Meet the Team
The people behind GrassrootsKW
Abi
Hello! I'm Abinaya Balaji, a third-year student in Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo. Caring about climate change is about caring about people. Seeing people care about their passions inspires me to care about mine, and with our growing community, I know that we can create change!
If you could eat something inedible, what would you want to eat?
Deeka
Hey everyone, I'm Deeka. I'm currently studying Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo. What matters most to me is working toward a shared purpose that brings people together, strengthens local connections, and empowers communities. That's why GrassrootsKW stands out to me.
Have all the energy in the world come from cow farts.
Isha
Hello! I'm Isha Shenoy, a Management Engineering student at the University of Waterloo. I really care about making climate action feel fun and doable for everyone. GrassrootsKW stands out to me because it does just that by making it easier for anyone to get involved in climate action!
If you could summarize yourself in a single sentence, what would it be?
Jason
Hi! I'm Jason Deng, a Mechatronics Engineering student at UW. I believe that a collective attitude and community are one of the greatest driving forces behind large-scale climate action. At GrassrootsKW, we build that in one of the most impactful groups: youth.
Run underground and become mole people.
Katie
Hi! I'm Katie Yu, a Chemical Engineering student at the University of Waterloo, and I care about the work we're doing at GrassrootsKW because youth continue to be disproportionately impacted by climate change and should feel encouraged to engage in fun and meaningful climate action opportunities!
Paint everything white!
Liam
Hey! I'm Liam Neusteter, a second-year Chemical Engineering student at UW. I'm a big fan of Earth and would love to see it in its best condition possible! Future generations will shape the planet's well-being, and GrassrootsKW aims to empower youth to take an active role in the climate movement.
If everyone in the world stopped sneezing, how long would it take for you to notice?
Salma
Hello! I'm Salma, an Environmental Engineering student at UW. For as long as I can remember, I've been passionate about climate justice. I joined GrassrootsKW to help youth who were once in my position enter this space, get involved, make a difference and learn!
Throwing seeds everywhere!
Saskia
Heya! I'm Saskia, a Health Sciences student here at the University of Waterloo. I love being part of GrassrootsKW because we're focused on bringing hope, joy, and silliness into climate action spaces. I am constantly inspired by how warm, inclusive, and dynamic this community is!
If you were a scent or taste, what would you be?
Sol
Hi hi! I recently graduated from the University of Waterloo, and I am now working full time at Environment and Climate Change Canada. For as long as I could remember, I felt worried about climate change and the future of our planet, but getting involved felt daunting—so I wanted to help bridge that gap for other youth.
Replace all the billboards in the world with solar panels.