Next Up

Born and raised in Regina Saskatchewan, Emma has always been passionate about the subtle beauty and diverse culture of Canada’s prairie region. She believes that the prairies have not been given enough credit for these subtleties and from so is continually threatened by land-use changes. This belief led Emma to pursue these interests in post-secondary education - she is in the process of completing her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Sociology. Emma’s studies has also led her to develop an interest in climate change action in the prairies and how inaction perpetuates social inequalities, especially with prevailing economic activities that degrade the natural environment.

 There are inevitable winners and losers when it comes to climate change. This interconnection of an ever-changing environment with social disparity and environmental racism has prompted her to enact and expand her community presence. Emma is a board member of Regina’s Public Interest Research Group, which has allowed her to take part in many other volunteer programs and events in the community. On her down-time, Emma loves practicing yoga, camping, canoeing, and pretty much any other activity outdoors. Next-Up, therefore, is the perfect platform to meet like-minded people who also want to see change in their surrounding community and maintain the integrity of the natural environment.

A prairie girl hailing from Regina, and a graduate of Vancouver Film School, Paula has dedicated herself to advocacy for social and economic justice since first getting involved in electoral politics at the University of Regina. Raised by a single mom, Paula attributes her activist roots to her grade school teacher, who opened her eyes to the effects of settler colonialism, racism, and the legacy of residential schools in Canada at a young age. 


Paula has continued to push for change while holding positions of influence – including promoting the cause of Palestinian rights and speaking out in favour of party renewal on national television as co-chair of the New Democratic Youth of Canada. She is passionate about ensuring more representation for women in politics, mental health awareness, and advocating for the rights of sexual assault survivors. 


When she isn’t challenging the patriarchy or angry-tweeting about politics, Paula can be found cuddling with her rescue pup, Griswold, and drinking copious amounts of coffee. 

I am a hydrologist who undertakes studies related to surface water and flow forecasting. I perform analyses to evaluate water management strategies including reservoir operating plans and wetland drainage regulations. I completed a master’s thesis at the University of Saskatchewan: Prairie pothole drainage and water quality. 

I was a member of the 2011 Cross Canada Canoe Odyssey that successfully paddled, walked, and biked canoes from Vancouver, BC to Saint John, NB in 171 days. I planned and coordinated foodstuff and collaborated in the production of a video documentary that was shortlisted for the Reel Paddling Film Festival. 

I am on the board for SaskOutdoors, an organisation that connects people to the outdoors and inspire a sense of discovery and play within the natural environment. I have planned and facilitated events that promote an appreciation for the outdoors, wilderness skill development, and network building (e.g. Birding and Canoe Overnight, Winter Camping Skills Workshop). 

I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, in Human Justice Program, at the University of Regina. I have an earnest desire to work towards the alleviation of social justice issues that affect my homeland in East Africa. I believe that learning and handling issues that affect the social context in which I currently live brings me closer to my goal because we are all part of a human family. I believe in the power of collective action to exert change in our beautiful world. Thus, volunteering in the community for me is an expression of my beliefs and a way to live my passion in accordance with my core values. 

Julian is a doula, reproductive health advocate, and community organizer in Regina, Saskatchewan. She is currently attending the University of Regina in the Health Studies program and is interested in social justice and anti-oppression work as it pertains to improving the health of individuals, families, and communities.

Joanne has a Master’s degree in Social Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Regina. She is a sessional lecturer for Sociology 100. She is an experienced teaching assistant and seminar instructor.

Joanne is passionate about global inequality and local social justice issues. She is currently involved in a University of Regina project on local food, which gave her the opportunity to interview farmers, health inspectors, and policy analysts. Joanne’s diverse research interests include: studying the meanings behind social protest movements, reflecting on the conflicts within the fair trade movement, and analyzing public perceptions of corporate crime. Last year, she did a guest lecture on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women for a Justice Studies course.

Joanne enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She also likes to draw caricatures and aspires to write a novel. 

“Self and society are twin-born.” —Cooley

Sahar is an individual that is sensitive toward nature and feels most inspired in its surroundings. From a beautiful prairie sunset to an autumn twig on the grass, Sahar plays with shapes and shadows that inspires her creations.  As a young urban planner, Sahar’s interest in urban design continues to grow as she realizes how layouts, design, and infrastructure have the power to bring communities together. Sahar’s outlook for life is always optimistic. She has a captivating smile and likes to be sharing of herself. In her free time, Sahar likes to enjoy a warm cup of London fog and write her thoughts away. 


Sahar strong beliefs in humanity and how we are all in “it” together drive and inspire her to volunteer and participate in activism movement related to poverty, international development and Islamophobia.

Mia is an artist, an older sister, a feminist, selenophile, and cat lover. She also loves lakes, trees, chocolate, meditation, and live music. Mia is currently attending the University of Regina where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology, minoring in Visual Arts. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Mia plans to study Art Therapy. She is especially interested in humanistic and transpersonal psychology. Mia is passionate about mental health and how it intersects with other social and environmental issues. She feels strongly about advocating for those struggling with their mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. She is especially concerned with youth mental health in Saskatchewan and hopes to contribute to better mental health education.

Sofia is a self-described social butterfly and global citizen. Born in Greece, she and her family immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1993. Since then she (not so much her parents) has acclimated almost entirely to the brisk SK winters and has created for herself a strong sense of community. 


Sofia was raised by Eritrean parents who fled civil war in Ethiopia and thus, feels a bit like she grew up with one foot in two different worlds. She feels her diverse upbringing has provided her with a perspective that is uniquely valuable when addressing systemic oppression and challenges faced by immigrants and refugees. 


Sofia is currently completing a degree in International Affairs at the University of Regina and has volunteered and worked in various organizations on and off campus such as Amnesty International and WUSC (student refugee program) which have given her insight into a broad range of social justice issues. She has a particular interest in the challenges of immigrants and refugees as well as international students. She is currently serving in her second year as a board member at the Regina Public Interest Research Group at the University of Regina. 


In her free time Sofia enjoys dancing, the Arts (theater, visual etc.), and has an eclectic taste in music and food! She likes to make light of any situation and gain knowledge and lessons in every experience. Her favourite thing in the world to do is travel and interact with new cultures, languages and and, of course, food!

Born in Hamilton and raised in Abbotsford, Jordan has recently moved to Saskatoon with the intention of developing deep local roots. With an MA in Sociology from Carleton University in Ottawa, Jordan is constantly applying learned critical thinking and action within the context of municipal, provincial, and federal politics, particularly with an interest in social research and policy. 


A former vice-president of the Atangard Community Project Society, an affordable housing development in Abbotsford B.C., Jordan is convinced that one of the most significant avenues to promote positive change is through local, community-focused, grassroots initiatives. 


An avid pipe smoker and scotch drinker, Jordan enjoys reading and discussing philosophy and engaging in various imagined dystopian futures.