Our volunteers are 18-30 years old, active and interested in water and climate change, education, community engagement. They're committed to work on reconciliation and support UNITY.
Meet the Team!
Alara Cohen
I am a student of geoscience and sustainability at the University of the Fraser Valley in BC, Canada. I realized a couple of years ago that I wanted to make a positive mark on the world and help make it a brighter place for the next generation. Since then, every day feels like it has purpose, and life has never been better! I enjoy fitness, video games, dungeons and dragons, and hosting events like tree planting and clothing repair fairs (they help me work on my hopeless style). I am very happy to be working with Waterlution on the Youth Advisory Board, meeting like minded people is invigorating, and I can't wait to see what we can make happen!
Annika Mazzarella
Annika was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada on the traditional
territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. When not studying or
travelling abroad, Annika can be found outdoors either facilitating nature camp; hiking;
and/or swimming in and around the Great Lakes. In both her ocean activism and
museum studies, she enjoys exploring the complex connection between nature and
culture through academic research and scholarship; relationship building; and
environmental education. Her water-related youth roles include: being a 2022 Ocean
Wise Ambassador; representing UNA-Canada at IMPAC5; and participating in the
CaNOE Currents program. As a 2023 YAB Member, Annika is excited to share her vast
experiences; cultural knowledge and understanding; and love of water with elementary
school-aged children across Turtle Island (Canada).
Chloe Helland-Booth
Chloe (she/her) grew up in Edmonton, Alberta (Amiskwacîwâskahikan) on Treaty 6 land, a traditional gathering place for Cree, Blackfoot, MéAs, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/ Saulteaux/Anishinaabe and Inuit peoples. Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Chloe developed a passion for all things related to the environment, turning into a passion for environmental conservation and education. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Environmental Science, specialising in conservation and ecology. In her spare Ame, she loves to cook, spend Ame with her dog and partner and is currently working on digital environmental education programs for youth. Chloe is thrilled to be a part of the Youth Advisory Board for Waterlution and looks forward to the positive impact she can help make.
Harveer (Harvy) Singh Takhar
Harveer (Harvy) Singh Takhar was born and raised in Delta, BC where he played hockey,
soccer, and attended school. Harvy completed his undergraduate studies at the University of
British Columbia in the department of Mechanical Engineering. Harvy works as a municipal
engineer and has a keen interest in green engineering and sustainable development. As a
municipal engineer, Harvy is involved with the City’s water, sewer, stormwater, flood
protection, and green infrastructure. He is also involved with the living dike pilot project.
Harvy’;s passion for green infrastructure was ignited through the British Columbia Institute of
Technology’s part time Masters of Applied Sciences program. While researching sustainable
solutions, Harvy came across an opportunity to quantify the benefits of applying effective green engineering solutions to roofs. The research and demonstration project has been publicly constructed at the Helena Gutteridge Plaza at the City of Vancouver City Hall and data was reported on for Harvy to obtain his Masters of Applied Sciences. Harvy is currently working on his Master of Business Administration part time. Harvy strongly believes in implementing sustainable engineering solutions for water quality, conservation, and availability purposes.
Kayla Foudy
Kayla is currently pursuing a biology degree at the University of British Columbia, moving to Canada from Malaysia in 2021. She is currently living in Vancouver, BC on the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Kayla is passionate about environmental conservation and sustainable food systems, engaging in community-led projects to fight food insecurity. She plans to have a career in the environmental field, either in conservation research or pursuing further education to work in policy and law. In her freetime, she loves to play music, cook, and enjoy the outdoors.
Lauren Hill
Lauren is from Ottawa, Ontario on the unceded lands of the Anishinaabe Algonquin nations. Growing up by the Ottawa River and spending summers at Sandbanks Provincial Park on Lake Ontario, for her, water holds nostalgic memories of childhood. Currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in Environment at McGill University, she is passionate about sustainability and learning about the interactions between humans and the environment in the context of climate change. Lauren is excited to be a part of UNITY, where she can tap into her creativity and combine her passion for the environment with activism and community development. You can usually find her playing sports, reading or taking nature photos on a long walk.
Rabia Durrani
Rabia Durrani is currently studying at Wilfrid Laurier University and is actively involved in her local community. Her passion for social advocacy and volunteerism inspired her to join the YAB Team. In her free time, she enjoys camping, reading books, writing, photography, and anything Star Wars.
Ryan Grabarczyk
Hello, my name is Ryan Grabarczyk. I was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan on Treaty 4 territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. I am a proud member of Métis Nation Saskatchewan. I am currently a student at the University of Regina studying psychology and economics. I have a strong passion and connection to agriculture, and I currently sit on the Grain Expo committee for Agribition. I know the importance of water in agriculture, and the prairie environment, but I am excited to learn from my Waterlution peers about the importance of water in their communities.
Salma Khalaf
Salma Khalaf is a recent graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations & Affairs from Earlham College, in the United States. Salma has a passion for topics related to climate, social, and economic justice. As the previous leader of five different clubs on campus, including Math Club, Global Females in STEM Club, and Model United Nations Club, Salma has gained the skills and knowledge to found and lead two non-profit organizations.
Salma is the founder of Girl Up Palestine, which is one chapter among 192 Girl Up chapters worldwide. Girl Up is an initiative funded by the United Nations that advocates for girls through education, leadership, and advocacy. She is also the founder of Seekers for Youth, an organization that aims to empower Arab youths through entrepreneurship and professional development.
Salma currently resides in London, Ontario, which is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Attawandaron (Neutral), and Lenape Indigenous peoples. Salma is a member of the youth council of the Canadian Member of Parliament Arielle Kayabaga for London West. As a Global Citizen, she has participated in initiatives that have positive impacts not only nationally but also internationally. She is the recipient of the Platinum Jubilee Pin in Honour of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2, awarded to her as a recognition of her efforts and contribution to the community by the Canadian Member of Parliament - Lindsay Mathyssen. Salma aspires to become a Canadian Diplomat and a worldwide advocate for peace.
Saurabh Chaudhari
Saurabh is currently residing on the traditional territory of many nations including the
Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. He moved to Canada from India in 2021. He served as an intern at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), where he worked on projects related to water management and environmental education. He completed his education in India, he graduated with Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering but, he then pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Tribal Development Management from National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. During his time in India, he collaborated with organizations working with indigenous communities and environmental work, and he continues to work with them remotely. He maintains a profound connection with the natural world, as he is an individual belonging to an indigenous community in India whose traditional beliefs and practices are intimately interwoven with the natural environment. Working with Waterlution will give him a chance to understand the water context culture of indigenous communities in Canada.
Sissy He
Sissy He is a second-year Software Engineering student at the University of Waterloo. She is very passionate about coding and mathematics, especially coding for social goods. She has a lot of coding experience related to the environment and education. She was a participant in the Youth Summit and a member of the Youth Council in the environmental conservation organization Ontario Nature. Her team has drawn the community’s attention to the water quality issue in First Nations’ residential areas and convinced the community to approve their charity event Run4Water to educate the public and raise money for First Nations. As a member of the Youth Council, she learned that even a small change like making people notice an issue they ignored matters for defending the rights of Indigenous people. Through the experience, she realized a single person may have limited impact, but a group of people can make a change to what they think needs to be improved.
Sophie Thomas
Sophie’s (she/her) connection to water was first fostered through summer camp canoe trips on Wahwashkesh Lake which recedes on the Robinson Huron Treaty territory. The time she spent outdoors as a child taught her the value of water and the importance of it in our lives. She is currently pursuing a degree in Knowledge Integration at the University of Waterloo (situated on the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples) with a focus on computing, philosophy, and urban sustainability. She’s passionate about harnessing interdisciplinary problem-solving and collaboration to tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation. In her free time, you can find her canoeing, reading in a hammock, or journaling.
Tasso Hu
Tasso discovered her passion for nature and sustainability amid the stunning landscapes of Vancouver. She graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a Bachelor of Urban Forestry. She is now pursuing a Master of Natural Resource Conservation starting in Sep 2023. She serves as a Sustainability Ambassador at UBC, promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness of environmental issues on campus. Besides her academic pursuits, Tasso plays a crucial role in the organisational planning of a groundbreaking startup. This enterprise focuses on fostering connections among sexual minorities in China through social media. Tasso is eager to learn about the challenges faced by global communities. As a YAB volunteer, she is excited to apply her diverse skills and steadfast commitment to sustainability.
Tim Turriff
Tim Turriff (he/him) is a white-coded Mohawk and European man from Belleville, Ontario. Naturally drawn to the outdoors, Tim completed his undergraduate degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism at Lakehead University with a minor in Geography. Following his undergrad, he was inspired to continue learning about how communities and rights-holders are central to successful environmental conservation efforts. He is currently in the final months of a double Masters program offered by the University of New Brunswick (Masters of Environmental Management) and Bangor University in Wales, UK (Masters of Science in Conservation & Land Management). Tim has focused on water issues at various points throughout his studies and is now writing his dissertation on how land use change may influence flooding in the Greater Toronto Area using hydrological models and simulations. Following his studies, he is looking forward to beginning his professional career as a clean energy engagement specialist in the public sector. His first encounter with Waterlution was last year when he was a participant in WIL Atlantic 2022.
Vanessa Nichols
Vanessa Nichols was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario and has a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Vanessa is a recent graduate from McGill University with a Master’s of Science in Public Health and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Medical Science in One Health. She is currently working as an epidemiologist with the Antimocrobial Resistance (AMR) task-force to assess the burden of AMR in environmental reservoirs (air, water, soil) and the associated risks this poses for human health.
Aislyn Sax
Aislyn has been passionate about conservation for years which pushed her to attend law school and focus on environmental law. She currently resides on the territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of the Odawa, Ojibway, and Potawatomi (Windsor) for school. She has been especially interested in oceans and the sea life inside and how warming and microplastic is affecting the oceans and human health. Aislyn enjoys working with kids and has been involved with program and workshop development since she started going to summer camps at 11. She wants to continue learning and advocating for indigenous legal orders within her future practice. Outside of work you can find her quoting her favourite sitcom characters.
meet the project lead
Laurence Ethier
Project Lead - Youth Programs
Have more questions? Reach out to laurence.ethier@
WATERLUTION STATEMENT
Waterlution designs water-centric projects that offer creative water-focused public engagement and education opportunities and give youth multiple opportunities to receive training, develop transferable skills and gain leadership experience/innovate by designing multidisciplinary and creative approaches to water awareness. Our organizational values are Respect, Lifelong learning, Inclusiveness, Kindness, and Empathy, Youth Advisors will need to share these values to be part of the volunteer team.
Waterlution welcomes and values diversity and diverse knowledge and perspective. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, this includes Indigenous People, members of a visible minority group, women, LGBTQ2S+ and individuals who face accessibility issues.
This project is partially funded
by the Canadian Government