FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sophia (she/her) is the Founder & Executive Director of Threading Change, a youth-led ethical fashion organization working at the intersections of climate, gender, and racial justice in alignment with the necessary transition to a circular economy. As a dedicated climate justice change maker, Sophia has worked for over a dozen environmental organizations ranging from federal government agencies (Parks Canada, Natural Resources Canada), NGOs (Canopy Planet, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Prince’s Trust Canada), industry (CNRL), and academia (UBC, SFU). Sophia is the recipient of the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Leadership Award in 2022, Corporate Knights’ Canada’s Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders in 2021, Starfish Canada’s Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalists award in 2017 and 2018, has attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 24 & 25) twice as a British Columbian Youth Delegate, and DJs as ‘KALEIDO’ in her spare time.

AFRICA RESEARCH LEAD

Barbra (she/her) is an environmental and climate activist. She has been actively involved in environmental conservation, climate justice, and fossil-free campaigns to advocate for better policies and sustainable practices. She is the Research Lead for the Africa Regional Coordination team at Threading Change. She is a community trainer and climate educator. She expresses her passion for addressing the climate crisis through training youth groups, initiatives, and organizations on climate change, its spill-over issues, and ways in which they can be more resilient and adaptable in the climate crisis. Barbra is also the founder of the Last Shade Initiative, which focuses on creating awareness of environmental conservation and climate change and increasing resilience in the local communities through behavior modification.

BOARD MEMBER

Puninda (she/her) is a climate justice advocate and consultant specializing in sustainability strategy development and implementation. Previously, she worked in sustainable investing in the commercial real estate sector, where she led portfolio-wide initiatives focused on climate resilience and sustainability reporting. Puninda holds a Bachelor of Environment and Business from the University of Waterloo. She is active in her local community as a member of the Global Shapers Community and as an organizer with Climate Justice Peel. Puninda has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 30 under 30 sustainability leaders and as a Clean50 honouree.

AFRICA REGIONAL COORDINATOR

Chemitei (she/her) is an Environmental Planning and Management graduate with a passion for sustainable fashion and landscape restoration. She is a climate and social justice activist from Kenya, and also advocates for mental health and body positivity. Her interest in fashion started when she was young watching runway shows and design competitions.

Chemitei's commitment to sustainability began in 2017 when she watched the True Cost movie and even went ahead to contest for Miss Environment in her home county Elgeyo Marakwet and won. She expresses her love for fashion and the environment through actively volunteering in environmental organizations such as Greenpeace and GLFx Nairobi, and learning how she can impact change in her community. She incorporates her love for crochet in upcycling projects and loves storytelling through writing

COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Luiza (she/her), a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia with a major in International Relations and a minor in Law & Society, is driven by a passion for intercultural communication, aiming to facilitate collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.

Her expertise in international development was cultivated during her experiences living in South Korea, Mexico, France, Brazil, and Canada. Fluent in Portuguese, French, Spanish, and English, Luiza strategically leverages her language skills to bridge knowledge gaps.

At COP28, she aims to further facilitate open communication and cooperation on a global scale. She aspires to advance her professional journey, focusing on corporate social responsibility and ESG practices.

VANCOUVER CHAPTER VOLUNTEER

Aish Mann, an economist and writer turned environmental advocate, brings a wealth of diverse experience to the realm of sustainability. Currently mastering Green Business and Sustainability Management at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, she is at the forefront of youth-led environmental initiatives, championing engagement and education.

Passionate about a circular economy and clean technology, Aish's work with TC reflects her commitment to social and environmental justice. At COP28, she will focus on amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for equitable environmental policy.

Aish's multifaceted background, from Kuala Lumpur roots to academic and activist pursuits in British Columbia, fuels her dedication to a sustainable future.