Our Team

Our Founders

Founders from left to right: Mithila Jeganathan, Samantha Casey, Divya Arora, Aneta Brynkus, Miranda Baksh

Our founders consulted the Region of Peel, and other mentors which identified a crucial gap in our community: There lacked a space for concerned Peel residents to come together and discuss local climate action, and to transform those conversations into real policy change. Together, they are proud to offer that platform to everyone within Peel Region and beyond, who want to see a better future.

Management

Miranda Baksh

Executive Director
& Co-founder

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I'm an environmental advocate, public speaker, and one of York University’s “Top 30 Changemakers Under 30.” I founded the Community Climate Council to promote climate literacy and civic action after growing up in a racialized community and seeing how people of colour are often excluded from climate conversations. With a Master’s in Environmental Studies and fieldwork experience in Costa Rica and Belize, I bring a global-to-local perspective to my work. I also support communities like Guyana, my parents’ homeland, and serve with Environmental Defence, Climate Action Network, and Sustainability Network.

Gursimran Parmar

Managing
Director

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I am an environmental professional specializing in climate science and ecosystem health. With over six years of experience in environmental sciences and project management, I have successfully executed numerous initiatives. My dedication to environmental and ecological conservation has led me to actively engage with the community at the CCC. Currently, I am focused on advancing climate science and ecological literacy, driven by my deep passion for raising awareness about local and regional climate changes. With a Master’s in Environmental Sciences, I remain committed to environmental conservation and restoration.

George
Amoh

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I am a Climate Justice early professional with expertise in sustainability business consulting—both entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial—as well as experience working with Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMBs). I noticed a lack of representation, active inclusion, and leadership within sustainability from BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and have made it my mission to champion more inclusive and intersectional work. With a background in Green Careers and Business, I naturally found my place at the CCC, eager to expand my environmentalism skill set and further exemplify creative climate endeavors through an inclusive and diverse lens.

Samantha Casey

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After completing my Environmental Governance degree from the University of Guelph, I quickly rejoined as a staff member to help improve operational, environmental, and social sustainability on campus. I now hold a unique joint position at the University of Guelph as the Communications and Engagement Coordinator for the Department of Sustainability and the Sustainability Coordinator for Hospitality Services. My favorite part of my work on campus is co-designing sustainability projects and initiatives alongside University of Guelph students. Outside of work, I volunteer as the co-founder of the Community Climate Council, a youth-led climate justice organization

Nisha
Simkhada

Administrative Assistant

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A passionate and hardworking professional with the background in General Forestry and project management . I’m someone who loves working with nature and is committed to environmental sustainability and climate change.

Shaniah Hutchinson

Executive
Assistant

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Community Outreach

Halley
Patel

Head of Community Outreach

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Alexandra Srdoc

Advocate

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I have been pleased to be part of the Community Climate Council since the very early days of organizing. I have been involved in various Initiatives such as organizing climate action protests , community partnerships, and participating in outreach events. Throughout my career as a Volunteer Engagement professional in health care, I have built extensive experience working in the community of Peel. I am deeply passionate about issues around climate change awareness, sustainability and climate justice.
My hope is that local action will spur the changes that we need to see globally.

Karmann Randhawa

Event
Coordinator

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Raheemat Oyindamola Oyelola

Event
Coordinator

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Sourav
Bhattacharjee

Community Outreach Coordinator

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Communications

Rachel
Becker

Newsletter
Lead

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Xinlei
Zhou

Website
Lead

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Jessica
Cruz

Social Media Specialist

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Rini
Jacob

Social Media Specialist

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Rishav
Panda

Social Media Specialist

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Shrey
Vohra

Social Media Specialist

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Vaisee Kalanithy

Newsletter Coordinator

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Hello everyone! My name is Vaisee Kalanithy, and I am a 4th year student at University of Toronto Mississauga, pursuing a double major in environmental science and GIS. I have enjoyed volunteering in my community, both off and on campus. I look forward to working alongside individuals who share the same passion and interest in spreading awareness and working towards a better, and more sustainable environment!

Grants & Fundraising

Shaleena Rajabali

Grands & Fundraising Lead

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I'm a passionate environmental enthusiast with a strong background in environmental science and project coordination. Holding a Bachelor of Science from York University, I have honed skills in data analysis, fieldwork, and event coordination. My experiences include roles as a Project Coordinator with Toronto Green Community and volunteering in tree planting and conservation. I have a deep interest in sustainability, actively contributing to various environmental projects. I am excited to work with the CCC community and support its mission of environmental stewardship and climate advocacy.

Diljot Badesha

Grant
Writer

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Hi everyone! My name's Diljot and I am passionate about all things waste and how we can manage it sustainably in our lives. I did my undergrad at UofT Mississauga in Environmental Management and am now currently completing my Master of Environment and Sustainability at Western University. Outside of school and work, you can find me either reading, watching Youtube, or gardening in my family's garden in the summer!

Mishal Shahzad

Grant
Writer

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Hi, I'm Mishal, a student at Wilfrid Laurier University studying Political Science with a minor in Criminology and Public Policy Specialisation. I’m also a graphic designer currently working with the design team for my university's magazine while also freelancing. I'm interested in advocating for climate change, graphic designing, and research. I love combining craetivity with stratey to tell compelling and substantive stories.

Payal
Mehta

Fundraising Specialist

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Rosen
Chang

Grant
Writer

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Rosina Amoah Agyapong

Grant
Writer

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Sagaanaa Sivasamy

Grant
Writer

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Snehal Mankikar

Grant
Writer

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With a background in working with brands and sellers in the fashion industry, I’ve witnessed the firsthand environmental impact of one of the world’s most polluting sectors. As an environmental enthusiast, I’m committed to doing mypart to contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. As a Grants writer at the CCC, I support fundraising efforts for projects focused on climate education and sustainable community action. My goal is to help secure funding that empowers people to make informed, climate-conscious choices.
My family and I actively practice sustainable living, and through my workwith CCC, I hope to amplify those efforts, supporting others in adopting environmentally responsible lifestyles and promoting long-term climateresilience within our community.

Program Development

Tayla
Kelly

Program Development Lead

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Aliza
Khan

Program
Developer

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Anishan
Uthayakumar

Program
Developer

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Chukwudubem Anazodo(Dubem)

Program
Developer

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Janani Venkatesh

Program
Developer

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I am an energy efficiency and decarbonization professional specializing in data and policy analysis, and energy transition strategies. With experience across India, Singapore, and Canada, I have worked with governments, private sector stakeholders, academia, and non-profits to decarbonize built environments. Currently, I am a researcher at the Energy Studies Institute, NUS, advising Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry on strategic decarbonization policies. I am also a nature enthusiast who thrives outdoors and around wildlife.

Sunita
Lall

Program
Developer

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Our Board

Jerry Owusu Banahene

Board
Chair

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Lyndsay
Amat

Board
Chair

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Morgan
Lee

Board
Chair

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Usman
Khan

Board
Chair

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