Written by: Aimi Toyama, YCI Volunteer Alumni

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In 2019, Miranda Baksh emerged on the other side of a Master’s of Environmental Studies at York University and wondered – like many new grads – what’s next!? Feeling solid on the theory behind environmental work, Miranda was drawn to apply to be a Climate Catalyst in YCI’s Innovate MY Future program because of one key word: catalyst. Having already engaged in environmental research internationally in Belize and Costa Rica, Miranda knew that she was ready to transition from theory to action, but also that she wanted to take her action local.

The word caught Miranda’s eye after gaining some perspective on what action can look like abroad. “It gave me more perspective on how important it is to also act locally in our communities,” she shared. “Yes, it is important to have that global context, but our local communities are where we really can impact change long-term.” The Innovate MY Future program was part of YCI’s broader Réseau d'action pour le climat, which has amplified youth-led climate solutions in local communities across Canada. What solidified Miranda’s motivation to join YCI was how youth-centred the approach was.

“YCI knew that we had influence and power within us; it was just up to them to help bring it out,” Miranda shared. “And I really appreciated that. I really appreciated that they openly wanted to invest in young people.”

Miranda was matched by YCI with a team of her peers that were also interested in climate action locally. Her team remained in the brainstorming phase for a while as they pondered how to meaningfully centre climate justice in their project. While other teams had already raced off into the project design phase, they decided to host Brampton’s first climate justice rally as a part of their research. To their amazement, over 250 people showed up, a much larger turnout than anticipated. "We were shaking, we were not prepared for that huge of a crowd," Miranda laughed. It quickly became obvious that there was an untapped interest in community organizing for the climate crisis in Brampton.

With a full women-run team, they initially branded their work as “Climate ChangeHers”. The group went on to win first place at YCI’s Climate Action Catalyst Summit that year for their creative impact on climate activism, education and government engagement.

Over time, the team pivoted to launch a youth-led climate non-profit, which still runs today, known as the Community Climate Council (CCC) – you can check out their website et follow their Instagram ou LinkedIn page to learn more and join the movement.

The CCC is based out of Peel Region and has experienced a high level of success, engaging 100+ volunteers since its incorporation in 2020, with several members who are now successfully working in the environmental field. Miranda explained how fundamental a bottom-up leadership style has been for her team at CCC.

“At the Community Climate Council, it’s always very much, what do you want to learn? What do you want to gain out of this volunteer experience? What professional development can we offer you? I think I take that learning from YCI because it was very much like that. They wanted to support our growth and our development as people while doing the program.” Launching and running CCC has been overwhelming at times, but Miranda highlighted how meaningful it has been to her to be part of a team of such strong women. She returned to an African Proverb that has guided her workstyle: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” When asked for her greatest piece of advice she would give other young people, Miranda emphasizes how essential it is to just start now.

“Don’t think that you have to wait until you’re 18 or until you graduate. You’re ready now. And I think that was a huge thing that YCI did to empower us, helping us recognize that we didn’t need to get a degree in how to launch a climate organization – we could just do it.”

Today, Miranda continues to drive change as the CEO of Community Climate Council, the Engagement Manager at the national organization Environmental Defence, and as Director for the board of Climate Action Network Canada.

Over the past few years since joining YCI, Miranda has accomplished a lot — she was awarded ‘Top 30 Changemakers Under 30’ by York University, was featured in this article by Canada’s National Observer, was selected as a TEDx speaker and has worked as an advisor and educator for several leading sustainability networks and organizations.

Are you interested in joining a network full of inspiring people like Miranda? Go to this page to sign up for the YCI newsletter and follow us on social media to be the first to hear about opportunities with YCI in Canada and around the world. 

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YCI’s Innovate MY Future was a collaboration with several municipal governments and local organizations in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). It was funded by the Government of Canada from 2019-2023.