Dr. Ian Mauro is the Executive Director of the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions and Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria.
He is the former executive director of the Prairie Climate Centre at the University of Winnipeg, has developed community-based climate projects from coast to coast to coast, and led the creation of the Climate Atlas of Canada which showcases much of this work and holistically combines the visual arts and storytelling with natural, social, and health sciences.
As a scientist and filmmaker, Mauro’s research and communication projects explore climate science, society and sustainability, and the vital role of local and Indigenous knowledges. He is committed to community-based and Indigenous led participatory approaches and has worked with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and organizations for many years and across many territories.
He has developed numerous, award-winning climate-change initiatives, including Qapirangajuq: Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change, which he co-directed with acclaimed Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk as part of his postdoctoral work at UVic. He also directed Beyond Climate, a feature film about climate change in BC, narrated by David Suzuki.
Mauro holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a PhD in Geography, and studied as a post-doctoral fellow in the School of Environmental Studies at UVic. He is a former Canada Research Chair of Human Dimensions of Environmental Change at Mount Allison University, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, and an Apple Distinguished Educator. He has served on expert panels related to food security, energy issues and climate change across Canada.
Mauro is a husband and father and his climate action strives for a safe and livable planet for all future generations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MAURO:
https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2022+pics-executive-director+media-release
Manuel Brakaj works with UN Volunteers (UNV) programme, in charge of Talent Acquisition. Manuel has worked for UNDP/UNV for the past 20 years in various capacities, including his experience as UNV Support Officer in Darfur, Sudan. Prior his current assignment, Manuel has worked as Recruiter for UNV programme providing shortlists of UNV candidates for some of the biggest peace-keeping missions such as UNAMA (UN Mission in Afghanistan), UNMISS (UN mission in South Sudan), and MONUSCO (UN mission in Congo). Manuel holds a Degree of Master of Science in Human Resource Management from University of Liverpool, UK.
Learn more about the UN Volunteers programme, here is the link to the official website: www.unv.org
Nora Sahatciu is a development practitioner with project management and sustainable development experience. Currently, she serves as a Sustainable Development Officer with the UN Regional Development Coordination Office for Europe and Central Asia, in Istanbul, Turkey. Prior to that she served as the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kosovo; a Project Manager with UNDP, UNOPS and World Vision International; Deputy Director of Center for Conflict Management-Partners Kosova as well as a consultant on sustainable development for different UN organizations globally and civil society (BCCIC) in Canada.
Nora worked in Western Balkans countries, Central Asia, Latin America, and Canada managing and facilitating strategic policy work in the humanitarian, peace-building and transitioning context, for institutions wishing to advance national and global development agendas.
Nora holds a Master’s Degree in Economy of Culture from University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy; Specializations in Gender and sexuality studies from Dartmouth College, US and in Mediation from Partners for Democratic Change US/Kosovo; and a Master’s in Architecture from University of Prishtina, Kosovo.
Nora serves as a Co-Vice Chair of the UN Association Canada, Vancouver; a Founder/Board Member of a family philanthropic “Foundation Salih and Isa Nushi” in Kosovo; and a Member of the Association of Kosovo Architects.
More 2023 TGLL Table Captains will be announced soon.
Each organization will host a table with a Table Captain that shares information about themselves, their organization, and available opportunities to attendees. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with organizations throughout the event.
A Keynote Speaker will be featured, and breakfast buffet will be provided.
Don Wright – Outreach and Training Coordinator
Don Wright is the national outreach and training coordinator for Amnesty International Canada. Don has several decades of experience as an activist-educator and works to welcome and prepare new people for volunteer roles, including in leadership. The goal is to be able to respond in meaningful ways to human rights violations around the world and here in Canada. Amnesty Canada currently has a number of priority campaigns around gender equity, immigration detention, Indigenous territorial defenders, and freedom of expression, especially the right to protest. Don is based at the Vancouver office.
Email: [email protected]
We are a global movement of people fighting injustice and promoting human rights. Members of Amnesty International in Canada campaign on human rights in the Americas and in a number of other countries where the actions of the Canadian government and of Canadians can have the greatest impact.
Braydon is a true champion for the not-for-profit sector and foster youth in particular. Through his role at Aunt Leah’s as the Communications & Marketing Specialist, Braydon brings a unique outlook to his work through the lens of over a decade of lived experience in the child welfare system in British Columbia. He spends his time advocating for policy changes to support youth aging out of care in B.C. while offering his voice to the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Youth Advisory Council. Braydon has been a visible figure in grassroots advocacy, having been part of the Fostering Change Policy Solutions Day events in Victoria, meeting with elected officials to speak on changes needed to youth transitions and the agreements with young adults program. He is grounded in his work at Aunt Leah’s where his role consists of fundraising, communications, and marketing for the organization.
For 30 years, Aunt Leah’s Place has been helping kids in foster care and young mothers achieve a better future. We do this by providing guidance, supported housing, job training and coaching on essential life skills. We believe every individual deserves to feel safe, cared for, and have a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for many teens in the foster care system. When they “age out” of government care at 19, they find themselves completely alone. Aunt Leah’s often provides the only thread of care and continuity for youth whose lives are marked by abuse, neglect, abandonment, and multiple foster home placements. Over the years, we have seen how support at this critical time can help these young people realize their potential while becoming resilient, independent adults.
Nicola Jurinovic grew up on the unceded territory of the scəw̓aθən (Tsawwassen), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and other Coast Salish Peoples. She credits childhood days spent in her grandparents’ garden, hands in the dirt, for her love of outdoor exploration and her fascination with soil science. In 2022, she graduated with a BSc in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from McGill University. With experience in academic research at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, doing agronomic field work and delivering educational workshops to youth, she is uniquely positioned to implement thoughtful programming in her role as Environmental Programming Coordinator at the Burns Bog Conservation Society. Nicola is new to the non-profit space and recognizes how much knowledge there is to be shared and absorbed. She is looking forward to connecting with youth and other non-profit leaders at TGLL 2023!
The Burns Bog Conservation Society (BBCS) is a non-profit organization that engages the community and stakeholders in the Lower Mainland area in conservation and habitat enhancement within Burns Bog and the Delta Nature Reserve. The Burns Bog is the largest protected raised bog in an urban area on the west coast of North America. As part of our core mission, the BBCS provides educational programming about local ecosystems and environmental issues through public tours, day camps and workshops. The BBCS creates volunteer opportunities for hands-on ecological restoration work, monitoring and citizen science research. As well, the organization informs the public on existing threats to the ecological functioning of the Burns Bog through public advocacy and outreach.
Carlo Acuña (he/him), Ocean Conservation Campaigner, was raised in Burnaby, British Columbia, on the ancestral, and unceded territory of the hən̓ q̓ əmin̓ əm̓ (Halq’eméylem) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) speaking peoples. He developed an awe of the natural world by flipping through the pages of National Geographic magazines. Pursuing this interest, education, and wildlife fieldwork took him to Australia’s Bass Strait, Utqiaġvik in the Arctic Circle, Mexico’s Selva Maya, and many points in between. Closer to home, he worked with local organizations conducting nature education and outreach. Always drawn to the ocean, he returns to Vancouver after studying seabirds on Pacific coast marine protected areas. Using his experience with research and science communication, he supports marine conservation.
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – BC (CPAWS-BC), is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope. The world is facing a biodiversity crisis. Decades of climate change and unchecked industrial development are putting nature under more pressure than ever. British Columbia is on the frontlines of the fight to protect our last remaining large, intact natural land and seascapes, and the plants and animals that depend on them.
CPAWS-BC defends public lands and the ocean. We work with Indigenous, provincial, and federal governments with the goal of creating large, protected, and interconnected areas: places that can nurse nature through climate change and shelter plants and animals forever. Most of the land, freshwater and ocean in BC and on the coast is held in public trust. It is our shared responsibility to protect it for future generations.
The Canadian Red Cross Society is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This network includes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) and 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies dedicated to improving the situation of the most vulnerable throughout the world.
Our actions and decisions will be based upon:
- Humanitarian values, as expressed in our Fundamental Principles;
- Respect, dignity and inclusiveness.
- Integrity, accountability, effectiveness, and transparency, and adaptability.
- Quality and safety.
The CIC’s mission is to provide a platform for all Canadians to engage in global affairs. As a non-partisan, charitable organization, we provide a platform for citizens to help shape our country’s place in the world. On a daily basis, our organization works towards this mission through hosting events with our 19 branches, explaining global issues through the International Journal, Behind the Headlines, and Open Canada, and developing foreign policy initiatives for leaders around the world.
Deanna Fasciani – Executive Director
Deanna obtained a Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies (LAS) at Simon Fraser University, where she was selected one of SFU’s 50 Most Inspiring Graduate Students in 50 years. Her graduate research focused on non-traditional agricultural exports and changes in labour relations in Costa Rican agricultural cooperatives. Deanna’s maternal family the afromestizo peasantry of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, where her grandfather laboured on cotton and sugar cane plantations and on United Fruit Company’s coastal banana plantations.
Deanna has worked as a Research Coordinator for a university-based student society, where she organized her worksite. She has participated in labour activism with the United Steelworkers, BC Federation of Labour, and BC General Employee’s Union, the latter during her time working for a Member of the Legislative Assembly of BC.
Upon joining CoDevelopment Canada (CoDev) as Executive Director in 2021, Deanna became a proud member of CUPE Local 1004 and currently serves on the CUPE BC International Solidarity and CUPE Global Justice committees. Deanna recognizes the central role that international solidarity plays in advancing popular struggles for equity and justice.
CoDevelopment Canada (CoDev) is an international, and internationalist, solidarity organization based in Vancouver, B.C. Founded in 1985 by diverse Canadian trade unionists and solidarity activists insisting on solidarity over charity, CoDevelopment Canada works to build solidarity-based partnerships between Canadian and Latin American trade unions and civil society organizations to promote social justice across the Americas. Our nearly 50 partner organizations are found across Latin America and Canada. For more about CoDev, the partnerships we facilitate, and the projects we support, you follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, visit codev.org, call us at 604-708-1495, drop by our office at 260-2747 E Hastings St. Vancouver.
Heather Gerrie – Community Engagement & Research Coordinator
Heather Gerrie is the Community Engagement & Research Coordinator at Food Stash Foundation. A neuroscientist by trade, Heather moved to Vancouver from Halifax to pursue her graduate studies at the University of British Columbia. While her MSc is what initially brought her to the west coast, the mountains and vibrant community are what has kept her here. Heather is a food nerd, avid reader, collector of new hobbies, and is happiest when camping.
Food Stash Foundation is a registered charity that was established in 2016 to prevent good food from going to waste and provide dignified food access. We currently rescue over 85,000 pounds of surplus perishable food per month from 21 local grocery stores and wholesalers. About 75% of this healthy food is delivered to 35 community-serving partner organizations, and the remainder is provided directly to community members through 120+ weekly Rescued Food Box home deliveries and a pay-what-you-feel Rescued Food Market that serves 130+ people per week.
Jay Lundgren – Vice President, Philanthrophy, Marketing & Communications
Jay is a marketing and business development expert with 23 years of experience in the private sector, mainly with marketing agencies. Throughout his career, Jay has worked with numerous large brands worldwide, including Mack Trucks, Silver Hills, Organika, Bench Accounting and Playstation.
Born and raised in White Rock, BC, Jay graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Jay has been involved in multiple Charitable organizations including Wagner Hills Farm, Rick Hansen Foundation, Canadian Cancer Foundation and the Skidmore Foundation. As an experienced emcee, Jay has hosted over 20 charity fundraiser events.
Recently, Jay began working with Habitat For Humanity of Greater Vancouver as Vice President of Philanthropy, Marketing and Communications. In this role, Jay oversees fundraising, marketing and communications efforts for the organization.
Outside of work, Jay is an avid basketball coach at the high school and club levels. He is a big sports fan, particularly of the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Blue Jays. Jay also enjoys spending time with his family, which includes four children between the ages of 7 and 14.
Mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is one of 48 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Canada and among more than 3000 affiliates around the world.
Habitat for Humanity is an inclusive, non-profit, non-government organization. Through volunteer labour and donations of money and materials, Habitat works with families in need to build safe, decent and affordable housing. Our Core Values are: Housing for All, Humanity & Dignity, Partnership and Inclusiveness.
ISSofBC are a non-profit organization that serves the settlement and integration needs of immigrants, refugees and new Canadians from all over the world. Since 1972, ISS of BC have been providing a variety of support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through our dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners, we provide settlement, education and employment services for over 25,000 clients every year.
With a Bachelor of Education in Social studies and English from the University of Alberta, a Master of Development Practice with a specialization in Local Economic Development from the University of Waterloo, and a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University, Scott has dedicated his career to education, climate action, and building high-performing teams. Drawing from his previous experiences as an educator in Canada and the Middle East and as Director for the United Nations Association in Canada, Scott continues to further his understanding and application of best practices around behavioural science, experiential education pedagogy, and impact measurement at Ocean Wise.
Scott’s passion for the environment goes beyond his professional life as he’s spent way too much time on his bike meandering around Vancouver, managing his house plants, and mapping out the next back country hike.
Ocean Wise’s Youth programs inspire and empower youth to take actions that will help protect and restore our oceans. Leading the Ocean Wise Youth team since 2019, Scott has spent his career seeking solutions to the complex environmental challenges of our present and future and believes empowering young people is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Ocean Wise’s Youth initiative transforms the latest conservation research and solutions from Ocean Wise’s other initiatives (Fisheries and Seafood, Ocean Free Plastics, Whales, Seaforestation and Changing Arctic), to create a wide range of student-centered and inquiry-based programs that allow young people to design their own solutions to the challenges we collectively face.
Ocean Wise Youth has grown to reach over 500,000 people per year, with approximately 75% of youth reporting an increase in awareness, and commitment to behaviour change, after their engagement with Ocean Wise. Scott and the team partner with like-minded organizations to reach new audiences and offer an “ocean lens” to other organizations’ work.
Sharon Kular – Director of External and Mentor for She Connects.
Sharon has the opportunity to build meaningful connections with young females and share her experience to support and guide mentees through a pivotal stage in life. Sharon is a new graduate from Simon Fraser University with a major in Health Science and a minor in Gerontology. Sharon is passionate about helping others, mental health, self-love and women empowerment. She aims to support girls in her community to understand the importance of mental health and help radiate confidence within themselves.
She Connects is a non-profit organization that provides virtual/online mentorship to young women. Our main goal is to connect young women in high school with women mentors in their 20s, to foster thought-exchange, dialogues, and trusting relationships. She Connects provides a safe space for youth and allows them to speak to a mentor directly about anything they might need guidance or support on. Our mentors support mentees with the appropriate resources and tools for success and resiliency. With this mentorship program, we strive to uplift women and empower them to be the driving force in their own lives. She Connects started in 2019, and in 2021, we received an award from the United Nations Association for excellence in contributing towards the development of youth and the betterment of humanity. Our vision is to continuously build a nationwide community of young women who feel supported and empowered by our mentorship network. We aren’t afraid to try new ideas, and leverage our young organization’s structure to elevate our growth to build more relationships nationwide.
Ida Wang – Shelter Movers Vancouver’s Chapter Director
Ida is Shelter Movers Vancouver’s Chapter Director, which means that she supports various departments in day-to-day operations, capacity building, and sustainability planning. Besides local accountability, she also works collaboratively with national Functional Directors to comply with national standards and achieve annual targets. Ida joined Shelter Movers in 2021 after 6 years of work with various nonprofits and has experience in HR, management, and social housing. Shelter Movers is Ida’s 22nd job! Reach out to Ida with general inquiries at [email protected]
Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. Established in October 2018, the Vancouver chapter has over 250 amazing volunteers, many of which have been on board since the beginning and are growing every day. We have an incredible team and a great network of corporate and community partners, supporting more than 60 referring agencies across the Lower Mainland. Together, we ensure an immediate and lasting impact on survivors in the community.
UNAC-V aims to inform, inspire and engage with people in Metro Vancouver through local partnerships, to accomplish the vital work of the UN. Some of the many issues UNAC-V addresses, include poverty, gender inequalities, human rights, cross-cultural understanding, environmental degradation and threats to peace and security. This is all brought together under the umbrella of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our affairs are guided by our volunteer Board of Directors, who are responsible for advising local policy decisions, planning and implementing activities, and the management of general branch operations.
FORMER DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
George is as Canadian former United Nations staff member who worked for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in a number of peacekeeping and other UN operational areas from 1996-2011. His work took him to Angola, Iraq (the Oil-for-Food Program), Pakistan (with UNICEF), Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Liberia. George has a MA in Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development in York U, UK.
George started his career in the BBC Africa service and the CBC (As it Happens). As a journalist and producer, he travelled frequently to some of the world’s worst trouble spots, including Ethiopia and Somalia. He also worked for CIDA and CARE Canada in Ottawa and Africa (Kenia and Zimbabwe) in communications and fundraising programming. He is currently an honorary member and past-President of the Vancouver Board of the UN Association in Canada (UNAC) and was on the board of MOSAIC, a Vancouver-based immigrant service organization, from 2015-2021.
Rosio was born in Peru and now, lives in Vancouver. She is a nutritionist and keen amateur photographer; She has worked with the UN World Food Program (WFP) for more than 20 years in humanitarian and emergency programs in Africa (Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Sudan, Ethiopia and Liberia) and the Middle East (Iraq) as well as South Asia (Pakistan and Afghanistan). She has studied nutrition in Peru and Germany and has an MSc in Human Nutrition from the Federal University of Rio da Janeiro, Brazil.
In 2013 Rosio started the “Educate Girls Network” (EGN) – initiative to sponsor girl students from underprivileged rural families in Liberia, West Africa to complete their higher education and become educators (www.educategirlsnetwork.org). This initiative was created based on the challenges facing African girls who want a higher education. From 2011 to 2017 Rosio worked as a food service supervisor with Fraser Health. Currently she is doing a volunteer job as mentor with MOSAIC Workplace Connections Program in Vancouver, supporting new immigrants and refugees in BC,. Rosio also volunteers with the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC), Vancouver branch.
Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way British Columbia
Michael McKnight is a noted leader in the not-for-profit community and has dedicated his career to community service. As President and CEO of United Way British Columbia, Michael has led the organization in implementing an impact agenda focused on creating a healthy caring, and inclusive community. During this time, United Way has raised more than $500M to support services in British Columbia.
In 2021, Michael successfully led the amalgamation of six United Ways to form United Way British Columbia – the largest amalgamation in United Way’s history. United Way British Columbia proudly works with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland, and Central & Northern Vancouver Island, strengthening vital connections and supporting the delivery of social services to people in need.
In addition to his work with United Way, Michael has also been a director on numerous charitable organizations including having held the Vice Chair of the YMCA of Burlington-Hamilton and is co-chair of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, which presents the world’s largest annual offshore fireworks competition.
Michael’s education has focused on social responsibility – with undergraduate degrees in social work and communications from Carlton and York Universities as well as a Masters of Management from McGill in Non Profit Management. He is also a certified corporate director.
Michael is proud to have raised his family in Ontario and British Columbia and made a difference in both communities.
As of July 1, 2021, six United Ways across the province have joined together to become United Way British Columbia – one organization, united to ensure communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland, and Central & Northern Vancouver Island thrive.
More than ever before, BC communities need help addressing critical social issues. As a unified provincial organization we have consolidated our resources to respond to urgent needs in real-time in order to drive positive, lasting change in our local communities.
The unified organization serves over 4 million British Columbians, delivering resources and support to the people who need it most. Our areas of focus include Urgent Response, Children & Youth, Seniors, Poverty, Mental Health, and Food Security.
Nina Krieger – Executive Director
Nina Krieger is the Executive Director, and formerly the Education Director and Curator, of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. Before joining the VHEC, Krieger developed educational initiatives at the Contemporary Art Gallery (Vancouver), the London Consortium Summer School at Tate Modern (London) and Artangel (London). She holds an honours degree in history from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Research degree in humanities & cultural studies from the London Consortium, a multi-disciplinary graduate program of the University of London, the Architectural Association, the Institute of Contemporary Arts and Tate. Nina is a member of the Canadian delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, past chair of the Memorials and Museums Working Group and current deputy chair of an IHRA project to develop recommended teaching guidelines on the persecution and genocide of the Roma.
The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC) is Western Canada’s leading Holocaust museum, dedicated to the promotion of social justice and human rights. The VHEC engages more than 25,000 students each year with its teaching exhibitions and school programs, while providing educators with tools and opportunities to explore the history of the Holocaust within the framework of the provincial curriculum. The VHEC is the lead delivery organization in British Columbia for Holocaust commemorative programs, and maintains a museum collection and archives, Holocaust survivor testimony project, library, rare and special book collection, and resource centre.
