Youth Council Members

Location: Sherwood Park

What motivated you to apply?
I accepted the position as the Co-Lead for the WISEST Youth Council because I was excited to work with the youth and continue developing my leadership skills! I have been so fortunate to have been involved with so many components of the WISEST program, both as a participant and as a volunteer, and have learned so much from these opportunities so I wanted to continue giving back to WISEST. I was also super excited to continue working with my Co-Lead, Clara, who I met when working with WISEST in 2022 and we became quick friends! I love the community that WISEST builds and am so excited to continue to be a part of that.

What are you most excited for as a member of the WISEST Youth Council?
Working with the council members! Each council member brings such unique experiences and I always value learning from other people.

Location: Grande Prairie

What are you most excited for as a member of the WISEST Youth Council?
I am always looking for ways to stay involved with WISEST through their abundance of programs. There comes a sense of accomplishment and awe seeing the work each Youth Council completes at the end of the term. I want to support our members in attaining their goals and guide them with their projects.

What are you most excited for as a member of the WISEST Youth Council?
I look forward to seeing each council member grow both individually, and collectively as a group. I am constantly amazed by the work completed by our council, as well as their drive to succeed.

What motivated you to apply for the WISEST Youth Council?
Science is a hugely important part of my life, it's allowed me to find my voice and embrace my curiosity. I've found a community where I feel like I belong and want to help others find a community and their voice through STEM. I hope that as part of the council, I can help to bring more people into the community and give back.

What are you most excited for as a member of the WISEST Youth Council?
I'm looking forward to getting to know all of the other council members and building connections with other people who are equally as interested in promoting diversity in STEM. I'm excited to contribute to this group as a space to address and discuss gender inequality and other inclusion barriers in STEM.

What perspective do you think you bring to the group?
The council is full with such strong, youthful voices, and we all have the same goal to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of individuals pursuing careers in STEM fields and to advocate on behalf of young people. I want to be exposed to and learn something from everyone on the council's voice, story, and perspective. I believe it will allow me to expand my perspective on the various facets of STEM and the kinds of individuals that are interested in it.

What are you most excited for as a member of the WISEST Youth Council?
This is my third year on the Youth Council and it has been a pleasure getting to know some of the other members who have been on the Youth Council as long as me or longer. Therefore, I am most excited for us tenured members to welcome and work with the new members of the Youth Council!

What are you most excited for as a member of the WISEST Youth Council?
I am definitely most excited to work with others who are like-minded and share the same interest as me to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM. I’m eager to join a supportive community and learn about everyone's achievements and successes, both personally and academically.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain valuable skills in leadership, advocacy, and collaboration through my experience on the WISEST Youth Council. Additionally, I’m excited to expand my network and connect with individuals who share my passion for promoting diversity and inclusion. Im eager to engage with other council members to view diverse perspectives and innovative ideas.

What motivated you to apply for the WISEST Youth Council?
Throughout the summer, I was able to experience the most amazing moments through the WISEST Summer Research Program. Through that, I found out that the WISEST Youth Council would be looking for new applicants, and in an effort to spread the word of how STEM can be integrated into various different aspects of everyday life and simultaneously into areas of interest, I became interested in applying. Additionally, I want to be a part of a group that works towards improving the programs associated with WISEST, and in applying to the Youth Council, I believe that I will be able to make an impact.

What motivated you to apply for the WISEST Youth Council?
I wanted to be part of a community that I can trust and communicate with. After being a part of the Youth Council for a year, I have seen the wonderful community that the council consists of which encouraged me to continue my time here.

What motivated you to apply for the WISEST Youth Council?
I want to help in bridging the gender gap in STEM, which could be accomplished by sharing my perspective and working on WISEST projects that will help women and gender diverse individuals find their voice and belonging in STEM.

What are you most excited for as a member of the WISEST Youth Council?
One of the aspects of the council I am most excited for is building relationships and working with the other council members. Although we have gone through different journeys in STEM, it’s enlightening to see how some aspects of being a woman or a part of an underrepresented group are universal. Being able to speak with others who share similar or different understandings of the experience of being a minority in STEM is an essential part in understanding the world, and therefore an integral part of creating projects that cater to a multitude of perspectives.

What motivated you to apply for the WISEST Youth Council?
When I first found out about WISEST, I became immersed in the wonderful STEM filled world the organization created. I applied to the Youth Council to make an impact on gender diversity in STEM so that other passionate students like myself could share in this experience.

What are you most excited for as a member of the WISEST Youth Council?
I am so excited to become more connected with like-minded peers and to create projects for the community. I am a transgender and queer student leader, and this youth council sounds amazing to me. It is full of people who are supportive, intersectional, and also love STEM. I am so excited to get started. 

What perspective do you think you bring to the group?
I bring a unique perspective to the group through my leadership experience and cultural awareness, having lived on three different continents. My time in Student Council has taught me how to communicate and collaborate effectively, while my diverse background gives me a deep understanding of different cultures. I am passionate about promoting diversity, and I believe it's important not just to celebrate our differences, but to work together with them to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

What perspective do you think you bring to the group?
I strongly believe that it is important disabled individuals are given opportunities in STEM careers. I want to become a voice for people who experience barriers due to a variety of limitations, and ensure they are given access to resources aimed at supporting their success. Coming from a small rural community and facing the challenges of a disabled student in high school has reiterated the importance of promoting the inclusion of marginalized individuals in the future of STEM.