Akutaq studies Sociology at the University of Calgary. She continues to speed skate by training through the Elite Olympic Oval Program. She currently holds all of Nunavut’s women’s records and an Arctic Winter Games record in the 500m, where she also won gold in all four distances. In 2024, Akutaq worked with Ilitasiniq where she created a program connecting children to Inuit culture through culture-based activities through a summer day camp. Through this program, she hopes the children gain skills, confidence, and connection to their Inuit culture. Akutaq caught her first goose this spring, and this summer, her goal is to pilak (butcher) and clean an entire natsiq qisik (sealskin) on her own.

Cadena is currently pursuing her BA in law and society at the University of Calgary, situated on Treaty Seven territory. Passionate about fostering a sense of community and belonging, she actively engages with various initiatives both on and off campus. As a dedicated member of the Indigenous Student Circle (ISC), Cadena serves as the co-director of communications. In this role, she works within the circle to help create inclusive spaces and organize events that cater to the unique needs of Indigenous students, aiming to make them feel at “home away from home.” In addition to her commitments with the ISC, Cadena remains connected to her community in other ways, from organizing a basketball tournament for youth in her First Nation during the winter-term break to her involvement with the 7 Nation Ikwe (women’s) group.

While studying neuroscience in the integrated science program at the University of British Columbia, Kaitlyn has been involved in the Science Undergraduate Society advocating for comprehensive reforms that prioritize accessible mental health services for students within her faculty. She is the volunteer lead for her campus food bank and organizes activities promoting food security for students and staff. Kaitlyn is currently working as an undergraduate researcher at the Centre for Brain Health, exploring the contributions of epigenetic mechanisms to various neurodegenerative disorders, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease.

Pursuing a B.Sc. in Astrophysics, Zaneb volunteers at the university’s Rothney Astrophysical Observatory and public library to nurture children’s interest in STEM. Alongside their honours studies in the Arts and Science Honours (ASHA) program, they joined the student association for the program as a junior executive member. Additionally, Zaneb volunteered as a peer-support facilitator with the domestic abuse-prevention organization Sagesse and is currently interning with Women’s Shelters Canada, researching technology-facilitated gender-based violence across Canada.