Our Staff

Faye Ilsley

Executive Director

Faye spent her childhood between the UK and the traditional ancestral territories of the Coast Salish peoples along BC's west coast, sparking a lifelong interest in environmental protection. Through her Bachelor of Arts in Languages & Political Science from the University of British Columbia and her Master's of Science in International Development from the University of Edinburgh, she fostered a deep interest in the inextricable links between the world's social and environmental issues, and the holistic approaches necessary to face them.

With a professional background spanning teaching, youth work, higher education, and operations, Faye is excited to bring her passion for fostering just and sustainable mindsets amongst future generations to the work of Be the Change Earth Alliance.

Beyond her work, Faye can almost always be found outside and enjoys hiking, camping, running, paddleboarding, and anything else that lets her explore BC's beautiful mountains and coastlines.

Summer Sharma

Operations and Program Coordinator

Summer grew up in London, England, and Kelowna, on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people, where she first became involved in youth climate and civic action. With a strong interest in human geography and systems thinking, she completed a BA in Environment & Sustainability with a minor in Geographic Information Systems from the University of British Columbia.

She is passionate about environmental justice, sustainable urban planning, and supporting communities on the frontlines of environmental challenges. Knowing that future generations are part of these communities, Summer is excited to help Be the Change Earth Alliance educate and engage young change-makers.

Outside of her work, Summer enjoys sewing, crocheting, and exploring the outdoors through hiking or backpacking.

Aeha Wand

Program Coordinator

Aeha grew up in the small town of Tottenham, Ontario on the Traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation people. She developed an interest in climate action and sustainability during her high school geography classes. This interest led her to pursuing a BA in Environment & Sustainability, a Master of Management Dual Degree, minoring in Urban Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Aeha is passionate about community-based climate change solutions and sustainable urban development. She is excited to support Be the Change Earth Alliance in empowering youth to contribute to social and environmental change through resources and programs similar to what inspired her in high school.

Outside of work, Aeha enjoys being active whether in the gym, taking Pilates or HITT workout classes, or in nature on a hike!

Vanessa Leibel

Program Coordinator

Vanessa grew up in Calgary, Alberta and Victoria, BC, on the traditional ancestral territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation and Songhees Nation, respectively. Her family’s farming background sparked her passion for sustainable food systems and resource management, leading her to pursue her B.Sc. in Global Resource Systems with a minor in B.A. Spanish Studies from the University of British Columbia.

Vanessa is enthusiastic about fostering climate literacy, food security, and resilient community networks. She is excited to work with Be the Change Earth Alliance to help youth and educators connect with their environmental and social environments and inspire collective action.

Outside of work, Vanessa loves baking, gardening, doing crossword puzzles, and going to as many farmer’s markets as possible!

Daphne Chalmers

Education and Grants Coordinator

Daphne grew up outside of Seattle, Washington, on the traditional territory of the dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish) and sdukʷalbixʷ (Snoqualmie) Nations. She fostered a deep love for the land and nature’s interconnections while playing alongside her siblings in the forest of her grandparent’s backyard in so-called Vancouver, BC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Arts in Education and Society from McGill University, where her research explored how hope in environmental education can empower students to become changemakers and counter climate anxiety.

With years of experience in youth programming including nature mentorship in a forest school, educational research and program design, language teaching, and STEAM education, Daphne is passionate about supporting young people to cultivate action, hope, and nature connection through her work with Be the Change Earth Alliance.

Daphne spends her time outside of work wandering the forest and mountains, crafting, reading and practicing yoga.

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