youth activator cohorts

meet our youth activators!

• cohort 2 + -


Amelia Boname (she/her)

grade 12

My name is Amelia (Mimi). I am a grade 12 student at Jules-Verne Secondary school, a bilingual high school. I enjoy my chemistry and biology classes and learning in general. I’m part of a small gardening club at my school’s greenhouse. We plant a multitude of different varieties of plants as well as building our very own hydroponic system. I love swimming and snowboarding with friends. I also enjoy playing the piano with my band and participating in my school concerts. Next year, I hope to study environmental sciences and pursue my fondness for all things nature and plant based.



Ellie Kinfe-Falia (she/her)

grade 12

Hi, I’m Ellie! I’m a francophone student in my final year of high school. In my free time, I love creating visual art and exploring cultural perspectives through films and paintings. In academia, I am passionate about math, physics and chemistry. In the coming year of 2026, I hope to pursue an undergraduate degree in either chemical engineering, chemical physics, or a related field. While I appreciate these subjects in their theoretical forms, I’m excited to apply them to real-world scenarios, particularly in ecological contexts, through opportunities in post-secondary and organisations like Project Arrowroot!



Lola Anthony (she/her)

grade 12

My name is Lola Anthony, I'm in 12th grade, and I'm an aspiring engineer and nuclear energy enthusiast. I hope to contribute to the emerging field of SMRs, or the exciting new possibility of fusion energy. I started the French part of Girls to the Power of Math, a program with the goal of increasing confidence in math in young girls. I am also president of my school's MUN club, and an avid member of my school's robotics club. I enjoy my free time by reading and creating episodes for my feminist/social justice centered podcast, Wandering and Pondering.



Taylor Nitzsche (she/her)

4^th year post-secondary

Hi, I'm Taylor! I'm in my final year as an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia, majoring in Global Resource Systems and specialising in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development. My career interests span far, but through my studies, I've become particularly interested in carbon and energy management, renewable energy, carbon accounting, environmental engineering, sustainability consulting, environmental policy, impact evaluation, and environmental communications. Outside of school, I am a co-founder of Climate Education for All (an organisation working to expand climate literacy to all undergraduate students), and I also teach and practice a TON of yoga! I've been lucky to live in the US, Australia, France, and Canada as a student, and this summer, I was able to go to Indonesia to evaluate a youth education program at a Masjid. I'm from California and am passionate about politics (I love Newsom!), which has prompted a new passion of mine for working in policy/government. Beyond this, however, I have a lot of loves and hope to explore them further within the years following my graduation.



Nina Park (she/her)

3^th year post-secondary

Hi, I'm Nina. I'm studying Environment and Sustainability and enjoy being outside. In my free time, I like to draw and go for runs/walks in my neighborhood. I care very much about the environment and even planted a few trees this past summer.



Jingyao Jiang (she/her)

grade 10

I am a Grade 10 student currently. I'm in Burnaby Mountain Secondary School after moving from Regina. Now I am interested in economics, STEM, and problem-soving abilities. I enjoy exploring computer science, science and business, and I want to be a data financial consultant in the future. This year in school, I challenge myself through enriched math and science courses, and I am always looking for opportunities to grow, public speaking, collaboration, and contribute to my community. Over the next few years, I look forward to building real-world experience through Micro internship and developing strong leadership and analytical skills.



Rahul Chadha (he/him)

4^th year post-secondary

I’m a community-minded professional with over seven years of experience supporting diverse and vulnerable populations navigate services, solve problems, and feel truly supported. My background in front-line community work and high-volume customer service has strengthened my ability to listen actively, communicate with clarity and empathy, and consolidate trust with people from all walks of life. One of my most prevailing passions spans from childhood: it's the ocean. Conservancy and advocacy for the habitats and creatures that cannot speak for themselves is always front of mind for me. I enjoy attending shoreline cleanups and making a difference in this way, yet there's a lot more to be done. I carry a solutions-focused mindset, can remain calm under pressure, and have a commitment to making systems more accessible for everyone. It's my goal to leave this world at least a little bit better than how I found it. I see a path ahead to do this with Project Arrowroot, as well as a golden opportunity to grow professionally and personally. I’m especially motivated to apply my skills within climate education; where clear communication, community engagement, and access are essential. I'd like to make life better. And I know this cannot be done alone, yet I believe my capabilities in outreach, engagement, and support will help catalyze meaningful climate action.



Piper McDermott (she/her)

2^nd year post-secondary

I am a second year undergraduate student at UBC, majoring in Global Resource Systems. My focus is in Environment & Sustainable Development, and I am interested in creating sustainable policy and change in urban areas to support sustainable futures. I have volunteered in habitat restoration and beach cleanup projects, and continue to seek both small and large ways I can have a positive impact on the spaces around me. I am also passionate about Media & Design and how media and art can be used for social change. I look forward to meeting people with new perspectives and experiences to share about environment, sustainability, and development.



Eisha Bhardwaj (she/her)

grade 12

My interests include fine art, philosophy, and business. I like admitting the fact that I can be wrong sometimes, but I also want education on why that is. Something I’d like to see more of is people not afraid of chasing their dreams because they feel capitalism won’t be in their favor— rather, people chasing their dreams to change the system.



Reina

post-secondary

I am currently studying tourism, hospitality, and management at a college in Canada while working as a B&B host. I’m interested in connecting environmental sustainability with tourism and hospitality. I enjoy working with people and hope to build a career that supports responsible and meaningful travel.



Julia Evans (she/her)

.



Jason Hou (he/him)

architect

• cohort 1 + -


Skylla Thomas-Dubois

Skylla is a hard worker in her final year of high school at The Burnaby Youth Hub. She has recently taken an interest in Earth and learning more about her Indigenous culture. Looking to spread the word, Skylla has set a goal to interpret her love for the universe and music by mixing the two and making music about space, and the ever-growing climate crisis on her very home, Earth. Not only that, but Skylla has a dream to become an astronaut, floating in space and exploring its wonders has always been her dream since she was a little girl.



Hershika Garg

Hershika (she/her) is a grade 11 student at Burnaby Mountain Secondary taking multiple APs. Her passions include art and learning about astronomy. Hershika has experience working at Place des Arts and Code Ninjas where she assisted instructors and guided children when needed. As a leader of the environmental club at her school, she plans cleanups and creates social media posts to do her part in the fight for climate change. Post-secondary, Hershika hopes to pursue either aerospace engineering or astrophysics. She would like to do a role related to technology and how it can be combined with environmental efforts.



Chamely Sheikh

Chamely (she/her) is currently a student at Burnaby Mountain Secondary School. She has various of volunteer experience from working at Shoppers Drug Mart, and in the pharmacy, volunteering at festivals, working with children, at senior homes and more. She is going to SFU in the fall to study criminology but also has a passion for business. In the future, she is planning on becoming a corporate lawyer.



Sonali Das

Sonali (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate at UBC completing a BSc in Global Resource Systems, where she specializes in international trade and development. Before starting out at UBC, she completed a five-month internship with the KaviKrishna Foundation located in Assam, India where she engaged in research exploring how Kamrup’s ancient indigenous knowledge system could provide an alternative path forward for development. She also organized events and tutorials to educate the broader community about KaviKrishna's ideas, ultimately presenting her work at the National Gau-Vigyan conference held at IIT-Guwahati. Her experiences in Assam motivated her to pursue a degree and career focused on addressing the challenges of managing economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.



Michelle Read

My name is Michelle Read and I am an undergraduate transfer student in the Global Resource Systems program at UBC, exploring intersections of ecology, conservation, politics, and creative communication. Being involved and studying in communities in Canada, the U.S., Costa Rica, and Australia has helped shape my appreciation for global perspectives on sustainability, with a social and environmental justice approach. I’ve enjoyed engaging with organizations such as the Florida Audubon Society, Wilderness Society QLD, Acadia National Park, Mote Marine, and various university clubs. My interests align with all of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and I am always looking for ways to contribute meaningfully both in local and larger contexts.



Connor Gradwell

Connor Gradwell, a Grade 11 student at Burnaby Mountain Secondary, is a dedicated leader and high-achieving student. Excelling in advanced STEM courses with a 97% average, he thrives in both academics and the arts. Passionate about sustainability, musical theatre, and personal growth, he actively seeks opportunities to learn and contribute. Balancing rigorous coursework with performing arts, he embodies a well-rounded approach to education. Connor plans to study chemical engineering in university, aiming for a career in sustainable technologies where he can drive innovation and environmental impact.



Vera Clogg-Wong

Hi! My name is Vera, and I’m in grade 12 at John Oliver Secondary. I love being in the backcountry for both hiking and kayaking and am enrolled at UBC to study conservation science next year. I’m currently working hard on expanding my school’s existing garden into a native pollinator garden and look forward to seeing the result, having obtained $2500 in grant funding so far! In my spare time, I enjoy swimming and indoor rock climbing when the weather’s too miserable for my tastes.



Elena Villegas Barreto

Elena (they/them) is a UWC Maastricht alumni and UBC student in the program of Global Resource Systems, majoring in Environment and Food Systems. They have volunteered as a facilitator in the short course Building a Sustainable Future, organised by UWC Germany, and participated in various environmental activism and action projects in Spain, their hometown.



Alexandra Szentirmai

My name is Alexandra Szentirmai, Alex for short. I am in Grade 11, I co-lead the Earthwise Club at my school, and love learning about science and the environment. I enjoy being among the trees, on forest trails, and anywhere in nature. I am interested in different ecosystems, as well as conservation of old growth forests. My goal is to study Forestry and Conservation Sciences at UBC. I am interested in working in the forest and conducting research that answers questions about how much carbon dioxide trees absorb, particularly old growth forests, and how trees work together with soil systems.