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What inspired you to start volunteering with Climate Resilient Communities (CRC)?
CRC offers the perfect opportunity to combine my background in math and atmospheric science with my passion for using data to directly make a tangible impact on local communities. I’ve always been interested in climate issues, and CRC is the space that connects science with the needs of underrepresented communities who don't have resources to deal with climate problems. I was also excited to hear about their programs directly providing youth with data skills. I didn't have these resources readily available when I was younger, so I'm excited I can help provide them to youth.
CRC offers the perfect opportunity to combine my background in math and atmospheric science with my passion for using data to directly make a tangible impact on local communities. I’ve always been interested in climate issues, and CRC is the space that connects science with the needs of underrepresented communities who don't have resources to deal with climate problems. I was also excited to hear about their programs directly providing youth with data skills. I didn't have these resources readily available when I was younger, so I'm excited I can help provide them to youth.
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Can you tell us about a specific project you worked on and your role in it?
I recently co-led a workshop as a climate science expert! The workshop was a collaboration with Skills for Change and focused on climate data storytelling. I researched data resources, led discussions on the intersection of climate and equity, and, alongside my amazing co-leads, facilitated an interactive game that let participants apply what they learned earlier in the workshop. It was a deeply meaningful project not only because of the workshop itself, but also because I got to travel to Toronto for the first time and connect in person with incredible members of the CRC team.
I recently co-led a workshop as a climate science expert! The workshop was a collaboration with Skills for Change and focused on climate data storytelling. I researched data resources, led discussions on the intersection of climate and equity, and, alongside my amazing co-leads, facilitated an interactive game that let participants apply what they learned earlier in the workshop. It was a deeply meaningful project not only because of the workshop itself, but also because I got to travel to Toronto for the first time and connect in person with incredible members of the CRC team.
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What challenges have you faced during your volunteer work, and how did you overcome them?
Communities face different problems and we have to be flexible in our approach. Each context brings its own needs, constraints, and strengths, so flexibility in our approach is essential. I’ve learned to step back, listen, and adapt, which has made my work more collaborative and community-centered.
Another challenge (and opportunity) has been continually developing my data skills. To truly support communities, I need to make data not just accurate, but actionable and accessible. That means constantly learning new tools and techniques, improving how I communicate findings, and always connecting data to real lived experiences.
Communities face different problems and we have to be flexible in our approach. Each context brings its own needs, constraints, and strengths, so flexibility in our approach is essential. I’ve learned to step back, listen, and adapt, which has made my work more collaborative and community-centered.
Another challenge (and opportunity) has been continually developing my data skills. To truly support communities, I need to make data not just accurate, but actionable and accessible. That means constantly learning new tools and techniques, improving how I communicate findings, and always connecting data to real lived experiences.
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What has volunteering with CRC taught you about climate resilience and community engagement?
Climate resilience is as much about people as it is about science. It’s about listening, understanding lived realities, and co-creating solutions. I’ve learned the importance of meeting communities where they are and the role of storytelling in mobilizing action. I've become a better communicator and a more thoughtful advocate.
It’s also deepened my appreciation for data as a bridge between research and impact and not just some technical skill. CRC has taught me that strong data practices, when developed with empathy and purpose, can empower communities and drive meaningful change. It’s pushed me to keep sharpening those skills and to think critically about how data is used in climate advocacy.
Climate resilience is as much about people as it is about science. It’s about listening, understanding lived realities, and co-creating solutions. I’ve learned the importance of meeting communities where they are and the role of storytelling in mobilizing action. I've become a better communicator and a more thoughtful advocate.
It’s also deepened my appreciation for data as a bridge between research and impact and not just some technical skill. CRC has taught me that strong data practices, when developed with empathy and purpose, can empower communities and drive meaningful change. It’s pushed me to keep sharpening those skills and to think critically about how data is used in climate advocacy.
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What are you most excited about in your continued work with CRC?
I’m really excited to keep growing as a leader and collaborator! As a recent graduate entering the professional world, it's important for me to learn how to contribute effectively with and lead a team.
I also want to keep expanding and diversifying my data and problem-solving skills, from working with youth and educators on climate adaptation to helping design inclusive and community-driven data resources. I’m very excited to be part of an organization that allows me to apply what I’ve learned while constantly growing.
I’m really excited to keep growing as a leader and collaborator! As a recent graduate entering the professional world, it's important for me to learn how to contribute effectively with and lead a team.
I also want to keep expanding and diversifying my data and problem-solving skills, from working with youth and educators on climate adaptation to helping design inclusive and community-driven data resources. I’m very excited to be part of an organization that allows me to apply what I’ve learned while constantly growing.
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And I wanted to add this:
I'm a recent math grad who loves using math and data science to solve real-world problems, especially those related to climate justice and helping those who may not have the resources. Whatever project I’m working on, I always try to apply the problem-solving mindset I developed through my studies. If you’re interested in climate, data, or just want to chat about something you're passionate about, feel free to reach out? :)
I'm a recent math grad who loves using math and data science to solve real-world problems, especially those related to climate justice and helping those who may not have the resources. Whatever project I’m working on, I always try to apply the problem-solving mindset I developed through my studies. If you’re interested in climate, data, or just want to chat about something you're passionate about, feel free to reach out? :)