Agness Banda is a Youth Education Specialist in Lundazi, Zambia. Agness has a degree in primary teaching, with distinction! Agness began working with VIDEA in August 2020 where she has been able to apply the skills and knowledge she gained throughout her studies. She was also a 2021 Spur Change Youth Champion.
Andy Harris (he/him) is VIDEA’s Creative Technician. He studied marketing at Camosun College in Victoria, and became involved with VIDEA after taking part in the annual VIDEA and Camosun collaboration. He is passionate about the preservation, appreciation and recognition of arts and cultural globally and in our communities. Andy is also a big fan of cats.
Bertha Mukonda is VIDEA’s Specialist – Different Abilities and Youth Mental Health. Bertha joined our community through Women for Change in grade 11 and was been a part of VIDEA’s Education Program with VIDEA for 8 years. Bertha is currently pursuing her Masters in Special Education at the University of Zambia. Based in Lusaka, Bertha is a passionate learner, always pursuing new opportunities to engage in global issues. She was one of the delegates at the 65th (and 66th!) United Nations Commission on the Status of Women – you can hear about her experience here!
Brianna Parent Long is Feminist Programme Coordinator at VIDEA. She is passionate about sexual and reproductive health and rights, PSEA, and sex work advocacy, all reinforced by her studies, volunteer experience at AIDS clinics, being a support worker in mental health housing, and being on Digna’s advisory committee. Brianna is currently at Carleton University for her PhD in Political Science with an interest in feminist international relations. Brianna's idea of a perfect Sunday is a cup of Orange Pekoe tea, a big window, and watching her favorite show of the week.
Chantelle Steen is VIDEA’s Creative Resiliency Coordinator. She is a self-taught creator - from beading to sewing - entrepreneur and business owner from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. Chantelle is proud to have built a life for her kids that she didn’t have herself. She wants to be able to share her experiences and skills to help inspire other Indigenous youth.
Cheyenne Kechego works on VIDEA’s Indigenous Wellness Coordinator. She is from Munsee-Delaware First Nation in Ontario where she lives with her 2 year old daughter. Cheyenne aspires to get a PhD in social work one day and hopes to give the children of her community a voice. She is committed to loving herself, healing her inner child, and teaching her daughter to do the same. Cheyenne loves art and music, spending time outside, travelling, and creating new adventures and memories with her daughter.
Chris Singelengele is our Youth Development Specialist and is instrumental in supporting the journey of each and every intern who passes through VIDEA. Chris is passionate about climate change and is a strong advocate for the equality of women and girls. Chris joined VIDEA after many years working as a gender rights activist with Women for Change, focused on supporting gender equality in rural development projects. Chris is a former teacher, head teacher, and youth empowerment professional. Chris is a strong advocate for the rights of vulnerable and under-represented youth.
Tansi! My name is Clairice Tuckanow and I am from the Okanese First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, I am Métis Cree and my pronouns are she/her. I am a mother of three wonderful sons and I spend most of my time navigating through motherhood with lessons that they teach me! Currently, I am an Anti-Racism Coordinator with VIDEA’s Rise-up team, alongside other amazing voices. I am most passionate about learning and listening to stories about my culture and the people I come from, I love to feel inspired by indigenous voices and spaces. I spend lots of my time listening to music and enjoying a new dish or watching a classic Romcom. I am just happy to be here to listen and share!
Tansi, my name is Damon Little and I come from Treaty 6 territory, but more specifically Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. I am a Cree artist and storyteller, primarily within the mediums of oil paint and film/photography. I have been extremely lucky in my life to have been blessed with good teachers and amazing adventures; experiences and people that continue to inspire my art. I have exhibited and sold my work in France and have worked closely with professionals in the film/arts industry around the world. I have learned valuable life lessons working in Uganda with VIDEA as part of an IAYI internship in 2012, and earned lifelong friendships along the way. Currently, I work in the community school of Ahtahakakoop Cree Nation. I am also a freelance videographer/photographer. My goal is to empower the youth and help them find their voice to speak and to be positive influences on an increasingly connected global community.
Danielle Wendehorst is a Gender Justice Leader with the Shared Wisdom Project in Yellowknife, NWT. She is a white settler who grew up on Chief Drygeese Land. Danielle works as a nurse and is passionate about addressing challenges in the community and youth face. She enjoys running, art and trying new things
Danika Deneault-Casey is an Indigenous Wellness Coordinator. She was born in Kamloops and raised by her lovely grandparents, Jane and Anthony Michael. She is a former IAYI intern and now helps facilitate Indigenous Wellness Wednesday. Her hobbies include drawing, reading, collecting cool rocks, and playing with her friend’s dogs.
Deena Watson (she/her) is VIDEA’s Indigenous Governance Officer based on the traditional and unceded lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən People. She is a proud Nêhiyaw, Anishinaabe, and Scottish woman from Mistawasis Nêhiyawak on Treaty 6 territory and Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation on Treaty 4 territory. Deena first joined VIDEA in 2019 as an IAYI intern placed in rural Uganda to gain knowledge around global human rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. She is currently finishing her undergraduate degree majoring in Indigenous Studies at the University of Victoria. Deena’s passions revolve around traditional knowledge, holistic wellness, community building, and supporting the intersectionality theory of Indigenous feminisms that practice decolonization, Indigenous sovereignty, and human rights for all Indigenous women and their families.
Delaney George-Anne Drachenberg is a young Métis activist currently residing in Iqaluit, Nunavut. They are one of VIDEA’s amazing Gender Justice Youth Leaders! Delaney identifies as queer, transgender, and nonbinary, and approach all of their work from an intersectional lens. She also suffers from psychosis and is diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, both of which play a large role in their perspective and work. She is passionate about equity and making spaces safe and accessible for all people
There is a lot of power within a name. I am named after my mom, and my great-grandma: Elizabeth Carol Alexandra Peters and traditional name; Kwikws (sound it out: Kwee-ooo-Kshh), which means small in my language of Ucwalmicwts (idk how to teach that one in a single note bubble 😁) because my grandma Elizabeth was a very small lady (I was taller than her by the age of 8, which can also be true today but we're talking 4'7 yenno?). And with these names I am small yet powerful and deeply loving, I don't need to take up a lot of space in life to make a difference aye ☺️. And I do this Climate Community Justice work in honor of my ancestors who have come before me, the earth that loves me, and the generations to come after me in hopes I keep the life I love intact for them so they have something to work with and a place to call home. Thank you for your time in reading this.
Febby Ngwira is VIDEA’s Youth Education Specialist. Febby, who has been part of VIDEA’s Education Program since junior secondary school (over 10 years!), recently completed a diploma in Early Childhood Education and has plans to pursue a degree in the near future. Febby is enjoying working with interns and learning many new things.
Ferrada (Jacob) Lightning is a Community Climate Justice Coordinator at VIDEA. He is from the Treaty 6 & 7 area in Alberta and currently resides in Calgary AB. He is passionate about Indigenous cultural revival and climate justice action from a Nehiyaw (Cree) and Iyethkabi (Stoney) perspective. Moreover, he is currently finishing his degree in Criminal Justice and works as a helper to his Mosom Rick Lightning to learn the culture and protocol of Nehiyaw ways of being. Ferrada is committed to helping others and is always open minded to learning new things everyday!
Hayden Leo is a Community Climate Justice Coordinator. Hayden joined VIDEA several years ago as a Shared Wisdom Youth Leader, where he worked with like-minded individuals to advocate for Gender Equality. He was later a VIDEA Board member. He currently lives in Campbell River, where he is working in Forestry and exploring Vancouver Island. He comes from a First Nations Band from Mt. Currie, North of Whistler. Hayden is also a coach for the First Nations Snowboard Team – a sport he developed a passion for over many years living in Whistler.
Hillary Ronald (she/her/hers), the Head of Climate Team, is passionate about climate justice and how it intersects with basically everything (and promises to have a podcast to back up all her fun facts). She is a settler on both sides of her family and currently lives and works on lək̓ʷəŋən territory. She has the BEST job working with Indigenous youth and not so secretly hopes to be part of a seaweed farming collective in the future.
Isaac Mbewe is VIDEA’s Logistics Specialist in Lusaka, Zambia. Isaac is passionate about fair trade and justice for all. Before joining our team at VIDEA, Isaac worked as part of the team at Women for Change, advocating for gender equality. A significant part of this role was engaging traditional leaders in Zambia on the role that they can play in implementing gender equity within their territories. During this work, Isaac met all of the traditional leaders while travelling Zambia far and wide. Isaac helps to coordinate our Indigenous Internship programme with a focus on supporting logistics and the safety of interns. Isaac has an extraordinary record of safety and is drawn to open-minded and honest people.
Isabelle Herzig has been part of the VIDEA family for over 10 years! In this time, Isabelle has coordinated a range of VIDEA youth, and other, programming in the Nelson area, most recently working with our youth reconciliation project. Isabelle lives in Ymir with husband Marcus and daughter Fawn. Isabelle shares a love of ballet with Lynn, and they can be seen taking ballet classes together when Lynn is in Nelson, or Isabelle in Victoria! Isabelle is passionate about supporting access to education and opportunities for under-represented youth. This is a photo from the top of Pulpit in Nelson, a hike that Isabelle does often.
Jennifer Dosanj is VIDEA’s Inclusion & Engagement Coordinator. She works to make VIDEA more inclusive and accessible for all youth! Jennifer, who graduated from the University of Victoria in 2010, is passionate about gender equality, human rights, inclusion and disability rights. Jennifer is a passionate self-advocate who wants to inspire others to do the same! She loves outdoor adventures, dancing, listening to Hindi and Punjabi music, and trips to the mall and movie theatre.
Josephine has been engaged with and enthralled by the VIDEA community since 2021 and is now managing two Canada Service Corps projects. After contributing to the creation of the Silence and Stolen Human Trafficking Awareness and Safety in Sex Work: Protecting our Spirit projects. Josie is currently leading two Canada Corps projects in her community! Josie is proud to be a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and currently resides on Treaty 6 Territory in so-called Edmonton. She loves to paint, laugh, write, bike, read, explore, think and surf.
Jukipa Kotierk is VIDEA’s Indigenous Gender Policy & Youth Leadership Manager. They are Inuk, English and Quechuan with ties to Ecuador, and residing in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Inuit Nunaat (Inuit Homelands). With a background in Indigenous Studies, from Trent University, Jukipa looks to bring the intersections of wellness, life promotion, cultural relevancy, and empowerment in their work. They acknowledge that their worth is not defined by how productive current society deems them to be and works to create space for people to honour their capacity, and time while building connections and community for healthier and culturally grounded futures.
Kassidy George is T’souke First Nations and grew up in Sooke, BC. She is a Community Climate Justice Coordinator for T’souke at VIDEA, a non-profit organization based in what is known as Victoria British Columbia. Kassidy is very motivated to help and encourage our youth to use their voices, increase the importance of knowledge provided for climate justice in each community. Her interests include art (drawing, painting, carving) as well as sewing, sailing, cooking, and fishing.
Katie Haworth (she/her) is VIDEA’s Programme Manager and Inclusion Team Lead. She is so grateful to learn and work alongside the VIDEA community. Kate lives on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Wendat, the Anishinabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. She is either reading or talking about books!
Katie May Anawak-Dunford (she/they) is from Iqaluit, Nunavut and is an Inuk artist. They have also done volunteering in Nunavut and around Canada. Katie May is based in Iqaluit and is focused on working with youth in the community.
Katelynne Herchak (she/her), Kate is of mixed ancestry, she is Inuk from Kuujjuaq QC with ties to Rankin Inlet NU and Irish. Kate is VIDEA’s Head of Decolonial Policy, Strategy & Kinship. Kate’s background is in Indigenous Family Support Work and Justice Studies from Royal Roads University where she was awarded the Lt. Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy & Reconciliation. Now, Kate is completing her Masters of Geography at the University of Victoria. In her spare time she is the Co-Host & Creator of the podcast Spilling Labrador Tea Under Cedar Trees, Kate is passionate decolonizing education and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives into spaces to create meaningful relationships and change.
Kayla Watson-McNab. Tansī! (Hello) I am Kayla Watson-McNab and currently 21 years old, from George Gordon First Nation’s located in Treaty 4 territory. I am in my fifth year at the First Nation’s University of Canada, studying Indigenous Studies. A global issue I am interested in is the acknowledgement of bringing home the children, along with being a voice for those who did not make it home from Residential school’s. I am the first generation in my family to not attend these schools, so It is very important to be the voice for those who did not have one, and to speak on the intergenerational trauma Canada has done towards our people. The reason for being a part of this team is to help me grow as a person, and to gain knowledge I am able to use in the future, along with meeting new people!
Lesley Palmer (she/her) is VIDEA’s Programme Director and has been with VIDEA for 15 years! Lesley’s background is in Women’s Studies. She hails from Omemee, Ontario and moved to BC after exploring her 20’s in Halifax-DJ’ing and working in a vegan restaurant. In her time at VIDEA, Lesley has managed both International Youth Internship programmes, as well as Indigenous Youth Internship programmes. Lesley believes that it’s time to re-imagine and re-create the way we live in the world. It’s time to dismantle old systems, to listen, unlearn, learn, and fight for justice. Lesley lives in Victoria, with her jazz-drummer partner Kelby and daughter Juna.
Lili Coyes-Loiselle first joined VIDEA as an IAYI intern in 2020 and is now the Human Resource Program Support. Lili was born and raised in Treaty 6 territory in Edmonton, Alberta and she is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. She recently completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary with a double major in Development Studies and Indigenous Studies. Lili is especially passionate about Indigenous rights, sustainability, gender equality, and the intersections between them all. On a given day, she is likely to be found out hiking, biking, running, or anything else involving the outdoors! Lili is so grateful to be able to work and learn alongside such an incredible team and family at VIDEA.
Lindsey Tipewan is the Creative Engagement Officer at VIDEA and a former IAYI Intern with Women for Change in Zambia. She was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, her home community is Witchekan Lake First Nation, Treaty 6. Lindsey provides important creative support and inspiration across VIDEA programs. A member of the Inclusion & Engagement team, Lindsey co-hosts Creative Spaces of Resiliency, an art-based project, and is involved in our Sex Work Safety project. Lindsey accepts all opportunities to learn - including being a delegate at UN CSW66, and Indigenous Coaching Course. Lindsey loves to draw, have fun, hang out with friends and family, and go on road trips.
Lisa Hernandez is VIDEA’s Head of Operations and all around rational thinker. Lisa, who started as a practicum student in 2011, plays a central role in our day-to-day operations and we couldn’t operate without her. She really is a jack of all trades! Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Intercultural Education Training from the University of Victoria. Lisa is passionate about the achievement of universal human rights, and youth and womens’ empowerment. Lisa is a critical and lateral thinker and has answers when others don’t. The entire team aspires to having Lisa’s calm-headedness and never-ending reserves of patience. Lisa lives in Victoria with her husband, dog and sometimes team member, Rocky, and four adorable children.
Lynn Thornton has been the Executive Director of VIDEA for the past 18 years. Before moving to Canada and taking up this role, Lynn worked at Greenpeace UK, and ActionAid UK. Lynn lives in Victoria, with her partner Kris and an opinionated chocolate lab – Casey. Lynn has two sons – Adan, a pilot who lives in Winnipeg, and Dylan, who recently completed a kinesiology degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Lynn is passionate about working to achieve universal human rights and about actions that empower youth to lead global development. Lynn is the former co-Chair of the of the BC Council for International Cooperation, and a current Board member with the environmental school in Victoria, Oak and Orca Bioregional school. Lynn is an expert in neglecting gardening and household activities in order to read and do ballet.
Michael Songiso is VIDEA’s Climate Change Specialist based in Lusaka, Zambia. Michael is passionate about the deeply interrelated topics of climate change, food security, gender equality and access to education. He is an amazing storyteller and writer, and is currently writing a book that indirectly calls for climate action. Michael has recently been accepted to UBC’s SDG Praxis Institute 2020 Program, the theme of which is Shock, System Change and Agency.
Miranda Yates is VIDEA’s Inclusion & Engagement Officer, focusing on identifying ways to engage differently-abled youth on global issues. She recently graduated from the University of Victoria. Miranda is invested in Indigenous rights, improving living conditions in Indigenous communities, and raising awareness about injustices. She is excited to learn more about global issues and how we can come together to help these issues. Miranda is an athlete who loves cheerleading, baseball, basketball, and wrestling.
Obino Chibilika is an IAYI Local Coordinator in Lundazi, Zambia. Obino facilitates the stay of interns at the house in Lundazi and orients them to their new community and local issues. Obino is passionate about equitable distribution of resources. He is an extraordinary caretaker and adapts well in multicultural environments. Obino always wants to be learning new things.
Patashi Pimms (she/they) is Nlakampux and Yakama and grew up in Lytton, BC. They are a Community Climate Justice Coordinator for TLKemchEEn at VIDEA, a non-profit organization based out of what is known as Victoria, British Columbia. Patashi is very passionate about amplifying Indigenous Youth voices, Indigenous Sovereignty, and Climate Justice. Her interests include photography, videography, web design, kayaking, and sewing.
Rachel Barr is VIDEA’s Head of Youth Opportunities and Leadership – she lives on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen speaking peoples with her dying plants, which she just can’t manage to keep alive. Rachel became part of the VIDEA family in 2015 as an IYIP intern and joined as a staff member in 2018. She is a collaborator on a number of VIDEA programs, including the International Indigenous Youth internships and the Journey from the Heart programming. Rachel feels lucky to work within a local and international context, alongside her friends, colleagues, and partner organizations, who are always teaching her new things about the global issues that connect us all.
Rose Busingye is an IAYI Local Coordinator in Entebbe, Uganda. She is a passionate supporter of Black Lives Matter and integrates this into her work and personal life. She believes strongly in the importance of equality, inclusion and diversity. She wants equal rights to be reached for all women and girls. Rose is an extremely selfless person who wants to see others succeed and achieve their goals. Rose loves being a mentor, and she is a fabulous mentor to many, including VIDEA interns!
My name is Sandra Noel. I reside on the traditional land of the Yellowknife’s Dene First Nation, Chief Drygeese Territory. I am an Inuvialuit beneficiary from Inuvik, NT. I do volunteer work with the Child Welfare League of Canada, and CANFASD. I joined VIDEA after the virtual internship Cohort 3, and am now a part of the RISE UP project. I hope we as a team keep working together, and that we'll help make a difference in the area of anti-racism and discrimination
Sekwanahcahk/Shelby Anderson is an Indigenous person from Northern Alberta. Sekwan is passionate about her community, her environment, and Indigenous ways of knowing. They are currently a Community Climate Justice Coordinator at VIDEA. At work, Sekwan collaborates with others on communications, curriculum creation, and content creation. Shelby enjoys spending time in nature with her family, working in the community, and learning traditional plant knowledge. She has Metis and Cree ancestry from Gift Lake and Wabasca. Shelby always wants to acknowledge her Nookum, Mary Louise Oar, in everything they do.
“Skaydu.û yu xhút duwáasakw Łingít xhanaxh, Autum Jules dlet ka xhanaxh. Axh léelk’w du
tláa Skaydu.û yu duwáasagóon Łingít xhanaxh, ka Graffie Jules dlet ka xhanaxh yóo xhat uwasáa. Dakh’laa shaax I yá xhát. Deisleen Łingít khwán I yá xhát. Dzántik’i Héeni-x' áyá yei xhat yatee yidat. [My Tlingit name is Skaydu.û, and Autum Jules in English. I’m named after my grandma’s mom Skaydu.û in Tlingit and Graffie Jules in English. I am a woman of the eagle clan. I am of the Teslin Tlingit people. I’m living in Juneau right now.]...My dad’s people are Tlingit, Ta'an Kwach'an, Scottish and Irish. My mom's people are Tlingit, Kaska, Mountain Slavey, Plains Cree, and Scottish. I use the pronouns she/her.”
Skaydu.û is currently attending the University of Alaska Southeast majoring in Alaska native languages, with a minor in outdoor leadership and adventure studies. She also attends Simon Fraser University, working towards a language proficiency program certificate. Outside of school, she works with the Genuine Progress Index Atlantic(GPI) with their overseas partners such as the Cambodian Volunteers for Society. She also works with the Children of the Taku Society(COTS) developing and researching Tlingit stories, in order to record them with fluent Tlingit language speakers. She also is a fellow of the Yukon First Nation Climate Action fellowship (The Children of Tomorrow). She also currently sits on the STFX International Coady Institute, Circle of Abundance advisory committee.
Skw’akw’as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore (She/Her) is a Nlakapamux and Yakima youth who grew up in Washington State & Lytton, BC. Sunshine is a Community Climate Justice Coordinator for TLKemchEEn (Lytton) along working at VIDEA Sunshine is also a member of the Youth Advisory Group with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and a Generation Power Intern with Indigenous Clean Energy. Sunshine is passionate about Indigenous and Human Rights, amplifying silenced voices, and spreading awareness on the climate crisis. Some of Sunshine’s interests are photographing, filmmaking, painting, and hiking.
Taleetha Tait is Wet’suwet’en Gitxsan and African-American, born into Tsayu beaver clan. She is a daughter, granddaughter, big sister, niece, and an aunty to many. Taleetha’s journey with VIDEA started as an intern in 2015 and now she is the Manager of Wellness Programs coordinating the international Indigenous internships in Zambia in person and virtually. She also nurtures the holistic well-being of the Indigenous youth who are a part of the VIDEA community. Throughout her career, Taleetha has worked with First Nations Organizations within the areas of early childhood education, youth outreach, and land-based youth camps. Taleetha is a Canada World Youth alumni as well as a BC public service Indigenous youth internship (IYIP) alumni. Taleetha is a proud VIDEA community member who is committed to nurturing the gifts of Indigenous youth and amplifying marginalized voices.
Tea Rosa (they/them) belongs to the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and S'ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) nations, along with Swiss, English, and German roots. Tea has a deep connection with nature, relishing outdoor pursuits like swimming, observing animals and archery, alongside other joys like film-making and capturing meaningful moments. They're a fan of One Piece, enjoy chaotic humour, video games with loved ones, and values meaningful connections.
Tea's current engagements encompass Indigenous-focused initiatives including the CMS Indigenous Youth and Youth Professionals Summit in 2023 and the First Directions 2023 event. They contributed significantly to the year-long 'Protecting Our Spirit: Safety in Sex Work' initiative led by VIDEA. On the academic front, Tea pursued FVAD75 and MKD31 at VFS (2015-2017) and Carpentry Foundations and Forming at BCIT (2022). In essence, Tea is a dynamic blend of diverse interests, dedicated engagements, and continuing passion!
Terrance Scott is a member of T’souke nation, raised in Sooke, and works as a Community Climate Justice Coordinator with VIDEA. Terrance is both fascinated and terrified about the future of our planet and wants to do anything he can to help shape it to be a greener and brighter place for all of us.
My name is Twyla Etchinelle, and I am 32 years old, a "Shutaot’ine" known as "Mountain Dene" from Tulita, Northwest Territories, where I was raised, which is located on Treaty 11 territory, and a proud member of the Tulita Dene Band. Living in Tulita, employed, and working towards my coaching certifications for the youth and community, keeps me busy with starting up new programs for youth and teens, numerous meetings, telephones calls, and emails! I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going out on the land, camping, travelling, cruising, listening to music, gaming - console or laptop and/ or PC, working within the community, volunteering, and so much more. I'm currently taking a break from Business Administration at Grande Prairie Regional College in Grande Prairie, AB, and I will in the future, or not, depending on where this journey will take me, I will go unknowingly and wish for the best. I am happy that I have found VIDEA, their supportive members and staff. I applied for the IAYI intern program which starts in September-November 2022, and because VIDEA recognizes youth leaders, I am employed as a Gender Justice Leader within VIDEA, and it's such a great opportunity!
Veronica Nyirongo is VIDEA's Specialist – Community-Based Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, based in Lusaka, Zambia. Veronica was a 2022 Spur Change Youth Champion and a delegate at the United Nation’s 66th Commission on the Status of Women. Veronica has a Diploma in Art and English .She also holds certificates in Feminist Leadership for Justice, Equity and Ecology, social work certificate, community development certificate and project planning management certificate, life skills, entrepreneurship, ICT, critical thinking and problem solving. Veronica is a mother of two children. Veronica always fight hard to help her community to fight against early marriages, gendered violence, and works towards gender equality and helping young girls by counselling and motivating them.
Ashley is the Communications Director SevGen Consulting Inc. Ashley is also a former IAYI intern, and former Shared Wisdom Leader. SevGenis a multi-disciplinary, 100% Indigenous-owned management consulting firm. They offer innovative and meaningful solutions within an Indigenous context that promote equity, collaboration and inclusion. A social entrepreneur with a strong passion for community development, Ashley Dennehy has lived in Zambia, Fiji, and Costa Rica working with women’s cooperatives and non- profits to advocate for ending violence against women and children. She is currently working with Indigenous communities on various community development initiatives and is starting her own non-profit in animal rescue and protection. Ashley specializes in stakeholder engagement and works with Maskwacis Education Schools Commission in the Superintendent’s Office. She resides in Lacombe, Alberta, and is currently working on her Masters in Education in Sustainability, Creativity, and Innovation.
Astrid Pérez Piñán is a longtime member of the VIDEA community and currently serving her second term on our Board. Astrid is a professor at the UVic School of Public Administration where she combines interdisciplinary research with feminist scholarship to critically explore the tensions between global development agendas and local realities, as well as the changing global development cooperation landscape, including recently adopted feminist policies. Astrid has undertaken joint research with VIDEA, and supported the decolonial feminist delivery of our programmes. Astrid made the trip to Zambia with us to meet with and learn more about our local partners!
Bryan Emery has been with VIDEA since 2016, when he started as an IYIP intern at the recommendation of one of his university professors. He is currently in his second year on the VIDEA Board. Outside of VIDEA, Bryan is a Financial Analyst with the BC Public Service, and enjoys reading when he’s not working. Bryan’s family is split between Canadian settlers and German immigrants, making Bryan a first generation Canadian on his mum’s side. Bryan is passionate about human rights specifically, and politics more generally, which is what drew him to VIDEA in the first place.
Cora grew up in Ontario and now has the privilege of living on the traditional territory of the lək’wəŋən peoples. Cora has been a member of VIDEA for 12 years, and was a key volunteer in helping to set up the current programme in Zambia. Cora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria and has since completed courses in project management, human resources, motivational interviewing, communications and fundraising. Cora began working in the non-profit sector in 2008 and has spent the last 10 years fundraising for organizations and causes she cares about, from global development to the Green Party to education. She currently spends her weekdays raising funds in support of students at UVic, and the rest of her time chasing after her two wonderfully silly children, along with her partner Andrew. Cora is a self-declared introvert and tries not to get too lost in books.
Emily Evans joined the VIDEA community in 2019, when she was introduced by Miranda, our Inclusion and Engagement Coordinator! Emily is the Senior Inclusion Facilitator at Steps-Forward at UVic where she works to make post-secondary education inclusive of students with disabilities. Our relationship with Emily has been so special - she has supported the inclusivity and accessibility of VIDEA, helped us to advocate within the sector, supported the delivery of our programmes, and helped to connect us to many wonderful young people.
Madeleine Begin is Mi’kmaw First Nation and French Canadien. She is Chair of the VIDEA Board. She is passionate about food security, and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Madeleine really enjoys learning about plants and their medicinal properties – mint and lavender being her favourites!
Shirley Alphonse is an Elder at the T’Sou-ke Nation and has been an Advisor to the Climate Justice team. Shirley has been a close friend, supporter and advisor to VIDEA for over 10 years! Shirley wants to see her people be accepted and included, and works towards this by educating people about effective relationships to build bridges between cultures. As a spiritual leader, Shirley has provided comfort, teachings, support and counsel to many - including IAYI interns. Shirley has hosted young Indigenous interns in T’Sou-ke Nation as they prepare for their journey overseas, and been with them to debrief when they return. In 2019, Shirley made a visit to interns in Zambia!! This was a special opportunity for interns to connect with Elder Shirley while doing their internship placement. Shirley also visited and built relationships with our local partners and team in Zambia!
