Global Citizenship Education and Public Engagement Webinar

Rae Jardine is a dynamic community organizer, activist, facilitator, and consultant. She has worked in social justice, human rights, health, meaningful youth engagement, and gender equity spaces for over 7 years. Rae currently serves as the Founder and Executive Director of SRHR Hubs, a loud and proud youth-led organization for sexual and reproductive health and rights. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Rights from St. Thomas University and a Master of Arts in Global Development Studies from Queen’s University. She has continued her education, training as a Sex Educator, Full Spectrum Doula, and certifying in Perinatal Mental Health, and is currently working towards a Social Service Worker designation.

Brennan is a researcher, project manager, and volunteer coordinator with a passion for youth-led climate justice advocacy and climate policy. Brennan works as a Policy Analyst for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Policy Priorities Division. Outside of work, he co-leads the youth Climate Change Branch of the BC Council for International Cooperation, which empowers young people to build skills for climate careers and advocate for equitable climate action through hands-on research, communications, and climate conference delegations. At university, Brennan led efforts with student club SFU350 to successfully mobilize SFU to commit to fossil fuel divestment and declare a climate emergency.

Brianne Meikle Communications Lead at the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation Brianne has supported local and international organizations working towards social justice and sustainability for almost a decade in the areas of communications, community engagement, project management, research, and policy analysis. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in both International Development and Anthropology and a Master of Environmental Studies. Through her role as Communications Lead at BCCIC, Brianne works to understand, amplify and connect knowledge and expertise that exists around the world with the goal of informing, increasing the capacity of, and mobilizing folks in and beyond BC’s international development sector to bring about a better world. She does this through developing partnerships, connecting members, leading public engagement projects, curating digital initiatives, and contributing to BCCIC’s wider programming.

Pragya Tikku (she/her) is the Community Engagement and Gender Equality Specialist at the Ontario Council for International Cooperation. Prior to this, she was working with UN Women as a Consultant for Inter-Governmental processes, Humanitarian Action, Women, Peace & Security. She holds a Masters’ in Public Policy from McGill University, where she worked on her capstone project exploring gender and climate change and worked part-time as a Research Assistant for the Research Network on Women, Peace and Security. Leveraging her educational background and work experience, her interest and expertise lies in the development and policy issues relating to women and children, especially gender equality, women’s empowerment, child rights, women/children peace and security.

Rajaa Berry is a dynamic business student at the University of Windsor, specializing in finance. Recognizing the paramount importance of activism and advocacy, she has made significant contributions to various organizations. Rajaa is not only a member of Amnesty International’s National Youth Action and Advisory Committee, where she passionately advocates for human rights and participates in climate justice campaigns, but she is also an integral part of the OCIC Youth Policy Makers Hub. Rajaa is the visionary founder of the University of Windsor Environmental Policy Association. Through this platform, she rallies like-minded individuals, raises awareness about pressing environmental issues, and actively drives positive change on campus. Her commitment to preserving and protecting marine ecosystems is exemplified by her role as a Great Lakes Ocean Wise Ambassador and her participation in the Waterlution Water Innovation Lab. In addition to her existing impactful roles, Rajaa is a vital member of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, further amplifying her dedication to ocean conservation.

Lisa brings a decade of diverse experience in non-profits and non-formal education, driven by a fervent dedication to education’s role in global and local development. With a focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals, she advocates for both formal and informal education’s transformative power. Holding degrees in Tourism Management and International Development, along with a Certificate in Adult Learning, Lisa is deeply committed to gender equality. Outside work, she finds joy in reading, board games, volunteering, and exploring the world, having lived in multiple countries and visited 14 others.

Connecting people, experience and knowledge is Tracey’s passion. She is constantly listening, learning and reflecting on the world around her. Her career path has included working with Canadian and international educational and community development organizations, in Southern Africa and northern Canada. Prior to joining NCGC in 2014, Tracey worked with the Yukon Human Rights Commission and Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto (OISE).

Informed largely by principles of relationships and respect, Athulya has developed a deep commitment to linking inner transformation with social change. Athulya finds purpose in searching for alternative pathways to address the barriers faced by those who have been systematically exploited by global systems. She is grateful to hold a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa as well as to continue unlearning and critically reflecting on those teachings.