About Us
We are committed to being a youth-led, youth-serving organization. This means all of our staff are 30 and under, and we maintain that 50% of our board members are youth.
Our team acts as a support system for the youth-led climate movement and is here to scale, amplify, and empower our network.
Our Values
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![Two youth outdoors]()
We are youth-led, youth-serving - always.
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![Youth individual looking across at view of large mountain]()
We are working towards an equitable and accessible future.
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![Youth person in colourful outfit, smiling]()
We are committed to building relationships of trust and mutual respect.
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![Group of 4 youth walking on a sunny path by a body of water]()
We strengthen the movement through responsibility and reciprocity.
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![BIPOC youth individual with eyes closed, laughing]()
We are in a climate crisis, and we act like it.
Our Team
Kat Cadungog
Executive Director
(she/her)
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Kat is in charge of overall strategy and direction of The Youth Harbour, and supports the overall network with scaling and implementing solutions.
Kat (28 years old) has been acting as the Executive Director for FES since late 2020 and officially came into the position in mid-2021. Kat has had her hand in everything FES. She has collaborated with youth across Canada in over 50 Action Projects in remote, rural, and Indigenous communities when she was Sustainability Project Consultant for FES’ 3% Project. She has also worked in FES’ SDGs portfolio, managing the SDGs Launch Program. Despite the hardships brought by COVID-19, she successfully expanded the SDGs Launch program not only in Canada, but to higher education institutions in the USA and now the UK.
Prior to joining FES, Kat has worked on diverse consulting projects from working with an engineering firm to advising local start-up social enterprises wanting to align their strategies with B-Corp principles. She graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce. Kat is passionate about empowering youth to take impactful action on sustainable development, strengthening and amplifying the youth *force* in the Canadian climate movement, and in essence, “getting the sh*t done” for a more inclusive, fair, prosperous, and sustainable future.
Kat grew up and lives in territories of The Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
Julie Dunleavy
Program Manager, The Youth Harbour
(she/her)
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Julie is responsible for all things granting, and leads the general oversight of The Youth Harbour program. Julie provides coaching to applicants, progress meetings with grantees, and manages the Youth Steering Committee.
Julie comes to FES with years of connection, care, and experience in environmental and youth spaces. In Guelph, ON*, she was able to partake in experiential learning programs in the environment as well as business leadership.
In Ottawa, ON*, Julie studied an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Development and Globalization, Minor in Geography. She studied in French Immersion, graduating with a Second Language Certification.
The year 2020 allowed her to take on leadership positions in online workspaces, managing a team of 25 youth conducting nationwide urban research. In 2021, she decided to get her hands in the dirt and plant over 60,000 trees throughout Manitoba and Northern Ontario. She is elated to be coming into this management position while starting a new chapter living in Montréal, QC*.
*Haudenosaunee, Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Mississauga territories
*Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin), Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) and Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ territories
*Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) and Haudenosaunee territories
Kathryn Hoffart
Creative Director
(she/they)
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Kathryn is our “creator extraordinaire,” managing external communications through our social media platforms, website, and newsletter. Kathryn also manages Branding Buddy for The Youth Harbour.
Kathryn Hoffart is a Digital Designer who has a passion for sustainability and systems change. As a graduate from Mount Royal University with a major in Information Design and a minor in Psychology, Kathryn fuses her creative skills and empathy with human-centered design to create user-friendly and innovative solutions.
Kathryn strives to work on projects that create an equitable future and cultivate health and wellness. She has previously used her design skills to improve patient-focused systems and solve complex problems in the health and care sector. Additionally, she takes a role in her community by volunteering for Plastic-Free YYC, a local organization that focuses on inspiring actions that create positive change.
Kathryn believes that through cooperation, passion, and empathy, we all have the power to design a sustainable and equitable future.
When she is not designing, you can likely find her getting creative with plant-based recipes, thrifting unique finds, or getting her rambunctious pet rabbits out of trouble.
Kathryn lives in Calgary, AB | Mohkinstsis | The Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and Treaty 7 Nations.
Jessica LeBlanc
Program Director, N:OW for Net-Zero
(she/her)
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Jess mainly works on the N:OW 4 Net-Zero team and provides some secondary support to The Youth Harbour team. She supports the development of strategy and overall direction of the program.
Jess wears many hats at FES, channeling her passion for youth empowerment, sustainability, and climate action into every endeavor. In managing the SDGs LAB program since 2020, she’s delivered 80+ sustainability training workshops to 4000+ students and educators across Canada, the US, and the UK. She’s been a pivotal figure in expanding the program’s reach and curriculum and raised over $300,000 that has been injected into FES programming to support youth climate action. Currently, she’s building the new N:OW for Net-Zero program from the ground up, to provide educators and students with the resources and funding needed to improve net-zero literacy and reduce GHG emissions in Canadian schools.
Jess studied International Development and Social Entrepreneurship at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Before FES, Jess lived in Costa Rica working in cross-cultural, experiential education programs for youth, underscoring her dedication to creating and facilitating unconventional learning opportunities that empower young changemakers.
Jess lives in Vancouver, BC | xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations
Valerie Ntinu
Engagement Coordinator
(she/her)
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Valerie is a diligent and goal-oriented professional known for her agility, dedication, and sharp focus. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a Master’s in Media, Culture, and Society, fueling her passion for meaningful change. With an unrelenting thirst for justice, Valerie recently migrated to Canada, aiming to introduce climate-determinism concepts from Europe to her new home.
After spending several years in the corporate sector, she chose to pivot toward “for purpose” work, driven by a desire to make a deeper impact. Her career has seen her excel in communications and equity work, where she championed causes close to her heart.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Valerie is the founder of drINKcafe, a not-for-profit initiative offering a creative and safe space for Black and brown non-binary and femme individuals. When not working or advocating for her community, you can find her deeply engrossed in a modern African fictional novel or enjoying the latest episodes of Love is Blind.
Montréal, QC | Tiohtià:ke | Mooniyang
Alicia Richins
Volunteer Office Administrator
(she/they)
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Alicia graciously volunteers her time to oversee the Toronto location of Climate ShareSpace and is responsible for booking rooms, lounge passes, and managing resources.
Alicia is a Sustainable Impact Strategist who fiercely champions climate justice and hopeful futures. With extensive experience in facilitation, sustainability, impact measurement and standards development, she helps forward-thinking organizations to assess, amplify and embed their desired social and environmental impact, using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a guiding framework.
They also serve as Director of Strategy and Governance for Leading Change Canada, an organization focused on activating youth sustainability leadership for the transition to a low carbon economy within a generation.
Alicia is joining FES as the volunteer Office Administrator to the Climate ShareSpace Toronto, supporting and resourcing local climate champions in their important work.
A proud dual citizen since birth of Canada and Trinidad and Tobago, Alicia holds a Master in Environmental Studies, Planning Concentration, and a BA in Economics and Social Science (Honours), both from York University.
Her latest creative project is the Climateverse, a new media project reporting the news from parallel realities where humanity is taking bold action on climate change and social justice.
Toronto, ON Tkaronto | Dish With One Spoon Wampum | Treaty 13 | Anishnabek, Haudenousaunee, Mississaugas of the Credit Nations
Sophia Lindfield
Project Coordinator, N:OW for Net-Zero
(she/her)
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Sophia Lindfield is a climate activist from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq. She is currently working on finishing her BA with a double-major in Environmental Sustainability and Political Science at Dalhousie University. Outside of her studies, Sophia has a background in provincial and federal politics and the environmental non-profit sector. Her passions are climate policy and working to make political and economic systems more accessible and responsive to everyday citizens, especially young people.
These issues were a core part of her last role working as a staffer for the offices of Green MPs Elizabeth May and Mike Morrice through GreenPAC’s Parliamentary Internship for the Environment Program. Through this role, Sophia drafted legislation and led campaigns on ending fossil fuel subsidies, implementing a fossil fuel windfall profit tax, and calling for electoral reform. This experience in federal politics has also helped inform her current position as a member of Nova Scotia’s first provincial Youth Climate Council and their work to bridge the gap between young people and the government.
When she isn’t fighting for the climate, Sophia loves curling up with a good book, cooking delicious vegan food, and writing poetry.
Emily Lau
Operations Coordinator
(she/her)
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Emily is joining the team as Operations Coordinator, supporting the Finance, Strategy, and Operations at FES.
With a background in Environment Studies from the University of Waterloo, Emily has experience in both public and private Sectors conducting community engagement activities to advance sustainability initiatives.
In 2020, Emily led programs to empower and engage over 100 youth volunteers who wanted to make a positive impact for young people while gaining leadership skills and building networks — all during an ongoing global pandemic that created mass uncertainty for youth and the future of work. During this time, she felt invigorated and inspired by the energy and dedication youth had for making the world a better place while finding joy in community. Combining her knowledge and experience in youth leadership, community engagement, and sustainability, Emily spent the last two-plus years organizing programs and events for young professionals working in climate action.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys reading, thrifting, making her friends laugh with hyper-specific memes, and trying new restaurants!
Vancouver, BC | xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations
Alyssa Obrand
Managing Director
(she/her)
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Alyssa supports the team with financial management and administration tasks, and is in charge of everything from payroll, to invoices, and receipts.
Alyssa joined FES in 2021, after finishing her Bachelor of Commerce at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, where she majored in Managing for Sustainability. Now, upon finishing a Masters of Science in Environment, Politics and Society at the University College London in the United Kingdom, she is fulfilling her passion for environmental activism and reimagining the philanthropic sector for youth with FES.
Alyssa has experience working in environmental consulting, green startups, the UK climate politics sector, and is passionate about working in advocacy. From years of working with youth, she has seen first-hand the power and strength of young minds, and believes that her own generation is the greatest force for change. When not plugging away at her spreadsheets, Alyssa is most likely enjoying time outside on her bike, training for a marathon, or swimming.
Alyssa lives in London, UK and Montréal, QC | Tiohtià:ke | Mooniyang
Miranda Podolinsky
Program & Systems Coordinator
(she/her)
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Miranda is responsible for supporting the team with overall event coordination and partnership development. Miranda is the go-to person for all Climate ShareSpace locations.
Miranda is a purpose-driven development professional committed to using the power of education to build an inclusive, just, and resilient world. Completing a Bachelor of Environmental Studies with an Honours in International Development at the University of Waterloo, Miranda brings an intersectional and holistic lens to all of her sustainability work, ensuring those most vulnerable are represented and placed at the center of change-making conversations.
With a constant desire to go beyond and connect globally, Miranda has collaborated with hundreds of diverse individuals, communities, and non-profit organizations around the world. By taking her knowledge to new heights, she successfully coordinated skill development for vulnerable youth in Ukraine, developed gender equality training for women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, and most recently supported a team in Tanzania to promote gender-transformative programming. Motivated by her passions for youth empowerment, gender equality, and climate action, she is eager to inspire and activate post-secondary students to make choices that reflect a sustainable future.
Outside of work, you can find Miranda exploring “off the beaten path” places, experimenting with new recipes, or practicing yoga.
Miranda lives in Vancouver, BC | xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Board of Directors
Anthony Boright
Director
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Anthony has 30+ years of marketing and sales experience in the technology, financial services and consumer packaged goods industries, spending the last 15 years launching and operating start-up companies that helped financial services firms meet their communication and regulatory requirements through digital technologies.
Kyle Boutilier
Director
(he/him)
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Kyle is a recent graduate of the global economics program at the University of Western Ontario with a strong interest in environmental economics and public policy. He currently chairs FES’ Vetting Committee and has served as a director since 2017. Outside of FES, Kyle is heavily involved with Lions Clubs International, a global service organization. From 2018-2019, Kyle was appointed to serve as one of two Leo Lion Board Liaisons, a newly created position to represent young people on the Lions Clubs’ International Board of Directors. He also co-founded the West London Lions Club and the Canadian Young Lions Retreat. In his free time, Kyle enjoys reading, hiking, and serving his local community. He grew up and lives in the unceded traditional territories of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Musqueam, Qayqayt, Tsleil Waututh and Tsawwassen First Nations.
Kathy Falconi
Director
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Kathy Falconi, CPA, is an executive with over 30 years experience in the financial services industry. She has held executive roles in finance, operations and most recently technology at both large and medium-sized organizations. In her most recent roles she has an extensive track record executing successful transformation initiatives, optimizing operational and business performance within the Financial Services sector.
Kathy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Economics from the University of Toronto and is a Chartered Professional Accountants designation from CPA Ontario. She lives in Toronto, is an active volunteer in her neighbourhood and serves as an executive board member for the resident’s association.
Sarah Hanson
Director
(she/her/kwe)
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Sarah Hanson is Anishinaabe from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, currently living and working on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, currently referred to as Thunder Bay. She graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in Biology, which combined with her held Indigenous Knowledge informs her work in climate action, sustainability, and reconciliation.
Prior to finishing her degree at Queen’s University, Sarah participated in an international internship for Indigenous youth where she lived and worked in Guyana, setting up robotics programs in 5 high schools. After returning to Canada, Sarah finished her Biology degree, spent 8 months working as a Junior Environmental Policy Analyst and then transitioned to the non-profit sector working with both educational and climate action organizations.
Sarah currently dedicates her time to organizing the Virtual Youth Leadership Forum on Reconciliation for Experiences Canada, leading capacity building and knowledge sharing efforts for the North American region for Youth4Nature and teaching a policy class for Canadian Roots Exchange. When she gets the chance she spends time reconnecting to her ancestry through beading, ribbon skirt making and learning Anishinaabemowin.
Cyrielle Noël
Director
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Cyrielle Noël is a spatial planner, with an expertise in marine and coastal environments. Being born and raised on the river island of Tiohtiá:ke (Montréal), Cyrielle is described as a soulful thalassophile, who moonlights as a social entrepreneur while also working as a Program Specialist for Ocean Wise. Cyrielle is the founder of Eau-Dacité: a planning studio focused on rehabilitating and reconnecting people to sustainable blue spaces. Cyrielle is a volunteer with Montréal Global Shapers and, in her free time, she enjoys connecting with nature by snowboarding, caving, and fishing.
Tim Ross
Chair
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Tim is a senior lawyer and business advisor with a 25-year track record of building tier-one legal services businesses, as well as helping clients navigate complex corporate finance, restructuring and regulatory matters. His practice is focused on domestic and cross-border M&A, financing and restructuring transactions, as well as the establishment, governance and investment activities of private investment funds.
Prior to joining the team at SkyLaw, Tim spent 14 years as an expat based in London and then Dubai. He served as partner, and in progressive leadership roles at Linklaters, Latham & Watkins, and Bennett Jones. He also spent a year seconded to Credit Suisse in London with its Financial Sponsors Coverage Group. Tim was General Editor of Oxford University Press publication Financial Services Regulation in the Middle East.
Tim can often be found in the great outdoors. He is an enthusiastic hiker and camper, occasional sailor, keen skier, and half-decent golfer and tennis player. Pickleball is a new favourite.
Austin Zacharko
Director
(he/him)
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Austin grew up in Alberta and is a registered E.I.T. with APEGA. He has completed a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta as well as an M.Eng in Sustainable Energy Engineering at Carleton University. With these programs, he has developed a strong understanding for a broad range of topics related to sustainability and climate change.
Austin has gained experience from working in government, academia, consulting, industry, and with NGOs. He currently works with Capital Power as an Energy Management Engineer.
Austin is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta and holds his heritage in high regard. He strives to ensure indigenous ideas and cultures have been represented in all projects he works on. He is an active member of his community where he volunteers for numerous organizations such as the Edmonton Food Bank.
In his free time, Austin enjoys spending time outdoors. This often includes rock climbing, backcountry hiking, multi-day canoe trips, and snowboarding.
Darren Chang
Director
(he/him)
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Darren is currently a Senior Investment Analyst at New Market Funds focusing on the area of affordable housing investment, as well as non-profit and co-operative financing across Canada.
His previous experiences include Financial Institution and Real Estate Audit at KPMG and Private Investment Valuation at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. He is passionate about creating tangible social impact, blending the areas of business, finance, and philanthropy. A graduate from UBC Sauder and a current WEF Global Shaper, Darren can often be seen outside of the office practicing yoga or watering the (hopefully alive) succulents placed sporadically around his home.
Alison Holder
Director
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Alison Holder is Executive Director of Equal Measures 2030 (EM2030), a “global to local” coalition that connects data and evidence with advocacy and action on gender equality, to transform the lives of women and girls. The EM2030 coalition produces a flagship research product (the SDG Gender Index), supports advocates to build data skills and share learning, and uses its collective voice to push gender equality up the global policymaking agenda. Alison has 25 years’ experience in international development and the private sector, including leading policy, advocacy and campaigning work on gender equality, economic justice, and corporate accountability.
Michael Rodger
Director
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Michael Rodger is an experienced, international executive with 30+ years working in both local and global markets. Michael is CEO of Wentworth Corporation, a Canadian import and distribution company which imports products or represents companies to sell to retailers and commercial distributors across North America. Wentworth also provides consulting support to governments or directly to companies to assist in launching or growing their businesses in North America. Michael is also President of Inter-City Watch (ICC), which he and his business partner acquired in 2019, to manufacture analogue and smart wrist-watches and sell to retailers across North America.
Prior to managing Wentworth, Michael was a Director with Accenture LLP providing consulting, transformation, outsourcing and project management services to clients across North America in multiple industries including insurance, retail, utilities, manufacturing and communications. Before Accenture, Michael co-founded and led a firm specializing in global outsourcing helping Canadian firms leverage offshore global resourcing where he ultimately sold his firm to India’s largest engineering company - Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Prior to managing his global sourcing firm, Michael founded Norland Services International (NSI) which is an ongoing consulting practice helping small to medium size companies restructure and either grow or position for sale. Before founding NSI, Michael spent more than sixteen years working with IBM, in Canada, the US and globally in a variety of international roles in in services, operations, sales and marketing in multiple industries, departing as a Vice President.
Michael has a BA in Finance and Administration from University of Western Ontario and management certificates from the Harvard Business Client Program, Thunderbird University and IBM Management Institute. Michael is member of the Canadian Institute of Corporate Directors; the Canadian Centre for Ethics and Corporate Policy; the Canada Company Military Charity; and has had many committee leadership roles as Director and President with the North Rosedale Residents’ Association.
Michael enjoys sports including skiing, cycling, canoeing/kayaking, fly-fishing, cottaging, board work, travel and trying to make Canada and the City of Toronto better places to live. Michael lives with his wonderful and brilliant wife Alexandra Jenkins in downtown Toronto, Canada.
Tristan Surman
Director
(he/him)
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Tristan Surman (he/him) is communications consultant, documentary filmmaker, and law student at McGill University.
Before going to law school, Tristan ran My Media: a communications firm for social impact and sustainability, which helped some of the world’s leading nonprofits and foundations raise millions of dollars and mobilize thousands of people for policy change. During this time, Tristan was proud to be amongst FES’ first-ever grantees and to be named one of Canada’s Top 30 Sustainability Leaders Under 30. In his free time, Tristan loves writing music, reading, and spending time outdoors with great people.
He believes deeply in FES’ mission and strategy, and hopes to bring his experience in Canada’s youth climate movement to the FES board.
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