About Us

Calgary, AB | Mohkinstsis | The Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and Treaty 7 Nations

Kat oversees the overall strategy and direction of N:OW for Net-Zero.

Kat is the Executive Director of FES. Prior to becoming Executive Director, she supported over 50 community projects across remote, rural, and Indigenous communities. Kat is passionate about activating in the local community, whether that be organizing grassroots campaigns and clothing swaps, volunteering at the University of Calgary as an Advisory member or the local foundation. She has worked on a diversity of projects from volunteering at Calgary Legal Guidance, presenting systems research on the national pharmacare, or co-founding literacy campaigns. Kat is passionate about empowering youth to take impactful action on sustainable development, strengthening and amplifying the youth *force* in the Canadian climate movement. She talks widely about the intersections of climate action, race, and the “diaspora” effect on second-generation immigrants. Kat is a Future of Good Young Impact 2022 Leader, Weather Network Climate Champion, and Corporate Knights Top Sustainability Leader 30 under 30.

Vancouver, BC | xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations

Jess leads the strategic direction and all programmatic operations of N:OW for Net-Zero.

Jess wears many hats at FES, channeling her passion for youth empowerment, sustainability, and climate action into every endeavor. In managing the SDGs LAB program since 2020, she’s delivered 80+ sustainability training workshops to 4000+ students and educators across Canada, the US, and the UK. She’s been a pivotal figure in expanding the program’s reach and curriculum and raised over $300,000 that has been injected into FES programming to support youth climate action. Currently, she’s building the new N:OW for Net-Zero program from the ground up, to provide educators and students with the resources and funding needed to improve net-zero literacy and reduce GHG emissions in Canadian schools.

Jess studied International Development and Social Entrepreneurship at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Before FES, Jess lived in Costa Rica working in cross-cultural, experiential education programs for youth, underscoring her dedication to creating and facilitating unconventional learning opportunities that empower young changemakers.

Halifax, NS | Mi'kma'ki

Sophia leads the grants program development and coordination for N:OW for Net-Zero.

Sophia is a climate activist whose passions are climate policy and working to make political and economic systems more accessible and responsive to everyday citizens, especially young people. She is currently working on finishing a BA with a double-major in Environmental Sustainability and Political Science at Dalhousie University. Outside of her studies, Sophia has a background in provincial and federal politics and the environmental non-profit sector.

Most recently she worked as a staffer for the offices of Green MPs Elizabeth May and Mike Morrice through GreenPAC’s Parliamentary Internship for the Environment Program. Through this role, Sophia drafted legislation and led campaigns on ending fossil fuel subsidies, implementing a fossil fuel windfall profit tax, and calling for electoral reform. This experience in federal politics has also helped inform her current position as a member of Nova Scotia’s first provincial Youth Climate Council and their work to bridge the gap between young people and the government.

When she isn’t fighting for the climate, Sophia loves curling up with a good book, cooking delicious vegan food, and writing poetry.

Calgary, AB | Mohkinstsis | The Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and Treaty 7 Nations

Kathryn manages the branding, creative design, and social media for N:OW for Net-Zero.

Kathryn Hoffart is a dedicated advocate who embraces design as a catalyst for systemic transformation. Kathryn leverages their expertise in user experience, communications, and digital design to address complex problems and inspire an equitable future.

At FES, Kathryn leads The Youth Harbour’s Branding Buddy program, an initiative that pairs youth-led climate organizations with experienced designers to develop a visual identity and communications strategy.

Outside of FES, Kathryn manages ekho design, a freelance design studio that collaborates on social and environmental advocacy projects. These projects include creating healthcare journey maps in effort to advise reform, designing websites to drive event registration, and developing communication strategies to strengthen the impact of impactful non-profits.

In their free time, Kathryn can be found experimenting with plant-based recipes, unearthing thrifted treasures, and wrangling their rambunctious pet rabbits out of mischief.

London, UK and Montréal, QC | Tiohtià:ke | Mooniyang

Alyssa manages the financial bookkeeping and fiscal operations for N:OW for Net-Zero.

Alyssa joined FES in 2021, after finishing her Bachelor of Commerce at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, where she majored in Managing for Sustainability. Now, upon finishing a Masters of Science in Environment, Politics and Society at the University College London in the United Kingdom, she is fulfilling her passion for environmental activism and reimagining the philanthropic sector for youth with FES.

Alyssa has experience working in environmental consulting, green startups, the UK climate politics sector, and is passionate about working in advocacy. From years of working with youth, she has seen first-hand the power and strength of young minds, and believes that her own generation is the greatest force for change. When not plugging away at her spreadsheets, Alyssa is most likely enjoying time outside on her bike, training for a marathon, or swimming.