, businesses, and communities. With a focus on actionable change, Keiran looks forward to inspiring climate awareness and fostering a culture of sustainability.

 

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Kotone Sakamizu (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Environment & Sustainability

Kotone is passionate about taking action towards maintaining a sustainable environment in UBC with the amazing C+CP cohort! By being part of this Sustainability Ambassador program, she is looking forward to gaining more experience, knowledge, and connections between people with similar interests by working towards the same goal.

 

 

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Poongping Suthumpun (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Poongping is an Economics major with a Commerce minor, having lived and studied in Thailand, Singapore, the United States, and now Canada. She joined the program to gain hands-on experience in tackling real-world sustainability challenges. Passionate about sustainability, ESG strategy, and data analysis, she is eager to contribute to CAP 2030 by leading finance planning, social media campaigns, and engagement strategies. She aims to reduce emissions through sustainable community engagement.

 

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Sagar Kataria (he/him): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science(BIE)

Sagar is a fourth year Arts student majoring in political science and minoring in German studies. As an aspiring pre-Law student, Sagar is committed to pursuing environmental space law, as space represents the future frontier of exploration. Through the Sustainability Ambassador program, Sagar seeks to gain a deeper understanding of informing people, as people are key to persuade lawmakers into adopting sustainable practices.

 

 

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Simeng Li (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering

Simeng Li is a fourth-year student in Chemical and Biological Engineering. As a Sustainability Ambassador, she hopes to drive impactful change on climate issues by developing inclusive and sustainable solutions to pressing local and global challenges, while raising public awareness on critical environmental topics.

 

 

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Devyani Anand: Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Geography

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Tess Anderson: Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation

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Mutuma (he/him): Environmental Justice Cohort Lead
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations & Human Geography

Mutuma is a Pan-Africanist from Nairobi, Kenya, who is in his third year pursuing a double major in International Relations and Human Geography. He is fervent about the intersectionality between culture, the creative arts, and socio-economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and across black diaspora communities. Mutuma is passionate about using media, education, dialogue, and the arts to legitimize “non-Western” traditional systems of knowledge; applying them in contemporary efforts against climate injustice and the continued oppression of marginalized communities.

 

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Ashley Smyth (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Ashley finds nature and people’s relationships with it so beautiful and is interested in exploring ways to protect these through policy. She saw the Sustainability Ambassadors Program as the perfect place to learn from peers and communities and work together to better understand how the environment impacts daily lives and vice versa. She is passionate about supporting others however she can, making bad jokes she labels as “funny in the context,” trying new things, reading books that capture feelings, conservation efforts, wearing shoes until they fall apart, listening to what people have to say, and continuous improvement.

 

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Cassidy Pereira (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

Cassidy joined the Sustainability Ambassadors Program to deepen her understanding of environmental policy and work collaboratively with others who are passionate about driving sustainable change. This program provides the opportunity to create real impact in communities while learning valuable leadership and advocacy skills. Cassidy is passionate about creating lasting environmental change through actionable solutions. Whether it’s advancing policies to reduce pollution or engaging communities in sustainability efforts, she believes in the power of collective action to protect ecosystems and preserve the natural world for future generations.

 

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Grace Feng (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering

Grace hopes to contribute to creating visible, lasting impacts. She joined the Sustainability Ambassadors Program because simply hearing about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was not enough; she wanted to take action and directly participate in implementing sustainable practices within her community. As someone who loves travelling the world, Grace is deeply passionate about sustaining it. She hopes to preserve the Earth in all its glory, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and benefit from it for generations to come.

 

 

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Iman Adanijo (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology + Master of Management

Iman joined the Sustainability Ambassadors Program to contribute to a community dedicated to sustainable practices and to take an active role in promoting environmental and climate action. She is excited to support initiatives that deliver impactful, lasting results for both the university and the broader community. Passionate about environmental sustainability and making a positive impact, Iman believes that innovative collective action is essential for addressing climate issues and fostering responsible practices. She is motivated by collaborating with others to build a more sustainable future for all.

 

 

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Lynn Yin (she/they): Ambassador
Bachelor of Commerce

Lynn is an advocate for equitable access to water resources for marginalized communities in False Creek, working in partnership with the False Creek Friends organization. Lynn is passionate about music production and street dance and enjoys staying informed by listening to market-related podcasts.

 

 

 

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Mya Talan (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation

Mya considers sustainability a social practice built on diverse perspectives and knowledge, and the coming together of people with land and each other. She joined this program to build this community and empower her own action by learning from leaders and developing the skills to use her academic experiences in the sustainability space. She is passionate about understanding the ecologies of global systems and reimagining dominant paradigms in ways that are environmentally and socially just. Mya is very interested in the intersection of people and their environments and believes redistributing voice beyond Western structures is necessary to addressing global environmental and social challenges.

 

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Samiksha Mukherjee (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation

Samiksha joined this program to get more involved in actionable and tangible sustainability projects and to create an impact on the broader community through their work. She seeks to explore the interconnectedness between societal change and sustainability and to make lasting change through projects that move towards a better future. Samiksha is passionate about Indigenous epistemologies, environmental, ecological, and social justice, as well as biodiversity conservation. She hopes to conduct more research in these fields and learn how to integrate natural systems into academia as an effort to decolonize ways of learning and distributing knowledge.

 

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Saumya Kamra (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Saumya Kamra, a third-year International Relations and Law and Society student, was born in India, where she witnessed firsthand the lack of focus on sustainable practices in her community. This inspired her to take action, organizing street clean-up drives to help preserve her home. Her passion for environmental resilience led her to join the Sustainability Ambassadors Program, where she continues her fight against climate change and advocates for sustainable urban living. She is an avid photographer and writer, blending her creativity with her drive for positive change. She describes herself as curious, thoughtful, and deeply committed to building a more sustainable future.

 

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Stephanie Yan (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Applied Science

Stephanie is passionate about environmental activism and amplifying youth voices in climate conversations. To deepen her impact on the community, she seeks to explore the intersection of social justice and climate change, understand its deep-rooted causes, drive change from the ground up, and connect with a community of like-minded ambassadors. Stephanie is driven by curiosity and is passionate about exploring the intersection of engineering and environmental activism. In her spare time, she channels her creativity through music—both playing and singing—and stays active with hiking, running, and swimming. She also enjoys learning new knowledge and perspectives through reading.

 

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Subin Lee (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Subin joined the program to actively promote and support environmental justice while gaining firsthand insight into sustainability initiatives at UBC and within other communities. Subin is passionate about exploring various aspects of environmental justice and advocating for broader public engagement in advancing it.

 

 

 

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Tejas Sathiyanarayanan (he/him): Ambassador
Master of Applied Science in Material Engineering

Tejas joined the Sustainability Ambassadors Program because he wanted to be involved in sustainability-related projects to make a difference in the world and contribute to making it a better place. He has always been interested in green technology and materials, believing that sustainability is a key concept that must form part of the foundation for development with future generations in mind.

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Akuzike Limbanga (she/her): Youth Climate Ambassador Project (YCAP) Cohort Lead
Bachelor of Arts in Environment & Sustainability

Akuzike or Aku is a fourth-year student completing an environment and sustainability major and a minor in African studies. Her dedication to social and environmental justice, with an emphasis on centering marginalized and Indigenous voices has led her to the Sustainability hub. Having lived in Malawi, Ethiopia, Malaysia and now Vancouver, she has been inspired by the resilience of different communities in the face of climate change. She has taken up the role of YCAP lead and hopes to build new connections across Vancouver and young children while addressing the current despair surrounding climate change discourse.

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Andie Bartolome (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of International Economics

Andie is in her fifth-year of the International Economics program. Growing up in the Philippines, a country at the frontlines of climate change, she's been exposed to the intersections between climate, social and economic justice. She aims to engage in transformative climate education within the Vancouver community through the program.

 

 

 

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Anshu Saroha (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Anshu is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student pursuing her International Relations degree, with a strong commitment to sustainable choices. Her passion for sustainability extends across various aspects of her life, from advocating for eco-friendly policies to encouraging her peers to adopt greener habits. She joined the Youth Climate Action Program (YCAP) to contribute to actionable, community-focused climate solutions. The decision to join YCAP stemmed from both my academic interest in the intersection of development, gender, and politics and a personal commitment to sustainability. She hopes to learn from her peers in her cohort and strive to bring positive change.

 

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Ava Steiginga (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Applied Science

Ava is passionate about working with youth and promoting education in sustainability, which drew her to the YCAP cohort with UBC Sustainability. She is in her second year of chemical and biological engineering and is interested in working with renewable energy. In her free time, Ava enjoys hiking and scrapbooking.

 

 

 

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Himanshi Wadhwani (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of International Econimics

Himanshi Wadhwani is a second-year International Economics student at UBC with a keen interest in sustainability. Passionate about promoting environmental awareness, she joined the Sustainability Ambassador program to engage with the community and drive positive change. She also hosts the podcast Unibeans where she talks about personal and professional development.

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Jasnoor Kaur (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance & Accounting

Jasnoor Kaur is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at UBC Sauder, specializing in Finance and Accounting. Passionate about integrating sustainability into business practices, she joined the Sustainability Ambassadors to raise awareness about sustainable development in commerce and promote an impactful change within the business community.

 

 

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Kamryn Russell (they/them): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems

Kam is a third year B.Sc. student in Global Resource Systems specializing in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. They joined the Sustainability Ambassadors to learn more about the intersectionalities of climate change and climate justice, and how to apply these to their scientific passions. Kam is excited to be a part of the YCAP team and deliver workshops to address youths’ climate anxieties and injustices.

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Li Yen Cheng (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering

Li Yen is a fourth-year Chemical Engineering student. She led the UBC WasteNauts' Tailings-to-Concrete project, developing sustainable concrete that utilizes mine tailing waste. Passionate about carbon reduction efforts, she aims to engage in environmental advocacy to drive impactful change beyond traditional engineering approaches and inspire youth climate action leadership.

 

 

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Vanessa Leibel (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems

Vanessa is a fourth-year student pursuing a major in B.Sc. Global Resource Systems with a minor in B.A. Spanish Studies. She is passionate about food security, community-based resource management, and environmental stewardship, and joined the YCAP program to share stories of climate resilience and increase climate literacy in Vancouver.

 

 

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Yanni Dai (she/her): Ambassador
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Yanni is a third-year International Relations student with a keen interest in sustainability, particularly in how global policies can drive environmental change. She joined the YCAP program to explore innovative solutions for sustainable development and to connect with like-minded peers passionate about creating a greener, more equitable future.

 

 

 

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Leili Hamidi: Ambassador
Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition & Health

Cohort Leads

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Clarice Tuai - Climate & Movement Lead
Global Resource Systems, Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Clarice is going into her 5th year majoring in Global Resource Systems, specializing in urban planning and mobility, with a Minor in Geographic Information Science & Geographical Computation. She is particularly interested in urban planning policies for climate-resilient cities from a community-based planning approach. As a daily transit user and cyclist, she hopes to explore her passions for accessible active transportation and movement as the Climate & Movement Lead. In her free time, she enjoys sunset beach swims, taking care of her plants, and hiking with friends.

 

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Fer Villasenor - Climate Action Lead
International Relations, Faculty of Arts

Fer is a fourth-year International Relations student at UBC, studying sustainability through an interdisciplinary lens. She joins the Sustainability Hub as Lead for the Climate Action cohort. She grew up in Mexico and moved to Vancouver in 2016, a move that inspired her to choose her major and understand the global power dynamics between people, institutions and ideas. As a systems thinker, she is interested in a variety of topics, such as exploring the role the economy has in the transition to a net zero world, the relationship between Indigenous rights and sustainability and the power of civic engagement as a driver for change. She hopes to bring her passion for community building and collective action to the role.

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Nandita Valiramani - CAP 2030 Lead
Psychology, Faculty of Arts

Nandita (she/her) is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Commerce. Growing up in Thailand, Nandita found beauty in its nature: from the northern mountains to the serenity of the southern seas. Along with this find, Nandita found a deep interest in learning more about Thailand’s marine and terrestrial wildlife. The combination of these interests motivated Nandita to research and write a paper on the detrimental effects captivity has on cetacean species and to pursue an internship with World Animal Protection Thailand. Both experiences greatly revealed the deep connection between animal welfare and human welfare. Once this connection clicked, Nandita realized that understanding this deep, complicated connection can lead to sustainable and environmentally ethical practices that can improve our economies.

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Naomi Leung - Emotional Resilience Lead
Global Resource Systems, Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Naomi (they/them) is a Han Chinese Malaysian settler and guest on ancestral and stolen Musqueam and Tsawwassen territories in colonially named “Richmond, BC.” They have a background organizing for climate justice education, harm reduction, and policy change with Climate Education Reform BC and Sustainabiliteens. Naomi is currently working at UBC Sustainability HUB and The Climate Justice Organizing HUB facilitating workshops and creating resources related to anti-oppression, campaign organizing, and climate emotions. They are thrilled to join a wonderful team of students on the emotional resilience cohort! Naomi is studying BSc Global Resource Systems where they are integrating studies of climate change, global health, and climate emotions and resilience. As a visual artist, they believe IBPOC art, ideas, joy, and futures deserve to be centered and made space for in the climate movement and dominant culture.

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Sagorika Haque - Climate Lead
Gender, Race, Social Justice and Political Science, Faculty of Arts

Sagorika Naomi Azad Haque সাগরিকা (they/she) is a student of Gender, Race, Social Justice and Political Science from Dhaka, Bangladesh, one of the most disproportionately climate vulnerable countries in the world. They are a facilitator, community organizer, poet, and co-founder of transnational arts and research collective আসা; Asha, with over a decades’ experiences in performance, presentations, exhibitions, and publications across spaces and journals such as Decomp, Ignite, Solastalgia, UJAH, the Garden Statuary, URNCST, MURC, Hatch Gallery, Climate Slamposium, and more. Their research experiences and practices are at the intersections of political education, gender-based violence, intergenerational trauma/healing, embodied knowledges, transnational solidarities, art, and political accountability, as well as spatial, disability, and transformative justices across ongoing histories and presents with/in and beyond Global South contexts. With involvement across the UBC Women’s Centre, Sustainability Hub, Global Lounge, Climate Hub, and Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies, Sagorika’s work is rooted in exploring & embodying decolonial, trauma-informed, systems thinking, and community interventions in/beyond policy and curricula to erode cultures of colonial heteropatriarchal capitalist violences towards more just, equitable, and tender futures. 

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Susan Gao - Food Systems Lead
Political Science, Faculty of Arts

Susan is going into her fourth year in the Political Science major. She was born in Beijing, China and has lived in both Vancouver and Victoria. As a Political Science student, she is very interested in exploring topics related to social equality and justice, including environmental justice. Susan has witnessed the power of student voices in raising awareness about food insecurity at UBC and is very interested in further advancing engagement with issues surrounding food systems and sustainability as a Food Systems Lead. In her free time, she likes to paddleboard, play guitar, and crochet.

 

 

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Climate Cohort

Kayla Lee

Kayla is a second year commerce student at the Sauder School of Business, intent on majoring in real estate development with a concentration in sustainability and social impact. Her passion for sustainability is deeply rooted in her home and upbringing. Born and raised in British Columbia, she’s always loved the outdoors and accordingly, all outdoor activities: swimming, hiking, skiing, and of course, traveling the world to experience unique ecosystems. Kayla’s favorite memories of all time include witnessing green sea turtles laying their eggs on the coast of Costa Rica, swimming with sharks in Belize, and backpacking with her closest friends in her home province. She aims to integrate her passions, focusing on the intersections between the built environment and sustainable land systems. As such, Kayla is excited to broaden her horizons within the Sustainability Ambassadors program, learning from and growing alongside the inspirational and dynamic individuals she has the privilege of calling her teammates.

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Ruby Stephens

Ruby is a second year in Forestry at UBC majoring in Natural Resource Conservation and specializing in International Perspectives. She is most passionate about social ecology and mycology. She seeks to better understand environmental inequality on local and global scales perpetuated by climate change by deconstructing human exceptionalism and colonial narratives. In doing so, she hopes to better understand the means of achieving sustainability, and that the Sustainability Ambassadors program will introduce her to new perspectives and push her to contribute positively towards the movement to protect our beautiful planet. She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where she gained her love for hiking and skiing. She loves to travel, cook, and read (her favorite books are Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake and A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki).

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Nicholas Kucera

Nic is a fourth year B+mm student majoring in Microbiology. He is passionate to learn about climate based inequalities, decolonization, and social change as it relates to climate. To this role, he brings the questions, "How can we create spaces for unlearning and bring together multiple stakeholders?", "How can we better support one another in a time of climate anxiety and injustice?", and "How can we better understand how our privilege and responsibilities coincide in order to facilitate meaningful conversations?". In his time as a sustainability ambassador, he hopes to gain both a better understanding of climate injustice and transformative solidarities. In his free time, Nic enjoys getting outside to hike, cycle, and go running.

 

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Nina Malekyazdi

Nina is in the final year of her undergraduate degree in International Relations at UBC. Born and raised in Vancouver, Nina only realized how blessed she was to live among such lush nature when she began travelling to different countries and took note of the differences in how they take consideration of the planet in their practices. Nina believes that climate change and sustainability are issues that more countries should place emphasis on moving forward, from economic matters to relations with other countries. Nina is interested in making sustainability more accessible to local communities, promoting green practices such as composting or actions that reduce one’s carbon footprint, and proceeding with empathy and understanding towards individuals and cultures.

 

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Soomin Shin

Coming from Seoul, South Korea, Soomin is in her fourth year in Sustainable Agriculture and Environment in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. With her strong interest in business and previous experience in corporate sustainability, she is also pursuing studies in sustainable business management. Her passion for environmental issues and sustainability comes from having an international educational background and witnessing first-hand the severe consequences of climate change. She deeply empathizes with the planet's call for help, and with only six years left on the world climate clock, she aims to take actions that count towards tackling the climate issues we face as one generation. She joined this program in hopes of sharing her passion for sustainability through transformative, intergenerational learning & unlearning in the UBC community and beyond. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening (an attempt to create a mini sustainable food system), cooking, reading, and soaking in nature.

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Dean Rohman

Dean is a second year Arts student studying Psychology and International Relations with an interest in climate policy, climate migration, and food sovereignty. As someone with Bangladeshi roots that was born and raised in Vancouver, Dean is very interested in the impact of climate change on the world’s most vulnerable populations. He is also interested in the different ways that the climate crisis will affect those living in the Global South in comparison to the Global North. As a Sustainability Ambassador he is excited to facilitate open conversations and work on action-based solutions for sustainability issues. In collaboration with the rest of the Climate cohort, he hopes to spread his passion for education in relation to sustainability and the climate crisis. Dean is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a strong team of sustainability activists!

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Zoe Batson

Zoe is a third year in Geography specialising in environment and sustainability at UBC. She is most passionate about environmental racism, environmental inequality, environmental history, and climate politics. Her passion for sustainability started at a young age with her being born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia having access to the outdoors and nature. Zoe has always loved the outdoors and she is very thankful to of grown up in British Columbia where she has been surrounded by different environments. Zoe believes that the climate crisis is one of the most crucial issues that the world faces today and that more countries need to take action and prioritise. Zoe is also interested in learning more about climate injustice specifically the ways in which climate change affects those who in the Global South compared to in the Global North on local and global scales. Zoe’s goal is to do a Master’s Degree researching environmental racism within Canada from a historical perspective. Zoe is looking forward to broaden her horizons achieving and learning about sustainability through the Sustainability Ambassador program. She seeks to better understand different and new perspectives on sustainability and contribute a positive impact for others to take action on the climate crisis. In her free time, Zoe enjoys travelling the world, being in nature, doing any type of outdoor activities and meeting new people!

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Laura Li

Laura is a second year undergraduate student majoring in Commerce at the Sauder School of Business, hoping to specialize in Finance and Marketing, with a concentration in Sustainability and Social Impact. With a multicultural upbringing born and raised in Shanghai, China, she is passionate about the intersectionality between storytelling, climate justice, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), and intrapreneurship through a global perspective, as well as mitigating climate change's disproportionate impact on those who suffer from socioeconomic inequalities, especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities. Laura is incredibly excited, grateful, and honoured to come together with her passionate peers in the Climate Cohort to gain a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of the climate crisis through a multidisciplinary and multigenerational approach by: centering indigenous peoples and people of colour’s voices among heartfelt dialogues, collaborating with stakeholders and other cohorts to carry out community engagement initiatives, and cultivating a beautiful ecosystem of learning, unlearning, and care.

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Food Systems Cohort

Melissa Kao

Melissa Kao (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate student completing her Bachelor of Commerce at the UBC Sauder School of Business. She has always had a passion for advocating for environmental sustainability, through involvements such as being a first-year representative at Sauder's CUS Sustainability Club, President of her high school Green Team, an ambassador for Pela, and many more. Melissa strongly believes in the power of compassionate and purposeful leadership, which drives her to chase meaningful, positive, and impactful opportunities to make environmental and social change in the community. In the future, she hopes to dedicate her career to influencing corporations to be more sustainable and people/planet-focused. Outside of work, Melissa is an avid musician who plays seven instruments and enjoys paddling at False Creek with the UBC Current Dragon Boat Team.

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Krianna Stowbridge

Krianna (she/they) is a third year Environmental Sciences Major, with a specialization in ecology and conservation. She is a settler from Treaty 8 and 11 land, also known as Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (Denendeh). Being raised in the North shaped and informed much of her perspectives on climate action and the environment. She has come face to face with the ways northern areas are being hit disproportionately by climate change which has given her the strong desire to find ways to help educate others. She is excited to be a part of the sustainability ambassador program and for the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects with her peers. When she’s not working or studying, Krianna loves being outdoors (whether at the beach or in the mountains), reading, and being with friends.

 

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Samriddhi Verma

Samriddhi (she/her) is a 2nd-year undergraduate student in the faculty of arts, majoring in psychology. Her passion for sustainability and commitment to advocating for responsible practices in various aspects of campus life define her role as a sustainability ambassador. Through this platform, she endeavors to promote sustainable practices and inspire fellow students to adopt eco-conscious habits, fostering a greener campus and a brighter future for all.

 

 

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Beatriz Duke

Beatriz (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, studying Global Resource Systems with a focus on Food Resource Economics and Sustainability. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she has a profound interest in sustainable development and building inclusive communities that foster diversity. Beatriz believes in an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach as a means to drive sustainable change. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, taking nature walks, reading, and journaling.

 

 

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Baiya Griffiths

Baiya (she/her) is a second year chemistry major who grew up on the traditional and unceded territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui, and Semiamoo First Nations. She has been passionate about climate action and Indigenous perspectives ever since high school where these ideas were immersed throughout their discussions. In her free time, Baiya loves singing in choir, playing softball, and spending time outside. Through the sustainability ambassadors program, Baiya hopes to gain the skills necessary for climate action and knowledge about sustainability within food systems to help make an impact on the people around her and the community at UBC.

 

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Mackenzie Johnson

Mackenzie is a fourth-year Marketing student pursuing a concentration in Sustainability & Social Impact. She grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and loves hiking, painting, and running. Mackenzie has been interested in sustainability since high school and aims to learn more about interdisciplinary methods to tackle issues surrounding climate change. She is also eager to learn more from people working in sustainability fields about their work and contributions to climate action. Mackenzie is thrilled to be a part of the Food Systems cohort and hopes to contribute to local sustainable food systems and education on sustainable eating habits.

 

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Jil Godwin-Enwere

Jil Godwin-Enwere is a Clean Energy Engineer in the Graduate Applied Sciences Faculty at the University of British Columbia and a Project Manager with over three years of experience in managing energy delivery projects for international clients across Africa at Schlumberger. Originally born in The Gambia and later residing in Nigeria, Jil is passionate about sustainability, particularly in the realms of energy security and access, optimal food systems, and the advancement of renewable technologies for a cleaner environment, with a strong focus on marginalized and disadvantaged sectors of society. Jil is also enthusiastic about the potential of artificial intelligence, data, and cloud technologies in achieving sustainable goals for cleaner energy and improved food access. He is dedicated to implementing cleaner technologies for major industrial players and policymakers on a global scale. Outside of his professional endeavors, Jil is an musician and finds inspiration in understanding the diverse range of human behavior. He places a strong emphasis on family values and meaningful personal connections.

 

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Chelsea Williams

Chelsea is a second-year student pursuing a major in honours biochemistry and a minor in data science. She is incredibly passionate about environmental sustainability leading to the foundation of her environmental non-profit in Kingston, Jamaica where she was born and raised. As she grew up seeing the impacts of climate change and ecological degradation on her small island home she hopes to make strides in mitigating these effects at home and abroad. Chelsea loves watching movies with friends and exploring new areas of Vancouver in her free time, particularly in the warmer months.

 

 

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Emotional Resilience Cohort

Mary Ndego

Mary is a 5th year student studying Accounting with a minor in International Relations. She was born in Nigeria, but grew up in Kenya and these two nations are where her passion for all things sustainability stems from. Growing up in neighbourhoods where the impact of climate change was felt and the people were often ignored created a desire to make a change and learn about ways to give back to these neighbourhoods that have shaped who is she is today. She is super excited to be a part of the Sustainability Ambassador Program and can't wait to work with her fellow passionate friends in creating awareness on important topics.

 

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Ryan Chiu

Ryan is a second-year Arts student pursuing a major in Urban Studies and a minor in Political Science. Born in Hong Kong and raised in so-called “Burnaby” on the stolen territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations, he has a wide range of experiences in climate justice, organizing, and sustainability. In high school, he was involved in the Sustainabiliteens movement to mobilize youth in the fight for climate justice, and later worked to educate youth on climate action as an executive in the Burnaby Youth Sustainability Network. At UBC, Ryan currently works for the AMS as the Sustainability Projects Coordinator, working to implement operational sustainability solutions for the Organization and at the AMS Nest. In this role, he’s also doing the triennial review and revision of the AMS Sustainable Action Plan. Outside of school, Ryan loves hiking, photography, and baking.

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Jessie Jiang

Jessie is a third-year Kinesiology student in the Neuromechanical and Physiological Sciences stream. Growing up skiing, hiking, and backpacking in areas such as Kananaskis and Lake Louise, she has developed a passion and love for the outdoors. As a Kinesiology student working within the sustainability field, she strives to learn more about the interplay between sustainable practices while participating in outdoor physical activities. She is excited to work alongside a group of diverse and talented individuals within the emotional resilience cohort! Within the year, she hopes to further educate herself on the privileges that various communities may have in regard to climate action initiatives. In her spare time, she loves to rollerblade, lay in grass, and walk around Pacific Spirit Park!

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Ashley Huang

Ashley (she/her) is a second-year student in the BDES program at UBC. As someone passionate about sustainability and all that it entails, she joined the sustainability ambassadors to further educate herself on not only climate justice but also the importance of individual resilience, vulnerability, and lived experience in the climate emergency. When she is not buried neck deep in schoolwork, she enjoys reading and sleeping.

 

 

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Jake Lam

Jake is a first-year graduate student in the Master of Community and Regional Planning program. He originally grew up in Hong Kong and came to Canada in 2017. He enjoys hiking, biking, or any other type of outdoor activities. He is passionate about sustainable and active transportation and aspires to become a transportation planner. He is eager to learn more about climate resilience and work with people who share the same interest in environmental sustainability.

 

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Tessa Wiehr

Tessa is a graduate student in the Master of Management program at the Sauder School of Business. She just completed her undergraduate degree at UBC in Geography (Environment & Sustainability) and has involved herself in various clubs on campus including the Geography Student Association, UBC Common Energy and four years on the TSC Equestrian team where she was Co-Club lead in her final year. Tessa was a Program Assistant at the Sustainability Hub over the summer and she is excited to continue her involvement with the Hub as a Sustainability Ambassador in the Emotional Resilience cohort. Tessa is most passionate about building resilient communities, continuing to build the bridge between business and sustainability and continuing to protect and restore our ecosystems. She also enjoys travelling, walking her dog, skiing, and camping.

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Savini Goel

Savini (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate student in the BSc. Global Resource Systems program at UBC’s faculty of Land and Food Systems and is a visitor on the stolen homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Savini was born in India and has lived in various places throughout her life. This has helped her gain an appreciation for systems thinking and helped her have a more intersectional analysis of the climate emergency to better understand the depth of the impact it has on the planet’s ecosystems and societies. She is passionate about gaining a holistic understanding of sustainability and the environment and is focusing her studies towards achieving this goal. In addition to being a part of the Sustainability Ambassadors Program, Savini is also a coordinator with Climate Justice UBC and looks forward to inspiring change within her community.

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Jenaya Copithorne

Jenaya is a third-year law student at UBC's Peter A. Allard School of Law. She is passionate about environmental and corporate climate law, climate education, clean technology, energy policy, and environmental justice. In the past two years, Jenaya has worked as a research assistant at the Canada Climate Law Initiative and West Coast Environmental Law, and spent this past summer working as a legal summer student at FortisBC, where she had the opportunity to help support the implementation of clean energy initiatives. Jenaya also serves as a co-chair of the UBC Environmental Law Group. In her free time, Jenaya enjoys trail running, rowing, reading, and exploring the mountains around Vancouver.

 

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Yomna Omer

Yomna Omer is a third-year Bachelor of Design in Architecture student with a minor in Urban Studies, hailing from Sudan. Her passion lies in leveraging ancestral wisdom and contemporary activism to improve the lives of people affected by instability, climate change, and the quest for affordable, sustainable living. On campus, Yomna is an active member of student organizations like Islamic Relief, Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights, and the Muslim Student Association. Off-campus, she takes part in NGO events such as Urbanarium discussions and the United Nations Association Canada programs. Beyond her academic pursuits, Yomna enjoys exploring unique cultural practices through travel and documentary watching, all in pursuit of her goal to drive positive change in cities and marginalized communities worldwide.

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Climate Action Cohort

Himali Chhabra

Himali Chhabra, a driven student from India, is in her fourth year at the University of British Columbia specializing in psychology and economics. Through her internships, Himali has gained valuable work experience in people strategy, digital transformation, and innovation. Throughout her undergraduate journey, she has been actively involved in the UBC community taking on roles from marketing to pro-bono strategy consulting. As a sustainability ambassador, she hopes to explore the intersection of sustainability, digital and the human experience, furthering the university’s climate action efforts both on campus and beyond. When not plugging away at her laptop, you’ll find her scribbling lyrics and humming tunes to new song ideas or whipping out plant-based desserts.

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Olivia Du

Hi! My name is Olivia Du, I use she/her/hers pronouns. I am a 4th year kinesiology student, specialized in multidisciplinary science stream! I am very excited to be one of the sustainability ambassadors for this year! I wanted to take part in this program for 2 main reasons: 1) get more involved in the UBC community and create meaningful changes related to climate specifically with like-minded students; 2) coming from a non-traditionally discipline, I want to broaden my understanding in climate justice research and gain skills in community-based engagement and learning. I chose to be part of the Dialogue from the Margins project this year because I am most passionate about how to mobilize BIPOC voice in climate action and how to maximize practice of agency in socially-suppressed communities. I want to take this as a leadership opportunity to sharpen my engagement skills and also as a contribution opportunity to give back to my beloved UBC community.

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Nadia Vukicevic

Nadia is a third-year Urban Studies Major, minoring in Geography. Having grown up in diverse locations across the world, she has made Vancouver her home just four years ago. Hoping to continue to do her masters here at UBC in Urban Planning, she is passionate about building green, sustainable, and resilient communities. She is excited to partake in a collaborative journey with her peers in the Climate Action Cohort, eager to learn and engage in transformative and inspiring projects!

 

 

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Aldo Voto

Aldo is a 4th year Psychology Major, minoring in Microbiology with an emphasis on sustainability. He was born and raised in Honduras and later immigrated to Canada. Aldo is an extremely passionate leader whose journey has led him to a career in municipal government, where he has had the privilege to work towards a positive change within his community. One of his passions includes protecting the natural world and preserving it for future generations. Having lived and learned experiences as an immigrant from Honduras, Aldo acknowledges his naturally diverse background and Latino culture. As a Sustainability Ambassador he hopes to meet like-minded people, so that together they can bring a positive impact on the communities. Those who are greatly affected by climate change are his top priority. Apart from studying and working, Aldo enjoys traveling around the world, spending time with family, friends, and his cat, Severus. And yes, he loves Harry Potter.

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Nicole Babs-Ishola

Nicole is 3rd year applied science student in the Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, & Urbanism program. Nicole is Nigerian-Canadian, and grew up in Vancouver. She loves hiking, painting, and music. Nicole's favourite place to go camping is Golden ears. Her love for nature and the arts helped me to develop an interest in sustainability in relation to architecture. She is very passionate about educating myself with regard to sustainability. And, she loves learning about how she can apply sustainable practices to the focus of her degree.

 

 

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Muhammad Huzaifa

Muhammad is an international masters student in chemical engineering, researching on greenhouse gas sensors with a keen interest in decarbonization roadmapping, nature-inspired sustainability issues, and engineering solutions to our energy woes. Curiosity, teamwork, and brainstorming are his apparent strengths (international food cuisines are his weakness). Are you a hiking enthusiast, volleyball player, or self-development fanatic? Let’s get in touch on the practical/industrial side of solving our climate crisis issues.

 

 

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Mankanwar Singh

An Integrated Engineering student with specialisation in Mining and Computer. Mankanwar looks forward to understanding the importance of responsible mining practices and the need to balance economic, social, and environmental factors in mining operations by being a part of the Climate Action Cohort in the Sustainability Ambassador Program. Besides School, he loves reading books, doing Yoga, and going for explorations.

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Simran Rathi

Simran is an international student from India, entering their 4th year at Sauder, specializing in marketing and completing a concentration in Business Analytics. This summer, they have been spending time working, travelling and enjoying the sun.

 

 

 

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Tasso Hu

Hailing from China, Tasso is currently a student majoring in Land and Water Systems. She has helped build a volunteer organization from scratch for a startup team. This company created a non-profit all-female community dedicated to connecting sexual minorities in China. Social justice and inclusion have always been a point of concern for her. When it comes to sustainability, she believes fervently in the power of public engagement and education to drive transformative projects with lasting impacts. Tasso enjoys working with diverse teams and values the unique insights every member brings. She is genuinely excited about being a Sustainability Ambassador and contributing to climate action in the UBC community. In her free time, Tasso enjoys reading and trying new cuisines. She also delves into outdoor activities like sports and hiking.

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CAP 2030 Cohort

Eden Lee

Born and raised on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Eden (she/her) is a second-year student majoring in Global Resource Systems. Through her studies, she hopes to specialize in environmental, social, and corporate governance to help businesses build pragmatic and sustainable business models through accountable and transparent practices. She became interested in sustainability when travelling to Japan, where she learned about ‘kintsugi,’ the art of mending broken pottery using gold lacquer. Inspired by this philosophy of repairing and repurposing to extend an item’s lifespan, Eden launched an e-commerce secondhand business through Poshmark, selling pre-loved items sourced from friends and family. She loves to be involved in her community and currently volunteers as an Animal Husbandry Assistant with the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society. When she’s not studying in the Asian Library or at the rescue center, you can find Eden travelling, thrifting, and needle-felting!

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Eliza Mahon

Eliza (she/they) is a second-year international economics student hailing from Treaty Six territory (Edmonton). Growing up next to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, their education was informed by the natural environment and its stewards, as well as the Indigenous people of over six diverse nations. She hopes to specialize her degree in environmental economics to closely examine the connection between human ideologies and how societies use living resources. Her work as a Natural and Human History Interpreter this summer also gave them a greater appreciation for early childhood education's role in building sustainable practices, and you'll often notice an accessibility aspect to their studies. When they aren't studying (or studying some more...or more...anyone who's taken ECON327 will understand) you can find her hiking in the woods, writing poetry, lifting heavy things at the gym, or taking a much-needed nap on some driftwood at the beach.

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Abolaji Ajibola

Abolaji (she/her) is a second-year science student majoring in Biology. Abolaji has always appreciated natural sciences and is most notably grateful for the beauty of biodiversity. Her earliest encounter with biological diversity was on an elementary school field trip to a provincial park, where she experienced the wonders of the Earth and sky and the magnificent ways in which the world cultivates life. To say that she is mesmerized by the biotic components of life would be an understatement. Abolaji is fascinated by the interplay of nature and science, and she is passionate about exploring the most efficient ways to utilize scientific advancements to foster environmental conservation. Abolaji is eager to explore the topic of climate action and sustainability and to take action to continue to promote sustainable practices at the UBC.

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Chelsea Cao

Born and raised in Shenzhen, China, Chelsea moved to Vancouver for about six years. She is in her second year studying Natural Resources Conservation in the Faculty of Forestry while completing a Master of Management at Sauder. Having travelled to many countries, Chelsea is passionate about exploring the interconnections between diverse cultures and sustainable environments with the aim to create inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable solutions to prevailing local and global challenges. At leisure, Chelsea enjoys her time outside, swimming, hiking, sunset-watching, and taking talks in the Kitsilano neighborhood. She is excited to work with other Sustainability Ambassadors in creating a positive and sustainable impact on UBC.

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Jessica Oh

Jessica (she/her) is a first-year student majoring in International Economics. She studied in international and local schools in China and Korea. These unique, distinct experiences helped her to understand international-scale issues from a local perspective, and discover how small actions and awareness in a local community can initiate big changes. When drought hit Korea a few years ago, the cash in her hand was not enough to buy a green onion that sky-rocketed in price. It hit her hard, and urged her to research local food insecurity and initiate various projects (Climate Conference, composting, hydroponics etc) with people from diverse backgrounds. Through her studies, she hopes to design inclusive policies and/or projects that could shape a sustainable future for different individuals. She can be found watching K-dramas, exploring different restaurants and enjoying nature!

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Brie Beaudry

Brie (she/her) is a second-year student majoring in Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology in the Faculty of Forestry. Her passion for reimagining how we pursue sustainable solutions to the climate crisis has driven her to explore the circular economy, igniting a desire to teach others how to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Through her work as an Ambassador, she hopes to learn more about the intersection of sustainability and social justice and how we can consciously reduce our anthropogenic impact on Earth. Brie can often be found perusing a thrift store for hidden treasures, flipping old jewelry into new and unique pieces, and searching for the world’s best chai latte. Come find her studying in the Forestry building if you have questions about sustainability, forestry, or have a recommendation for a new second-hand shop she should check out!

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Kian Cid Leopkey

Kian (he/him) is a second-year student in Urban Forestry. He is of Mexican and Canadian origin but he grew up in Irapuato. Mexico. While the city was gray and polluted, his parents had managed to cultivate an impressive garden, where he would spend a great portion of his time growing up. This environment made him want to share his experience with nature inside of cities with the rest of the world, and that is when he stumbled upon the Urban Forestry degree at UBC, and later on, the Sustainability Ambassadors program. His dream is to one day unite cities and nature as cooperating forces! His other passions include reading and writing stories, playing games or spending time with friends. If asked, Kian would probably describe himself as silly and fun-loving, with a hint of sweetness mixed in.

 

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Audrey Wahking

Audrey (she/they) grew up in Hong Kong and Singapore, and can speak English, mediocre French, and enough stitched-together Mandarin for native speakers to switch to English around her (her parents are very proud). They don't know what they love yet, but they like instant coffee with honey and Starbucks coffee enhancer (it was a HelloFresh freebie and it is decadent), animals (they’re fostering a kitty currently), reading, and excessive parentheses. She’s majoring in Creative Writing, because she doesn’t know that arts—let alone fine arts—isn’t a real job (in fact, she doesn’t really know what that is, but she’s hoping one will drop into her lap post-grad). They’re interested in sustainability, but they often struggle with the pressure to be perfectly sustainable in a system built to consume. Catch her unabashedly sprinting to class to discuss writing, sustainability, or exchange pet photos.

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Vinya Nadimpalli

Vinya (she/her) is an international student from Singapore studying Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology in the Faculty of Forestry, with a minor in Commerce. After studying regional sustainability through a systems lens in her field school in Hawaii, she understood the urgency and relevance of transitioning into a circular and regenerative economy. Her deep desire to make a positive environmental impact on the UBC community is driven by her dream of envisioning a greener world where societies, economies and ecosystems coexist harmoniously. As an environmental enthusiast, she is grateful to be UBC’s Sustainability Ambassador this year and hopes to contribute to promoting circular consumption and biodiversity conservation. In her free time, you can find Vinya meditating, reading, at a board game café, cooking or volunteering with the homeless!

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Dipansha Tokas 

Dipansha (she/her) is an international student from India who is pursuing a degree in Psychology in the Faculty of Arts, with a minor in Economics. Her father's tireless efforts and deep connection to nature have had a significant impact on her values and aspirations, which have led her to be dedicated to building a sustainable future. Dipansha has worked with various organizations in social work, imparting valuable life skills to underprivileged children and empowering them to grow. She continues to prioritize her personal growth and learning, and desires to continue making a lasting impact on the world through her journey of self-discovery and service to others.

 

 

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Erin Roberts

Born and raised in New Westminster, BC, Erin (she/her) is a fourth-year student at UBC studying Geography, Environment & Sustainability. Throughout her studies, she has been drawn to topics around sustainability in cities and the relationships between people and the environment. In the Sustainability Ambassadors program, she is looking forward to learning about how we can use the concepts of circular economy and biodiversity to guide sustainability initiatives and reach climate goals. In her free time, you can find Erin cooking new recipes with her roommates, training her puppy Nora, or taking in the views at one of Vancouver’s many beaches.

 

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Kira Ptak

Kira (she/they) is a third-year student in the Interdisciplinary Studies program, studying Forest Communities. Passionate about the strength in diversity in all domains, she hopes to share the collaborative and complex perspectives of an interdisciplinary background, branching arts and natural science combined with an understanding and interaction with the world. An international student, raging polyglot, and lover of theater, she’s always happy to have spiralling conversations with passionate people.

 

 

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Climate + Movement Cohort

Anuoluwapo Awotunde (Anu)

Anu (she/her/hers) is a second-year MSc student in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Originally from Nigeria, Anu completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. In the past, Anu has worked as a clinical researcher, a practicing clinical & community pharmacist, and a youth mentor with the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC); providing support, care, and educating young adults on promoting healthy habits. Passionate about SDG 3, Anu is interested in knowing more about the relationship between sustainable climate and wellness, and how it can be used as a solution to global health issues. She is currently a BYE (Building Young Entrepreneur Fellow) at the UNAC where she’s being taught and mentored on proffering innovative Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS) to global issues. At her leisure, Anu loves to plan events, spend quality time with her loved ones, and travel.

 

 

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Quinlan Cyr

Quinlan Cyr is a fourth-year undergraduate student in Geography’s Environment and Sustainability program.  She is from Nashville, TN and has also lived in Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco.  Quinlan was first introduced to the concept of sustainability in middle school and over the past several years she has developed a passion for the subject, culminating in her BA.  Through her involvement in the Sustainability Ambassador’s program, Quinlan hopes to learn more through projects with her peers and share that knowledge with other students across the university to promote sustainability and a connection to nature. Quinlan loves the outdoors, particularly skiing and hiking.  She also enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music in her free time. 

 

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Otto Farag 

Hailing from Palo Alto Califorina Otto is a second year student majoring in International Economics at UBC. His interest in environmental issues and the natural world stem from hiking and biking through Oregon's High Desert every summer. As an economics student, Otto sees the government and the economic world as an opportunity to make meaningful, lasting, and positive environmental and social change in the community. Through the Sustainability Ambassadors program, he hopes to expand his knowledge about intersecting environmental, social, and economic issues.

 

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Jessica Groat

Jessica (she/her) is currently in her second year of the Master of Public Health program at UBC. From a small community in Alberta, Jessica's heritage is a blend of Red River Métis and Ukrainian roots on her maternal side, alongside Mountain Métis ancestry from Jasper House on her paternal side. Her upbringing amidst the mountains cultivated a profound love for the land, nurturing a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. She can be found enjoying the outdoors while on beach walks, hiking, backpacking, climbing, and camping! Jessica's academic passions revolve around health equity, environmental health, and the well-being of underserved Indigenous communities, specifically in topics of food security, Indigenous food sovereignty, and environmental justice. Eager to embrace diverse perspectives, Jessica anticipates the opportunity to share these insights with the Sustainability Ambassadors program, envisioning collaborative efforts with like-minded individuals to catalyze positive change, harmonizing human well-being with environmental sustainability in the pursuit of a brighter future.

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Olivia Li

Olivia (she/her) is a 2nd-year commerce student at the Sauder School of Business. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she loves to travel and explore new places, spend time outdoors, and cultivate relationships. With the natural beauty of British Columbia, UBC has been the perfect place to fulfill all these interests while learning about responsible business practices. With her degree, she is eager to learn about how businesses can advance sustainability goals and, in the future, hopes to be a positive force for environmental and social change in the world. Through the Sustainability Ambassadors program, Olivia is eager to connect with her diverse cohort and learn with and from their collection of experiences to develop a more well-rounded understanding of sustainability. 

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Natasha Li-Yen Lim 

Natasha is a second-year International Economics (BIE) student. She grew up in Malaysia and has experience in developing strength-based education toolkits in accordance with SDG 4 (Quality Education) for distribution to underprivileged children in her community. She hopes to learn from her peers in her cohort and strive to bring positive change. When she's not studying, you can catch her indulging in her guilty trade-off pleasure: endlessly scrolling through adorable dog videos! 

 

 

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Patrick McCullough 

Patrick McCullough (He/Him) is a second-year student who is planning to major in Political Science and minor in the Geography Department’s Environment and Sustainability program. Reigning from Seattle, Patrick grew up in the Pacific Northwest, which fostered his love for nature and all of its accompanying activities. His hobbies include Biking, Hockey, Lacrosse, Hiking, and Skiing, as well as hanging out with his family and three dogs Selah, Boomer, and Winston. As an ambassador, Patrick hopes to promote more sustainable ways of life around campus in an effort to potentially begin to reduce the university’s carbon footprint. 

 

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Sophie De Nonancourt

Sophie completed her BSc in Earth and Ocean Science in 2023 and will be starting a Master of Geology in the fall. She currently works as a Geophysical Technician at a Vancouver survey consultancy, and has recently undertaken fieldwork across British Columbia, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. Sophie is originally from Luxembourg, a country that seeks to incorporate active living and sustainable living in its public policy. She hopes to use this background to inform similar initiatives at UBC as a Sustainability Ambassador. Currently, Sophie is passionate about learning how to incorporate sustainable living into her everyday life. She is excited to learn from her cohort and eager to share this learning and knowledge with others around her. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, eating sushi, and petting cute cats. 

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Anraj Soni  

Anraj is a third-year undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Energy & Environment. He grew up in Toronto, Ontario and enjoys dancing, swimming, and hiking! Beyond school, Anraj is also a Residence Advisor at Orchard Commons, Fuselage Sub-Team lead at UBC AeroDesign, and Sustainability Ambassador of the Climate + Movement cohort. Some of Anraj's interests include sustainability, entrepreneurship, active transportation, and clean technology. In the future, Anraj hopes to get involved in commercializing renewable fuels or supporting electric vehicles. 

 

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Anjali Varghese

Anjali is a second-year undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts with an intended major in Sociology and Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice. She has been involved in various sustainability initiatives since early highschool; participating in climate justice programs, lake revival projects, climate strikes and rain harvesting projects. She grew up in India and enjoys signing, reading, running, hiking and cooking in her free time. Anjali is thrilled to be a member of the Climate & Movement cohort and eagerly anticipates exploring how movement aligns with the broader context of sustainability, both for personal well-being and the environment. 

 

 

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Alexei L. Villareal

Alexei (he/him) is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing an honours degree in English literature with a minor in history. Born and raised in the urban areas of Metro Vancouver which is situated on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səli̓lwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, he is curious to learn more about the environment and how he might promote a climate and sustainability-focused culture on campus with likeminded peers. In addition to the Sustainability Ambassadors program, Alexei is also the Associate Vice President of Sustainability of the Arts Undergraduate Society where he is working on the improvement of the AUS Sustainability Strategy and the continuation of the AUS Food Hub. He is excited to be a part of this year’s Climate and Movement cohort! In his spare time, Alexei enjoys reading experimental novels and cycling with friends. He is also always in the mood for a cup of coffee! 

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Christie Wu  

Christie is a third-year Chemical and Biological Engineering student and a member of the Climate & Movement cohort. She was born in Singapore and moved to Canada when she was 5. Growing up in Vancouver, Christie grew a deep appreciation for British Columbia’s landscapes and biodiversity, which fueled her passion for climate justice. Through this program, Christie plans to become more involved in climate action and work alongside her team to inspire change within the community. In the future, Christie is interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy and green technology. Some things Christie enjoys doing in her spare time are going to the gym, attending concerts, and spending time with her family. 

 

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Biodiversity Cohort

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Ben Scheufler - Lead
Natural Resource Conservation, Faculty of Forestry

Ben is a fifth-year undergraduate student in the BSc. Natural Resources Conservation program at UBC’s Faculty of Forestry. He is passionate about urban ecology and strives to foster connections between UBC's community and the diverse ecosystems on campus. Ben is a former Urban Biodiversity Coordinator with the SEEDS Sustainability program, where he facilitated interdisciplinary, applied, student-led research on urban biodiversity. Having worked extensively with the Campus Biodiversity Initiative: Research and Demonstration (CBIRD) initiative, he is looking forward to joining the Sustainability Hub team and building new ways to support and enhance biodiversity on campus. Ben’s past work includes a summer spent in Chetwynd, B.C., where he supported the Boreal Centre for Sustainability in engaging with local permaculture and agroforestry initiatives to support community food security. In his free time, Ben enjoys hiking and photography — and you can often find him out for a walk at the UBC Botanical Garden! 

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Clare Price
Geography: Environment and Sustainability Major, Faculty of Arts

Clare is a fourth-year Environment and Sustainability Major, minoring in Environmental Science. Hailing from Kansas, she has a deep appreciation for the landscape and ecosystems of British Columbia, and can be found rummaging around the beaches, reading, and going for swims in her free time. Currently Clare is most passionate about bioacoustics, community building, and accessible scientific communication.  

 

 

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Ramit Seth
Psychology Major, Faculty of Arts

A fourth year Psychology major, Ramit comes from Amritsar, Punjab, India. He is an extremely passionate young leader who has wide ranging interests, and loves to learn. Currently he is working on learning more about Sustainability, Basketball, and Investing. 

 

 

 

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Soyoung Jeong
Major in Cognitive Systems, Faculty of Arts

Soyoung is a second-year student currently pursuing a degree in Cognitive Systems. She grew up in Whistler, and loves skiing, biking, hiking, and the arts! She is striving to promote a more sustainable mindset on campus and is elated to be a part of the biodiversity cohort this year alongside her passionate peers. Soyoung is eager to learn about biodiversity, as well as take part in projects and initiatives related to sustainability.  Soyoung is a second-year student currently pursuing a degree in Cognitive Systems. She grew up in Whistler, and loves skiing, biking, hiking, and the arts! She is striving to promote a more sustainable mindset on campus and is elated to be a part of the biodiversity cohort this year alongside her passionate peers. Soyoung is eager to learn about biodiversity, as well as take part in projects and initiatives related to sustainability.

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Summer Sharma
Geography: Environment and Sustainability Major, Faculty of Arts

Summer is a fourth-year Geography student in the Environment and Sustainability program. She has grown up in many places around the world which have helped develop her interest in environmental studies, systems thinking and activism. She is looking forward to spending time with her peers in the biodiversity cohort this year and is excited for the chance to work on projects that will foster and protect biodiversity at UBC.  

 

 

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Fei (Sophy) Wu
Natural Resource Conversion Major, Faculty of Forestry

Sophy is a second year BSc. in Natural Resources Conservation student at the Faculty of Forestry. She is an optimistic, compassionate, and resilient global citizen with Chinese and Canadian cultural experiences. Growing up exclusively in urban neighbourhoods, she has always been interested in learning about and advocating for the environment; bringing urban residents, especially underprivileged ones, close to nature; and interacting with the public, especially children, youth and families. Working in the biodiversity cohort this year, she hopes to share her passions for environmental conservation and urban sustainability with the UBC community and beyond.
 

 

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Kylie Meredith
Forest Resources Management Major, Faculty of Forestry

 Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kylie is a second year student studying Forest Resources Management in the Faculty of Forestry. Her interests include hiking, running and anything else that involves being outdoors. She is looking forward to working as a sustainability ambassador in the biodiversity cohort and sharing her passion for climate activism. Some projects Kylie will be working on this year include getting the public “Stoked on Soils!” and creating a pollinator-friendly campus.  

 

 

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Lucila Gonzalez Frias
Urban Forestry Major, Faculty of Forestry

Lucila is an international student from Mexico City, currently completing her third year in the Bachelor’s of Urban Forestry. She loves the outdoors, biking, film photography, baking and a good book about trees or nature. Lucila is thrilled to be part of the Biodiversity cohort within the Sustainability hub, especially being  able to work with such amazing people from diverse disciplines.  

 

 

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Bita Mojtahedzadeh
Biology Major, Faculty of Science

Bita is a fourth-year Biology major student, originally from Iran. Her hobbies include reading, painting, and going on nature walks. She is excited to learn more about sustainability and climate action as a sustainability ambassador in the biodiversity cohort and to work alongside a group of passionate people.  

 

 

Climate Cohort

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Jack Suchodolski - Lead
Geography: Environment and Sustainability Major, International Relations Minor, Faculty of Arts

Originally from the ancestral territory of the Coast Miwok People, more widely-known today as part of the San Francisco Bay Area, Jack is a fourth-year undergraduate within the Department of Geography’s Environment and Sustainability program and minors in International Relations. As the Climate Lead for UBC’s Sustainability Ambassadors Program, Jack develops and facilitates programming that allows Ambassadors to explore the connections between human activity, perception, and the climate emergency, as well as supports the Ambassadors’ community-facing projects. He is also a current Climate and Nature Emergency Undergraduate Fellow through the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies and Editor-in-Chief for UBC’s Journal for Climate Justice. Apart from studying and working, Jack enjoys spending time with family and friends, making music, and admiring Vancouver’s sunsets when weather permits. 
 

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Hazel Barthel
Environmental Sciences Major, Geographic Information Science and Geographical Computation Minor, Faculty of Science

Hazel is in the final year of her degree in Environmental Sciences with a focus on ecology and conservation. She is also working towards a minor in Geographic Information Science and Geographical Computation. Hazel’s academic interests include our interactions with the world around us and the interconnected nature of anthropogenic impacts. Through the Sustainability Ambassadors program, she hopes to learn about and be involved in climate action initiatives with tangible impacts. 

 

 

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Joaquín Diaz
Integrated Sciences Major, German Language Minor, Faculty of Science

Joaquín is a 4th-year student originally from Toluca, Mexico. He is an Integrated Sciences Major and a German language Minor. The focus of his Integrated Sciences curriculum is understanding climate change through a scientific and sustainability lens. He is passionate about systems thinking and using interdisciplinarity to create innovative solutions to climate change. His interests range from running, hiking, coding, and reading, to cooking and learning about other languages and cultures. Through his role as an Ambassador, he hopes to contribute to sustainability and climate-action awareness on campus, while building his network of sustainability-oriented folks at UBC and beyond. 

 

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Lillian Hempel
Geography: Environment and Sustainability Major, Psychology Minor, Faculty of Arts

Lillian is from Boston, Massachusetts and is currently a third-year student majoring in Geography with a minor in Psychology. She is inspired by topics pertaining to climate justice, equal rights and the development of walkable communities. She hopes to blend her studies in sustainability with her knowledge of human behaviour to aid her in her time as a Sustainability Ambassador. Lillian also aspires to, with the help of her team members, play a role in developing a future where we take climate change as an opportunity to build a better, more equitable world.

 

 

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Rachel Peressini
Geography: Environment and Sustainability Major, Faculty of Arts

Rachel is a Geography student with a passion for issues of environmental justice and social equity. She is from Victoria, British Columbia and has always loved exploring the natural beauty of her hometown. She loves reading, hiking, and creating films with her camera. Rachel is excited to become a sustainability ambassador and to learn more about leadership within the realm of climate justice.

 

 

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Tabitha Kennedy
Masters in Forestry and Conservation, Faculty of Forestry

Tabitha is a second-year MSc student in the Faculty of Forestry. She completed her BSc Honours degree at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, majoring in Environmental Science. Tabitha has always been passionate about issues relating to climate change and its impact on the natural and built environment. In her time at UBC she has become interested in furthering her knowledge of sustainability in relation to biodiversity, conservation, urban ecological design & planning, and fostering climate-resilient communities. In her free time, Tabitha loves to read, play volleyball, sketch, take nature walks, and plan international trips.

 

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Alix Borton
Natural Resource Conservation Major, Masters in Management Dual-Degree, Faculty of Forestry and Sauder School Business

Alix is a Forestry student interested in sustainable business management. She is from San Francisco, California. Alix is an avid trail runner and loves to knit and sew in her free time. She hopes to raise awareness towards climate action among students and faculty through the Sustainability Ambassador program.

 

 

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Christina Salo
Chemical and Biological Engineering Major, Faculty of Applied Science

Christina is a 2nd-year student in the department of Chemical and Biological engineering. From a very young age, she has had a love for the natural world and a passion for finding innovative solutions to climate change. Christina is planning to use her chemical engineering degree to pursue a career in clean energy or carbon capture technologies. She is thrilled to work with the sustainability ambassadors to diversify her undergraduate experience and encourage climate action within the UBC community and beyond.

 

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Kevin Krenz
Global Resource Systems Major, Commerce Minor, Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Kevin is a 4th-year student from Portland, Oregon in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. His academic interests focus on renewable energy and bioenergy technologies and developments. Kevin hopes to utilize his experience in bioenergy research, biogas upgrading and volunteering to make an impact in bioenergy developments and systems around the world. Through the Sustainability Ambassadors program, Kevin is excited to meet more like-minded people with an active interest in sustainability and learn more about sustainability on the UBC campus. In his free time, Kevin likes to play soccer and go on adventures!

 

 

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Emiko Wijeysundera
Dual-Degree in Engineering Physics Major, Faculty of Applied Science
Human Geography Major, Indigenous Studies Minor, Faculty of Arts

Emiko is a second-year student from Toronto, ON, currently pursuing dual Applied Science and Arts degrees in Engineering Physics and Human Geography with a minor in Indigenous Studies. Emiko is inspired by resilient, community-based, and environmentally mindful city planning, and is curious about work in this field. She hopes that her academic interdisciplinary focus will allow her to understand the scientific background and cultural traditions of the people and places around her, allowing meaningful and impactful community-focused work in the future. A former Climate Action Catalyst with Youth Challenge International, Emiko is excited to work within the Sustainability Ambassador team to further sustainability progress on campus and contribute to UBC’s sustainability efforts. Emiko loves long walks and listening to people’s stories!

Climate Resilient Communities

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Michelle Xie - Lead
Sociology Major, Faculty of Arts
 

Michelle (she/her) is a community organizer, sociology undergraduate, and artist, who was born and raised on the stolen homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. She is passionate about creating anti-oppressive spaces that are deeply grounded in care and abundant in creativity. In addition to being the Climate Resilient Communities Lead for the Sustainability Ambassadors Program, Michelle is a coordinator with Climate Justice UBC, creator of the Water Damaged Paper Anthology, and facilitator at The Climate Justice Organizing HUB. Through her work, she strives to build cross-movement solidarity and people power by equipping marginalized youth with the knowledge and skills needed to create transformative social change in their communities. 
 

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Saumya Gupta
Forest Bioeconomy Sciences Major, Commerce Minor, Faculty of Forestry

Saumya (she/her) is a second-year student at UBC from India. She studies Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology and is minoring in Commerce. She is keen about the combination of technology and commerce with sustainability and is excited to help create campus-wide change in the Climate Resilient Communities cohort. 

 

 

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Sanjeev Johal
Biology Major, Faculty of Science

Sanjeev is in his fourth year of undergraduate studies in Biology. He is interested in hearing different perspectives and helping marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change. As an Ambassador, Sanjeev looks forward to working with a group of passionate individuals and learning from the team’s diverse and multidisciplinary perspectives. Outside of his studies, he likes going for walks and trying out new restaurants with friends.

 

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Lauren Kasowski
Geography: Environment and Sustainability Major, Faculty of Arts

Lauren (she/her) is in her second year of studying Environment and Sustainability in the Geography department. She has always loved learning and appreciates that her program allows the exploration of large, interconnected ideas like consumerism culture, circular economies, and systems thinking. Growing up on the outskirts of suburban Alberta, Lauren was exposed to the value and beauty of nature from a young age. Yet, she didn’t see enough people in positions of authority caring about any kind of sustainability. She’s determined to change that! In the future, she would love to work with companies to analyze, create, and manage site-specific and efficient solutions to mitigate their emissions. Outside of sustainability and climate action, Lauren loves writing, puzzles, cooking, and being active. She spends a lot of her time outside, and you can often find her watching the sunset on the beach.
 

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Muyang Li
Manufacturing Engineering Major, Commerce Minor, Faculty of Applied Science

Muyang is a fifth-year manufacturing engineering student with a minor study in commerce. She is passionate about bringing good impact to the world using engineering technologies, system thinking, and process optimization. She likes to listen to people from different fields share their stories of sustainability and deeply believes that interdisciplinary collaboration is one of the most important factors in tackling climate crisis. In her free time, Muyang likes playing racket sports, reading, painting, and photography.

 

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Lisa Kariuki
International Relations Major, Faculty of Arts

Lisa is a third-year student majoring in International Relations from Nairobi, Kenya. She joined the Sustainability Ambassadors program because she is passionate about developing my leadership in sustainable community development. Lisa believes through intentional and engaging community-driven work, sustainable change can be realised within our local and global communities. Part-time she works as a Communications and Engagement Assistant at the UBC Community Engagement Office, where she works to connect community organisations, non-profit groups and individuals to access support and resources at UBC. Lisa also works in creating stories that centre around meaningful community engagement. This year she is also volunteering as a Peer Mentor for the International Relations Student Association where she helps guide and mentor lower-year students who are interested in majoring in International Relations. 

 

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Sofya Babak
Natural Resource Conservation Major, Faculty of Forestry

Sofya is a 3rd-year student in Natural Resources Conservation, passionate about community and ecosystem resilience. She came to UBC specifically to engage with climate and environmental issues, because they were not known where she grew up. Sofya was one of the first people to start up the environmental conversation back home, by organizing educational lectures and festivals in Russian schools. She now hopes to engage in bigger and more tangible projects in conservation and sustainability in all of the environmental, social and economic domains. Apart from her studies and the Ambassadors program, she is currently working on a project with the  Center for Community Learning to improve UBC’s food security and also growing her portfolio as a photographer.
 

 

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Yoshi Futai
Geography: Environment and Sustainability Major, Faculty of Arts

Yoshi is a second-year student from Boston, Massachusetts studying Environment and Sustainability through the Department of Geography. At the moment, she is interested in promoting sustainability through the lens of community, education, culture, and lifestyle. This includes being a co-leader in a reforestation project in her hometown where she worked with university students and high school students to plant over 300 trees to both restore the local ecosystem and commemorate the lives lost from COVID-19. Through her time as a Sustainability Ambassador, she is very excited to work with high schools in the Vancouver area and hold sustainability-themed workshops and events! In her spare time, Yoshi enjoys cafe hopping, spending time with friends, and stargazing at Kitsilano beach! 

 

 

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Amit Sharma
 

Ethical Civic Engagement

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Emma Loucks - Lead
Environmental Science Major, Faculty of Science

Emma (she/her) is a 5th-year student studying Environmental Science in the area of concentration of Land, Air, and Water. She is a settler, originally from Treaty 13, the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the credit, Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat (sometimes called Toronto) and is currently a visitor on the stolen land of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Watuthland nations (otherwise known as Vancouver). As this year’s Ethical Civic Engagement Lead for the Sustainability Ambassadors program, Emma develops and facilitates programming that provides the Ambassadors with practical knowledge and skills to equitably engage with community members and organizations. As well as, providing workshops throughout the program that encourage the Ambassadors to consider sustainability issues holistically and with an interdisciplinary lens. Emma also currently serves on the board of Sprouts as the By-donation Produce Market Coordinator, is serving her third year as an executive on ESSA (Environmental Science Student Association), and has been involved in other student-led initiatives throughout her degree. In her free time, Emma likes to bike, hike or just generally spend time outdoors!

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Kaysha Reeder
Urban Forestry Major, Faculty of Forestry

Kaysha is a third-year urban forestry student born in South Korea and has cultivated her passion for sustainability and equity as she has always found refuge in green spaces nestled in dense cities. She has come to realize that not all people have equal access to these magnificent areas. In particular, she is interested in creating a sustainable landscape for current and future generations, especially in urban areas. Before joining the Sustainability Ambassador team, she worked with cities by helping with tree protection by-laws, gained experience in conducting urban forest inventories and creating recommendations, and has volunteered to restore habitat by removing invasive species. Kaysha is excited to be part of the Ethical Civic Engagement team and to learn more about sustainability from diverse perspectives.

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Nolan Babin
Natural Resource Conservation Major, Faculty of Forestry

Coming from Hamilton, Ontario, Nolan is currently in his second year in Natural Resources Conservation in the Faculty of Forestry. His interest in environmental issues and the natural world stem from growing up by a Great Lake and the issues surrounding its marsh and shorelines. While at UBC, Nolan wants to discover more specialized areas of study, including forestry, agriculture, geography, and, more recently, marine ecosystems. Nolan hopes this range of education in various environmental sectors and sciences will give him a better understanding of broader global issues while fulfilling his program's international travel requirements. In his spare time, Nolan has taken up running to get outdoors and explore the city more. 

 

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Nur (Sabrina) Qistina Binti Mohd Yusoff
Honours Human Geography Major, Faculty of Arts

Sabrina is currently a third-year undergraduate student pursuing her Honours in Human Geography. Growing up in Southeast Asia, she thinks a lot about the impact of human activities on land use, ecosystems, biodiversity, and species extinction in tropical rainforests. Her research interest is in utilizing remote sensing techniques to map forest degradation due to selective logging in Malaysia. In her spare time, you can find her crafting, climbing, cycling, and breaking patterns of alliteration. 

 

 

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Vanessa Chan
Geography: Environment and Sustainability Major, Faculty of Arts

Vanessa Chan is a final-year undergraduate student from Hong Kong, majoring in Geography, Environment and Sustainability at UBC. She is excited to join and participate in the UBC Sustainability Ambassadors Ethical Civic Engagement cohort this year. Throughout her secondary education, climate change has been a recurring topic learnt in school, which has gradually led her to develop an interest in learning about how sustainability is critical in reducing the speed and severity of climate change in the future. Through the Sustainability Ambassador program, Vanessa looks forward to expanding her knowledge of how we can incorporate sustainable practices into our daily lives to achieve positive environmental changes, learn how to interact with public audiences and convey ideas about the importance of sustainability through community engagement.
 

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Aaliyah McKinney
Food, Nutrition, and Health Major, Psychology Minor, Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Aaliyah (she/her) is a 3rd-year undergraduate student in the faculty of land and food systems. She is completing a major in food, nutrition, and health with a minor in psychology. Aaliyah has loved being able to explore sustainability and environmentalism since high school and has more recently taken a particular interest in sustainable food systems including agricultural practices and individual awareness of sustainable eating habits. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and listening to music.

 

 

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Tiya Tanaka
Commerce Major, Sauder School of Business

Tiya Tanaka (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Commerce at the UBC Sauder School of Business. She is specializing in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources with a concentration in Sustainability and Social Impact. As a business student, Tiya sees the government and the corporate world as an opportunity to make meaningful, lasting, and positive environmental and social change in the community. Through the Sustainability Ambassadors program, she hopes to expand her knowledge about intersecting environmental and social issues while educating others too. 

 

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Abhiudai Mishra
Marketing Major, Psychology Minor, Sauder School of Business

Abhi is a 4th Sauder student specializing in Marketing with a Concentration in Business Analytics and a Minor in Psychology. He loves pairing these programs to gain a quantitative and behavioural understanding of consumer trends to discover critical insights and make strategic recommendations that ultimately make a positive impact. Outside of school, Abhi is a co-founder of Rescued Glass- they collect used glass bottles at the end of their product cycles and upcycle them into innovative products. Through their consistent work, they have collected over 5,000 glass bottles from students like you, residents, and restaurants and upcycled them into hundreds of products for consumers around Vancouver, saving over 1,000,000 grams of CO2 in the process. He also enjoys going to the beach and exploring the city. In the summer, you can find him at Spanish Banks.
 

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Martina Francisco
Neuroscience and Environmental Biology Major, Resource Economics Minor, Faculty of Science

Martina is a fourth-year student pursuing a BSc in Integrated Sciences: Neuroscience and Environmental Biology, with a minor in Resource Economics. She is particularly interested in environmental change and sustainability, and how it can be used to address global health problems. In the past, she has provided support and care to the youth by educating, empowering, and promoting healthy living in her hometown Brandon, Manitoba. She currently works as a research assistant for UBC Faculty of Medicine & Centre for Rural Health Research, focused on advocating the importance of environmental resilience in the study of medicine and healthcare in rural British Columbia. Outside of this, Martina likes to read, crochet, and spend as much time with her family as she can. 

 

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Gideon Berry
Masters in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science

Gideon (they/them) is an MEng student at UBC’s department of Electrical & Computer Engineering situated on the stolen territories of the xwməθkwəyə̓ m (Musqueam), Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səli̓lwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. Gideon studies energy systems and the interdisciplinarity that surround them within the current energy transition. They are passionate about creating safe and accommodating spaces, particularly for those of the queer and disabled communities. At UBC, they are a past Sustainability Scholar and a Sustainability Ambassador within the ethical civic engagement cohort. Outdoors, Gideon loves a good hike, swimming in a lake, or bike ride. They are also an adequate chorister and dancer (especially when it’s like a ghoul). Moving forward, they are excited to use what power and opportunities they have to learn with others and empower youth to create the futures that they dream to see.

 

Justice

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Divija Madhani - Lead
Masters in Public Policy & Global Affairs, Faculty of Arts

Originally from Mumbai, India, Divija has been fortunate to call the unceded, ancestral, and traditional Musqueam territories her home for the last several years. She earned her Bachelors in International Relations and Sociology at UBC in 2021 and specialized in sustainability and sustainable development frameworks. She is currently completing her Masters in Public Policy and Global Affairs at UBC to hone her expertise in the economic dimension of sustainability. Her experiences in the industry include self-directed projects, like designing and directing a seminar on interdisciplinary solutions for sustainability issues, as well as extensive partnerships with UBC’s Sustainability Hub in the capacity of a Sustainability Ambassador to develop local-level circular economy projects, a Project Manager to roadmap circular districts in Vancouver, and a Sustainability Engagement Lead to design and deliver just transitions and SDG-related programming to the campus community. Moving forward, Divija wants to actualize sustainability localization to support climate-resilient communities.

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Annabelle Liao
Global Resource Systems Major, Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Annabelle is currently an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) working towards her Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems specializing in sustainability communications. Her passion for sustainability stems from leading marine conservation youth camps at the Vancouver Aquarium in high school, and her diversified experience has led her to develop and manage various projects relating to capacity-building, waste reduction, and greenhouse gas management on campus. In the future, Annabelle hopes to continue working in spheres of climate action and resiliency, in order to catalyze a sustainable future for the global community.

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Diane Huang
Anthropology Major, Urban Studies Minor, Faculty of Arts

Diane (she/her/hers) is a third-year arts student majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Urban Studies. She hails from Coquitlam, on the stolen, traditional, and ancestral territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation, which lies within the shared traditional and stolen territories of the Tsleil-Wautut, Katzie, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm  (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and  Quay Quayt First Nations. She is interested in the intersections of disability justice with climate justice, which arose after working with neurodivergent youth on urban schoolyard farms. In addition, she is a member of UBC Common Energy Green Infrastructure team and works in the UBC Collegia program as a Collegia Advisor.

 

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Mark Peralta
Environmental Engineering Major, Faculty of Applied Science

Mark is a third-year Environmental Engineering student in the Faculty of Applied Science. A lifelong resident of the City of Vancouver, Mark was inspired to become an environmentalist after marching in the Vancouver version of the Global Climate Strike in September 2019. Determined to use engineering as a tool to combat climate change and reduce inequalities, Mark has worked for local governments promoting Zero Waste practices. Mark also completed the Tech Stewardship program which gave him the tools to create technologies which are beneficial for society as a whole. During Mark's (limited) free time, you can find him in the gym, in one of East Vancouver's many great restaurants, or listening to music.

 

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Molly Nicholls
Marketing Major, Sauder School of Business

Molly is a third-year student specializing in Marketing with a concentration in Sustainability and Social Impact. She grew up in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and has always had a passion for incorporating and prioritizing sustainability in business spaces. Appreciation for and time in nature has been an important part of her life from living part-time in Costa Rica as a kid. From a young age she fundraised and volunteered for Costa Rican wildlife conservation foundations. Through the sustainability ambassador program, she is looking forward to working with people from different disciplines towards making tangible change and raising awareness on campus. Molly enjoys hiking, biking, photography, and going to any concert around Vancouver.

 

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Selena Yang
International Economics Major, Faculty of Arts

Selena is a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of International Economics at UBC. Selena has served in various non-profit and student-led organizations, particularly in the realm of youth empowerment. Most recently, Selena has served to promote financial literacy across high schools in Metro Vancouver and is currently supporting social purpose organizations through pro-bono consulting at Propel Impact. Within sustainability, her interests lie in climate justice, food systems, sustainable development, and systems thinking. She aspires to combine her background within nonprofits and the public sector to help address pressing issues, notably those related to inequality, education, and sustainability. As a Sustainability Ambassador, she is looking forward to learning more about intersectionality within sustainability and being able to connect with peers from various academic backgrounds. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and sharing food, taking photos, exploring the outdoors, and discovering more about the world around her.

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Sreeya Iyer
Commerica Major, Sauder School of Business

Sreeya is a third-year student completing her Bachelor of Commerce at UBC Sauder with a specialization in marketing and a sustainability and social impact concentration. She grew up in Mumbai, India, and came to interact with different themes of sustainability when she started her own social enterprise and a non-profit organization during the pandemic. She aspires to bring together concepts from business and sustainability to drive change and create impact. As a Sustainability Ambassador, she wishes to learn more about environmental and economic justice themes, along with sustainability consulting.  Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, painting and nature photography.

 

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Pauline Kraut

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Rhea Dinesh

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Sam Albert

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