How does it feel to be a Sustainability Ambassador? Hear from current Sustainability Ambassadors – what’s important to them, what they hope to achieve from their experience, and what they’ve gained from taking part.
Ambassador bios
Cohort Leads
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sagorika Haque - Climate Lead
Political Science, Faculty of Arts
Sagorika Haque (she/they) is in their final year as a political science major from Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
2022-2023 Cohorts
Biodiversity Cohort
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Amit Sharma
Ethical Civic Engagement
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.