Meet the participants

It was not until Veronica was well into her environmental studies program when she realized how common it was to view environmental discourse as both intriguing and overwhelming. It was due to this that she Co-founded the Impossible Project, an initiative to boost morale via submitted stories of the seemingly impossible. After completing her Masters of Climate Change and spending years in various sustainability roles, Veronica found the most meaning while collaborating with populations most vulnerable to climate impacts. Driven by concerns of environmental justice and health, she advocates for a sustainable future that supports people from all walks of life.

Kashish Mistry is currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Applied Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about the impact of innovative technologies on climate change. She aspires to contribute her technical knowledge to build climate solutions for an inclusive and sustainable future. In her free time, Kashish enjoys reading, painting, and playing music!

Alyssa Oke recently finished an undergraduate degree in Biophysics at the University of Waterloo. They are passionate about community organizing and advocacy for people of marginalized identities, as well as science education. They have a growing passion for food science and foraging, and they hope to create more programming and community spaces for BIPOC to connect with their land and culture in healing ways. Their hobbies are ever changing but currently include sewing, vogue dancing and playing video games.

Mashal Shafi is a BSc student at the University of Alberta studying Pharmacology. She is passionate about advocating for youth education and mental health, promoting minority representation, and raising awareness for social and environmental based inequalities in underrepresented societies.

Naval Khalid is a recent graduate with an environmental management degree at York University. She is passionate about environmental education, renewable energy, and sustainable development. She wants to cultivate projects that foster community building and sustainable solutions. In her free time, she likes to read, draw, and go on nature walks!

Jordan Kilgour lives and works on unceded Mi'kmaq territories in Moncton, New Brunswick. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Environment and Resource Management in 2022 at the University of Guelph. Most of Jordan's work has focused on climate justice, sustainability, and community-centred initiatives in the non-profit sector. She has many interests, including environmental education and engagement, conservation, and climate action. Jordan loves to read, bake, and travel when she has time!

Nika is the Executive Director of Youth Climate Save Canada. With a background as a policy analyst in the Canadian government, Nika advocates for systems-level policy change to create a future food system that is healthy, sustainable, and equitable. Nika has spent the last few years working with like-minded youth and meeting with Canadian policymakers on issues including a just transition to a sustainable food system, greener by default catering for climate events, and healthier food in public schools.

Kash lives his life through shades of green, implementing the necessary steps to living an eco-friendly lifestyle, driven by passion with each new day. His Bachelor in Commerce degree has brought upon him a variety of job landings, his current work surrounds a great deal of zealousness in teaching today's youth a set of life skills, where he emphasizes the importance of environmental consciousness at Scouts Canada.

Kaitlin Olmsted graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and currently works as a structural engineer-in-training. She is passionate about nature, environmental justice, math, and science. Throughout university, she was involved in a variety of non-profit organizations including Engineers without Borders Canada. In her free time, Kaitlin loves to read, watch movies, dance, and do knitting and cross-stitch.

Ovia Mano has just finished her first year of university and will be returning to school in the fall. She is passionate about helping others through her job as an ESL assistant at her local university. Ovia is really excited to be apart of the RAD cohort to learn more about collaborating with others and having an impact on climate change! Her hobbies include baking, reading, exercising, and hanging out with her friends! She is bilingual in English and French.

Nicole is in her 4th year at Simon Fraser University studying Business Administration. She is the Co-Founder and Communications Director for Solastalgia, an eco-action creative platform that aims to amplify youth voices around climate justice. In December 2022, Solastalgia launched Volume 1 of Solastalgia Zine, a youth-focused climate action zine which has reached over 10K readers and was featured in the Yale Forum of Religion & Ecology, Eco-Anxious Stories and other esteemed publications. Previously, she was the Co-Founder and Business Development Director of MAD Technology, a health-tech startup revolutionizing fall detection to mitigate the impact of fall injuries for older Canadians. In her free time, she likes to explore new restaurants with friends and binge sci-fi movies/dramas.

Alexandra Kelly is a third year Biomedical Science and Environmental Policy student at the University of Ottawa. She is very passionate about the interconnectedness of health and the environment, and what this entails for future generations. Alexandra is involved on campus and in the Ottawa area, and highly values creating opportunities and providing resources for others to find their passion in the community. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys going to the gym, cooking, promoting environmental activism, and upcycling thrifted clothing!

Tina Goli is going into her third year of university at York, studying visual arts and art history as her major; Apart from the arts however, she enjoys learning about other interests such as mythology and folklore, studying cultures, cooking, fiction writing/world-building, music, history and the environment!

Janna Radi Mohamed is a Masters of Health Science candidate in Translational Research at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about environmental health, creative problem-solving, and community collaborations. Janna values building relationships with communities and listening to their needs to improve health outcomes. Alongside academia, Janna looks for inspiration through arts and culture to learn and connect with others. You can usually find Janna outdoors on her nature walks and playing sports.

Ethan Persyko (they/them): Ethan is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary theatre and film artist, born in Vaughan, Ontario. Their artistic practice engages with ethics and mental health, and explores their intersections in film and theatre. Ethan is also an Intimacy Coordinator-Scholar, and has devoted the last two years to intimacy and sustainability training. Other elements of focus include creative writing, Clown/Improv, and ensemble work. Past directing involvements include the Inside Out Festival, Alumnae Theatre, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and Tarragon Theatre. Instagram: @ethan_joshuaa. Facebook: Ethan Joshua.

Michelle Kim (she/her) completed her BSc in biology and chemistry with certificates in international learning, sustainability, and Global Citizenship at the University of Alberta. She is currently finishing her Master's degree at Harvard University, working on Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Global Development, and Health while working as the Manager of Student Development at the University of Alberta Students' Union, overseeing programs around sustainability, leadership, FNMI Initiatives, and more. She has been involved in sustainability work for the past seven years working at the international and community levels. Michelle loves to volunteer, plan for project, swim, workout, read and hike during her free time!

Shreya Rao is pursuing a Bachelors in Environment and Business with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She has a variety of experience in student/community engagement related roles and has a passion for sustainability and environmental justice. In her free time she loves painting, traveling, and going on all sorts of adventures.