What is Banking on a Better Future?
Banking on a Better Future (BOABF) is a non-for-profit run by a small group of core organizers that began in April 2021, plus a wider network of individuals and groups. Together we are demanding an end to all financial support for the fossil fuel industry.
Our team includes two national student climate justice networks: Climate Strike Canada and Divest Canada Coalition. Both of these groups operate as informal networks that, together, connect nearly all youth climate justice groups in the country.
BOABF is also collaborating with the wider National banks network which includes groups such as but not limited to: Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs, LeadNow, Stand.Earth, Greenpeace Canada etc.
OUR CORE TEAM
AISHWARYA PUTTUR
Aishwarya (she/they) is the Education Coordinator who also supports with recruitment. They are also a part of Friday’s for Future Digital, Teach the Teacher and Save the Okavango Delta. Some of their hobbies include reading, and all aspects of musical theatre. She also has the last page of the last chapter in the book “Mockingjay” memorized word for word!
ALYSSA SCANGA
Alyssa (she/her/elle) is a social media Content Creator for BOABF. She is also a part of Climate Justice Durham, Climate Strike Canada and Sustainable Trent. Some of her favourite hobbies include being outside in nature and learning about fungi. Alyssa is currently in the middle of writing her own book!
CHLOE TSE
Chloe (she/her) is BOABF’s Toronto Banks Hub Coordinator. She is also a part of Fridays for Future Toronto and Climate Voice. Chloe’s favourite hobby is going to concerts, and when she was in grade 4 she won a gold metal in speed stacking!
DANI MICHIE
Dani (she/her) is the Digital Organizer at BOABF. She also organizes with Climate Justice Toronto. She is passionate about creating community spaces that center care and joy. When she’s not organizing she loves make art, spend time outdoors, ride her bike and drink too much coffee.
EVELYN AUSTIN
Evelyn (she/her) is the Director for BOABF. Previously, she was a coordinator for Divest Canada, and is a former member of Divestment and Beyond UofT. Some of Evelyn’s favourite hobbies include writing and making art!
MICHELLE MARCUS
Michelle (she/her) is the Campus Organizing Lead at Banking on a Better Future. She is also a co-founder of the Divest Canada Coalition and alumni mentor at Climate Justice UBC. Her hobbies include watching documentaries, reading, cooking, and of course cuddling with her cats.
PAST CORE ORGANIZERS
ALIYA HIRJI (she/her/elle) worked with BOABF as the social media lead and supported with Toronto actions planning. Aliya is also part of Fridays for Future Toronto and Climate Strike Canada. Some of her hobbies include hiking, singing, reading and painting, and you can buy them a chai tea or an iced oat milk latte by visiting THIS LINK.
NAISHA KHAN (she/her) was the local group and outreach lead. Naisha is also a part of Sustainabiliteens, Climate Strike Canada and Climate Recentered. One of her favourite hobbies is creating digital art, and she can play 5 instruments (the flute, guitar, ukulele, saxophone and trombone).
KENZIE HARRIS (she/her) was the Digital Campaigner at Banking on a Better Future until April of 2022. She is now working for 2 orgs that support activists: The Climate Justice Organizing HUB and the Global Grassroots Support Network.
SAM LIN (she/her) was the lead for recruitment, intake and training. Sam also organizes/works with Kingston Youth Climate Action, The Climate Justice Organizing Hub and Climate Strike Canada. Some of her favourite hobbies include hiking and camping, and she loves watching Formula 1!
Our movement is powered by people. We wish to acknowledge and honour the work of folks who have contributed to our organizing. Although they may not work with us in a formal role today, these organizers are a part of our history and have helped build Banking on a Better Future.