YOUTH VENTURE
Youth Venture is a division within Engineers Without Borders UBC that engages youth on social, environmental, and economic issues. Our mission is to foster a new generation of global citizens and inspire them to envision and create positive lasting change.
In our school outreach program, we present free educational workshops to classrooms in the Lower Mainland. We also host an annual Youth Conference geared towards senior high school students. In the past our conference themes have featured Leadership in International Development and Renewable Energy.
You can reach us at youthventure.ubc.ewb@gmail.com
THE TEAM
Christopher Gil | Co-Director
Greetings, I am Christopher Gil. I am an upper year student here at UBC and I am not an engineer. I am an avid presenter of YV material and am thoroughly excited for the conference. And yes. That is a Sea Lion Tooth on my neck.
Jory Wong | Co-Director
Being a teacher was one of my earliest aspirations because I wanted to bring new perspectives to youth and inspire them to become active citizens. Youth Venture has allowed me to explore this pathway and also deepen my own understanding about global issues. Currently I am a 3rd year Engineering Physics student and I hope to blend engineering with education to improve food security and develop more sustainable farming practices. If I'm not lost in a sea of homework, you might find me cooking with friends or reading about agriculture.
Chuan Du
Hello! My name is Chuan Du. It rolls off the tongue if you say “What ‘chu’ wanna do?” really fast. I remember loving guest presentations and going to youth conferences in high school. They were always fun, interactive, and made me think hard about my role as a global citizen. I joined Youth Venture because I want to re-create this learning experience for as many students as possible!
Sophie Ebsary
I am a second year electrical engineer in the biomedical option. I joined the EWB UBC Youth Venture in 2015 with the goal of having the opportunity to teach students about key challenges that our global community is currently facing. I would like to inspire them to join the effort to improve our world. I believe that the best path towards a better future is to inform and empower our creative and determined youth.
Robyn Gill
Hi! I'm Robyn and I'm in my final year of studying Electrical Engineering. I have had 8 months of co-op experience each in the power and telecommunications industry and at UBC I’ve been involved with Women in Engineering, UBC BEST and most recently the Youth Venture team with EWB. I was introduced to Youth Venture when I stepped in to fill in for a friend, but I returned because of the interesting people I met and the fun I had talking to students about access to clean water. I love the idea of encouraging young minds to think critically about what they read and consume in the media, and introducing them to topics, ideas and perspectives earlier in life that they might not have known about.
Tori Koelewyn
My name is Tori, I am in my third year of Engineering Physics at UBC. My specialization is biomedical engineering. I want to focus on developing technology for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. With Engineers Without Borders, I volunteer with youth venture. My favorite part of Youth Venture is presenting global issues to high school and elementary school students. I particularly love to share my passion of engineering with the students!
Amar Manj
I am Amar Manj and I am a 4th year Electrical Engineering. I love talking about everything, especially high voltage stuff! Ever since second year, I’ve always wanted to be a member of EWB but was too busy with school and work. Even though this is my first year joining, I have already met some really interesting people and have learned so much from the YV team.
Farbod Rahimi-Nejad
My name is Farbod and I'm in my last year of Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC. I joined the Youth Venture team as freshman and have remained involved ever-since. Over the last five years I have been happy to work with so many amazing people and to be a part of various workshops, conferences and contests aimed at bringing new perspectives to elementary and secondary students. I firmly believe that education is the most important tool in facing and overcoming challenges that exist in local and international social development.
Prabhot Sran
Hello my name is Prabhjot and I am currently in Grade 12 at Tamanawis Secondary. I joined EWB's chapter at UBC to raise awareness about global issues such as poverty and access to clean water. My goal is to encourage the youth to take a step out of their own world and help alleviate extreme poverty in less-developed countries. I would like to inspire the youth to get engaged in activities that require tangible steps to make a difference in our world. Educating the youth regarding global issues today, can help implement the changes we would like to see tomorrow.
Weike Qu
I am a graduating Civil Engineering student at UBC. I joined Engineers Without Borders to learn more about socially responsible engineering and to broaden my views. Engaging and teaching youth within the community is also one of my interests, leading me to join Youth Venture. Along with those, I am also interested in a cappella, fitness, and physics as well!