LEADING CHANGE FELLOWSHIP
2025 Cohort
Meet the 2025 Leading Change Fellows
Anushka Sah
Anushka Sah is a Senior Analyst in Sustainability Measurement & Reporting at Canadian Tire Corporation, where she works on corporate greenhouse gas accounting, reporting, and decarbonization initiatives. With a strong technical foundation in emissions measurement and climate action, she has advanced projects ranging from supply chain decarbonization to regulatory compliance and voluntary disclosures such as CDP and Corporate Knights. Whether advancing GHG measurement and reduction across supply chains or ensuring accurate environmental reporting, she brings both rigor and creativity to her work. Beyond her corporate role, Anushka is deeply committed to mentorship and community building. She organizes coffee chats and hosts a podcast to guide early and mid-career professionals navigating the sustainability field. Her leadership extends to fundraising for Jumpstart Charities, coordinating sustainability events, and mentoring students at McGill University, where she earned her master’s degree. Passionate about meaningful impact through both data-driven solutions and collaborative dialogue, Anushka brings a balance of technical expertise and people-centered impact to her work in sustainability.
Brayden Gin
Brayden Gin is a 4th year Chemical Engineering student at UBC and excited to join a network of changemakers in bringing positive change to Canada and the World! Outside of the Fellowship, you can find Brayden biking, hiking, or playing badminton.
Chris Dorsey
Chris Dorsey is working as a Fundraise & Diligence Management Associate at Brookfield within the Private Equity group. In this role he supports institutional investors through their diligence process and is building insight into capital allocation in private markets. Previously at Accenture, he played an active role in the Energy Transition Learning Series and led the design of a biodiversity impact assessment platform that won the firm’s Sustainability Innovation Challenge. Outside of work, Chris has a passion for exploring the outdoors through backcountry hiking, canoeing, skiing, and biking and sharing his love for nature through photography. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and has passed his CFA Level I.
Christina Joy
Christina Joy is an artist, writer, and bureaucrat born and raised on Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatoon, SK, with ancestry from both the rural prairies and Southeast Asia. She holds a B.A. (Hons) in International Studies with an Economics minor, where she focused on anti-imperial & community-led sustainable development, international climate policy, alternative economies, and decolonization. She is the former co-chair of Canada’s Environment and Climate Change Youth Council, and has led climate coalitions and community organizing. Christina currently lives in Tiohtià:ke/Mooniyang/Montréal, QC, and can be found throwing pottery, practicing yoga, or reading a good poem.
Divya Dey
Divya Dey is a community leader passionate about translating sustainability into accessible, community-driven action. She led award-winning outdoor initiatives, one being for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour, combining safety, belonging, and climate education—featured in Canada’s National Observer. Her work spans 15 countries, including research at CATIE – The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center in Costa Rica, representing the Jane Goodall Institute at the UN’s Young Activist Summit in Geneva, and serving on its Youth Advisory Council. Divya holds a Master of Science in Sustainability Management and an Honours Bachelor of Science in International Development and Environmental Science from the University of Toronto. She is now partaking in the Parliamentary Internship Programme to explore Canada’s political landscape through a non-partisan lens, bridging her environmental, governance, and community experience into national decision-making.
Harry Wong
Harry Wong approaches sustainability through a dual lens: ensuring both people and the planet can thrive. This perspective has guided his career in social impact across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Canada. From tackling human rights in global supply chains to expanding youth employment, strengthening medical infrastructure in developing countries, and driving community development, his work reflects a commitment to equity and collaboration. Originally from Hong Kong, Harry holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the National University of Singapore. He now serves as Partnerships Coordinator at Enactus Canada, helping young social entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real-world change.
Hayley Everett
Hayley Everett is a sustainability and social impact professional passionate about building programs fit for purpose. At Sun Life, she leads business driven initiatives to close gender gaps in women’s health and financial security. She also co-chairs Sun Life’s Emerging Professionals Network, where she is committed to empowering future leaders and fostering an inclusive workplace. Hayley holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Jill Robinson
Jill leads Venture Development and Platform strategy at Kite Company Creator, a venture studio focused on cleantech hardware for the natural resource sector. She has spent her career across sectors between science (physiology), strategic project execution and entrepreneurship. She is an executive impact advisor for Brands for Better Foundation and advises pre-seed stage companies on investment readiness. After work, catch her on the trails in North Vancouver.
Joseph Gilvesy
Joe Gilvesy is a lecturer at Huron University in London, Ontario. He is passionate about sustainability and social impact, having worked for many years restoring native habitat on his family farm, a model of sustainable agriculture.
Kelechi Nwokeocha
Kelechi Nwokeocha is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto, with a HBSc in Environmental Science and Biology. She is also a University of Toronto Sustainability Scholar and is currently studying sustainable breeding in organic vegetable agriculture, with previous work on lake salinization and global change. She is a co-chair of the Student Leadership Subcommittee of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability, and holds membership and leadership in various other student groups and organizations. She is an avid researcher and is passionate about regenerative practices, fostering holistic relationships between people and the environment. In Fall 2025, she will be starting an MSc in Geography, researching urban agriculture and agroecological practices for climate resilient food systems.
Lynn Makkaoui
Lynn is a 26-year-old sustainability professional with a background in chemical engineering. Originally from Lebanon, she moved to Canada to pursue a master’s specializing in sustainable energy and now has over three years of experience in climate and sustainability work, including GHG accounting, decarbonization, life cycle assessments, and climate risk assessments. She’s passionate about creating meaningful impact and loves learning from people with different perspectives to keep growing and finding new ways to build a more sustainable future.
Marcella Mondin
Marcella is a Professional Biologist with a strong academic and professional background in environmental management and sustainable development. She has extensive knowledge in wildlife management, water management, and regulatory compliance across various sectors. Her passion for sustainable development brings continual growth to her career endeavours and ensures best management practices are applied to her work. Marcella has highly effective communication skills and believes collaboration is key to project success. When she’s not working, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, catching up with friends, and tending to her garden.
Matt Gaiser
Matt Gaiser earned a degree in Computer Engineering from Queen’s University and enjoys solving puzzles of all kinds, from the everyday to the highly complex. A strong supporter of open innovation, he has won several hundred challenges spanning topics such as improved razor design, contact tracing systems, and astronaut safety sensors. He is always interested in finding new ways to make a difference.
Maxime Lacroix
Maxime is a Pricing Innovation Senior Manager at Co-operators, located in Quebec City. He is also a proud new father. He is passionate about bringing a sustainability mindset to the insurance industry, from creating fair pricing models to rethinking how technology is used. Outside of work, Maxime donates plasma weekly and stays active by going running frequently.
Michael Pepe
Michael is a passionate engineer with a drive for finding sustainable solutions to difficult problems. In his role as Cell Design Lead at CERT Systems, Michael is developing scaled electrochemical technology that produces essential chemicals without the use of fossil fuels. With a background in nanotechnology engineering, Michael is looking forward to bringing his unique experiences to the fellowship, and to learning from the rest of the cohort.
Michelle Balderston
Michelle currently serves as Student Energy’s Assistant to the Executive Director. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media, Information & Technoculture from Western University. Though her career began in the radio broadcasting industry, her passion for the planet and interest in living more sustainably encouraged her to pursue a certificate in Advanced Environmental Management from the University of Toronto, which she completed in 2023. Prior to joining the Student Energy team, Michelle has volunteered for a number of environmental non-profit organizations, assisting with communications, campaign development, and other administrative needs.
Olivia Du
Olivia is a Chinese international student, studying & working on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Global Health with additional concentrations in urban studies and sustainability from UBC. She is passionate about working on issues along the entire climate/social justice ecosystem, dismantling different layers/levels/systems of power in the built-in environment, and building ethical spaces for different knowledge systems to thrive. With comprehensive work and research experiences in public and non-profit sectors, she is interested in building her career, examining the nexus of health, environment, and cities by being an urban planner. In her spare time, Olivia loves reading and doing outdoor sports.
Rafiq Omair
Rafiq Omair is a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate at the University of Toronto with a strong interest in materials science, bioengineering, education, and design. He is currently conducting research in advanced materials with Professor Joanna Aizenberg at Harvard University and is passionate about exploring how engineering innovation can improve accessibility, education, and healthcare.
Robin Palomo
Robbin (they/she) is a lifelong learner, facilitator, and former pharmaceutical chemist whose work sits at the intersection of sustainability, equity, and youth empowerment. Robbin’s unconventional career journey demonstrates how careers can evolve meaningfully while remaining grounded in personal values. With experience in program design, partnership development, and impact evaluation across diverse organizations, Robbin brings a collaborative, systems-thinking approach to every space she’s in.
In addition to leading youth programming at Dress for Success Toronto, they facilitate and support environmental education and advocacy through their work with the Green Neighbours Network of Toronto and unearthD. Outside of work and volunteering, you’ll find Robbin baking, chaos gardening, attempting to craft, or spending time with their dog Pili.
Samantha DeJong
With a background in Sustainable Fashion Design and Administrative Office support, Samantha joined Engler Agencies In Lethbridge Alberta, September 2024 as a part-time receptionist. She has steadily worked toward expanding her credentials while gaining relevant experience as a cooperators associate advisor, event coordinator, social media manager, admin support worker and eventual personal lines manager.
Samiha Sharif
Samiha Sharif (she/her) holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from McGill University. Samiha leads equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies across industries as a consultant at DiversiPro and as a Senior Manager, Reconciliation, Equity, Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion. Samiha is a practicing psychotherapist with racialized communities at Hello Leena, and sits on the board of Women’s Health in Women’s Hands. A first-generation immigrant settler woman of color in Tkaronto, Samiha believes that all her work must begin with listening, proceeding with kindness, and be rooted in community-centered principles. In her spare time she enjoys creative writing, reading fiction, and making nourishing meals.
Sara Escallon-Sotomayor
Sara is an emerging environmental professional dedicated to advancing climate adaptation and resilience. As a graduate of McGill University’s B.A. & Sc. Program in Environment, she conducted fieldwork in the Peruvian Amazon for her undergraduate thesis, examining how riverine communities adapt to the effects of climate change. At 16, she co-founded Not Just Rumours, a student-led movement advocating for safer schools in Ontario, contributing to policy change. Sara also served as a sports editor for The McGill Tribune, where she investigated harmful power dynamics in varsity sports culture. Today, in her role at Canada’s Clean50, Sara continues to support cross-sector collaborations that foster just and resilient futures.
Sara Roach
Sara Roach is a Project Manager at Advantage Engineering, an Indigenous-owned firm specializing in infrastructure and community engagement. With experience spanning renewable energy, environmental consulting, and placemaking, Sara is passionate about connecting people, culture, and sustainable design. She is eager to explore innovative models for community-based resilience and equitable development through her work and this fellowship.
Tanner Bergsma
Tanner Bergsma is a Canadian autistic international bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and youth leader advancing mental health, inclusion, and systemic change on a global scale. With an academic background in psychology, Tanner combines lived experience, policy leadership, and frontline advocacy to drive meaningful, evidence-informed solutions. Tanner serves on multiple nonprofit and municipal boards, contributes to national initiatives, and represents Canadian and North American youth internationally. Tanner works with various Intergovernmental organizations to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and youth-driven policy, in order to strengthen communities and amplify voices too often left unheard.
Varsha Pilanku
Varsha is a sustainability professional with a Master’s in Sustainable Energy and Policy from Carleton University. Currently, Varsha works as a Program Associate at Alberta Municipalities supporting clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives under the Clean Energy Improvement Program. Varsha is passionate about advancing climate resilience and enjoy creating practical solutions that help communities transition toward a low-carbon future.
We are grateful to Co-operators, the University of Toronto, Coast Capital, and Wawanesa for their commitment to fostering positive change and innovation within our community.
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