cohort 2021-22

A survey and research-focused project centring youth aged 18-30, who are currently enrolled in, or attended a post-secondary institution in Canada as an international student. As Canada transitions to a low-carbon economy, centering youth – especially those who have traditionally been excluded from the environmental sector – is key in ensuring a green and just transition that leaves no one behind. This project aimed to engage youth regarding their experience with looking for and acquiring a green job as an international student in Canada. Keep up with IYES on Instagram at @iyes_canada.

SDG Connection: SDG 13 - SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth

RAD Creators: Vaniartha (she/her) and Haruka Aoyama (she/her)

Vaniartha (she/her) is an international student from Indonesia residing on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She is currently in the final year of her undergraduate studies, pursuing a degree in Natural Resources Conservation at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about both the science and social justice aspects of sustainability and climate action. She has worked with The Nature Conservancy in assessing protected area connectivity in Kenya and with the UBC Centre for Climate Justice in researching tenants’ rights during extreme heat events.

Haruka Aoyama (she/her) is a newcomer youth from Okayama, Japan. She moved to Canada in 2016 to study Environment, Sustainability, and Society (ESS) and Political Science at Dalhousie University. Currently, she works as a Policy Analyst at the Town of Bridgewater to support the award- winning Energize Bridgewater program to lift Bridgewater residents out of energy poverty while transitioning to a net-zero community. She is a Board member of the Immigrant Migrant Women’s Association of Halifax (IMWAH), and founded the Change Today Change Tomorrow project in summer 2021 to advocate for the inclusion of newcomers in the economy.

An online campaign exploring conscious consumerism and food justice, in collaboration with Una Terra @unaterra.ca and the Create Change Collective @createchangecollective. As part of this project, content creators were contacted to create engaging content in the form of reels engaging with recipe sharing and food-related issues (ie. decolonization and sustainable farming). The Create Change Collective is a platform born from the RAD Cohort with the goal of connecting like-minded youth with a passion for creating positive impact around different climate issues. Una Terra is social enterprise for urban Canadian women that aims to earn profit and achieve social, economic & environmental outcomes by employing people who are typically excluded from the environmental movement.

SDG Connection: SDG 13 - SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production

RAD Creators: Rae Landriau (they/them) and Marina de Pina-Jenkins (she/her)

Rae Landriau (they/them) is a gender non-conforming graduate student with a passion for the environment and activism. They enjoy spending their free time in nature and learning new skills. They founded @createchangecollective in order to engage community members in current environmental issues.

Marina de Pina-Jenkins (she/her) is the founder of @unaterra.ca, a social enterprise that aims to achieve social, economic & environmental outcomes by employing people who are typically excluded from the environmental movement. With over 15 years in fundraising and participating in social and environmental causes, Marina uses her diverse skills to be the change she wishes to see in the world.

An online creative arts project, @theearth.andme explored what land reconnection meant to youth, and the impact it had on their being. Eight youth artists across Canada were engaged directly through different prompts related to land reconnection, each submitting an art medium (photography, videography, and visual art) exploring their experience with land reconnection. Compensation was provided based on the medium submitted.

SDG Connection: SDG 13 - SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being

RAD Creators: Nika Moeini (she/her) and Mariana Salazar (they/she)

Nika Moeini (she/her) is an Iranian-Canadian author, policy analyst, and climate activist. She is the founder of Youth Climate Save Canada @youthclimatesavecanada_, which recognizes the link between climate change and animal agriculture. Connecting to the land and water is super important for Nika and she’s passionate about helping others do the same.

Mariana Salazar (they/she) is a Latinx self-proclaimed tree-hugger. They love to spend time outdoors on hikes and have a passion for environmental and social issues. They co-founded @theearth.andme in hopes of engaging people to go outside and connect back to the land.

A two-part youth centered event series, in collaboration with Emily Kroft from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). The first event was a panel discussion with five experts, including MP Peter Julian, on how the interplay of environmental policy with socio-economic issues (specially, health and economics) in Canada. The second event was an interactive, intergenerational policy jam space, following up the ideas of the first event – aimed at seeking tangible solutions towards integrative health and economic policy that incorporates ecological values of well-being. The first 30 people that registered to participate in the policy jam received a gift card and door prizes were won at both events. Over 100 youth were engaged through both events. A summary of the policy recommendations was published in a blog by IISD.

SDG Connection: SDG 13 - SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being; SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth

RAD Creators: Jason Robinson (he/him) and Shivani Solanki (she/her)

Jason Robinson (he/him) is a Data Analyst for the Rural Ontario Institute and Policy Specialist for the Community Climate Council. As a graduate of York University with a Master in Environmental Studies specializing in Ecological Economics, Jason has a passion for public policy centered on sustainability and economic development in marginalized communities.

Shivani Solanki (she/her) is an MSc student at the University of Alberta studying Health Promotion and Socio-Behavioural Sciences. Her research focuses primarily on promoting children and youth health using community-based interventions. She is passionate about youth involvement in policy and decision making to create sustainable programs that support community and environmental health and well-being. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.

A creative research project, co-developed with young people across Canada, inviting creatives and young activists to reflect on effective strategies to take climate action. A creative zine with art submissions is being developed as a tangible product from this work. Pass the Mic centers underrepresented and underserved youth, and offers a space to process, activate, and knowledge share around climate accountability in Canada.

SDG Connection: SDG 13 – SDG 10, Reduced Inequality

RAD Creators: Hemali Boorada (she/her) & Nadia Nikpour Badr (she/her)

Hemali Boorada (she/her) is a professional dancer, and currently in law school. She is a settler residing on Treaty 6 territory. In the climate space she sees herself as a builder. Growing up Hemali’s imagination has always gotten the best of her. Working in the nonprofit sector, her mind is always running off tangents on how to figure things out, and how to make things better in whatever little way she can. Our Mother Earth is no different.

Nadia Nikpour Badr (she/her) is a passionate advocate for environmental and social justice. She is currently situated on unceded Algonquin Territory, with connections to Haldimand tract lands of Anishinabe,Haudenosaunee, and Neutral Nations. Nadia is a recent graduate from the environmental science faculty, ready to put what she’s learned throughout school to the test. If she was to choose a green new career, she would be a grower. Not only does Nadia love growing nutritious food through urban gardening, but she is here to offer support, collaboration, and encouragement!