Katie is studying chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo. She co-leads a team focused on redesigning a carbon-capture prototype and is the equity, diversity and inclusivity co-commissioner for the university’s engineering society, where she plans events, creates educational materials, and works to make existing initiatives more accessible. Katie is a member of both the Nunavut climate change youth advisory committee and a student group working to create an online tool that connects youth in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region with local climate action opportunities. She has worked at Environment and Climate Change Canada, where she supported the management of funding programs for projects reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In her free time, Katie enjoys rock climbing, writing, listening to music, and spending time outdoors.

Akutaq is a University of Calgary student, pursuing a concurrent sociology and education degree program. She is an active speed skater, training through the Elite Olympic Oval program and holding all of Nunavut’s women’s records. In addition, she holds an Arctic Winter Games record in the 500m, where she also won gold in all four distances. Akutaq hosts a program for Indigenous children in Calgary, teaching the essentials of speed skating and allowing children to experience the Olympic Oval.

Campus ambassador, cross-country runner, and an environmental studies student, Anna is known on campus for her many roles, for being a community-engaged learner, and for her ability to converse with everyone she meets. Anna’s network spans the globe thanks to the many and varied conversations she has, and a semester on exchange in Tasmania, Australia. At the University of Tasmania, she had the opportunity to learn about oceans, geoheritage, and Antarctica, while also exploring and having adventures with new friends. Anna’s passion for the outdoors and community never falters. Whether hanging out in her hammock on campus, building fires with Scouts, or coaching kids on the ski trail, she always has a smile on her face regardless of the weather.