Hi, my name is Sophie and I am beyond excited to be working with Surfrider’s Pacific Rim Chapter as Beach Clean-up Coordinator! Growing up on Vancouver Island, coastal spaces have always been special to me and brought me a sense of familiarity. I’ve spent countless hours exploring the coastal temperate rainforests, coves and coastlines. Connecting with nature has continuously inspired me to lead a more sustainable lifestyle and become increasingly involved in environmental activism—writing to my MLAs, hosting fundraisers, engaging in local protests and familiarizing myself with local community-oriented environmental groups.

For the past 4 years, I’ve been studying a double major in Linguistics and Environmental Studies where I’ve found myself consistently intrigued by the complexities of environmental politics and the role of grassroots movements in addressing climate change and environmental justice. I was first introduced to the Surfrider Foundation through the organization’s University of Victoria Club where I spent the past 8 months on the club’s executive team. Through this, I was able to meet and connect with like-minded people, help organize monthly beach clean-ups and advocate to make our campus and local coastlines a better place. I am elated to be joining the Pacific Rim Chapter to collaborate and connect with the community through innovative ways of coming together and protecting local coastal spaces.