Sonya Peres Email & Phone Number

Leading on SOS-UK programmes to embed sustainability and climate justice into teaching and learning, including Responsible Futures (UK and International), Student-led Sustainability Curriculum Mapping and Education for Sustainable Development Changemakers.I am also seconded to the University College Union (UCU) one day a week to support Green Reps and.

Edinburgh City, Scotland, United Kingdom

Developed and delivered 8 interdisciplinary, curriculum-linked sustainability workshops for primary and secondary school students in Scotland, Wales and England combining art, geography, science, social studies,citizenship and creative writing. Collaborated with artists, local charities like Age Scotland, teachers and councils, to input their ideas into.

• Organised and promoted regular high profile events, meetings and consultations with students, university and college vice-chancellors and principals, academics, government officials and the wider public
• Led on communications, producing monthly newsletters via MailChimp and responding accurately to email enquiries from universities across the UK
• Led on engaging with students through producing and hosting podcasts, running discussion groups for UNESCO and creating an online student hub, increasing student involvement on the Commission by 300% in 2 months
• Led on producing sector-wide climate change strategy for UK universities and colleges to drive climate action, including researching relevant policies and running stakeholder consultations with students and senior staff

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

• Planned, delivered and monitored the Travel Better Package, workshop and webinar to support the reduction of air travel in the further and higher education sector
• Developed guide on the reduction of single-use plastics on college and university campuses in UK, Canada and Ireland informed by conducting semi-structured interviews
• Developed guide on how colleges and universities contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals
• Liaised and engaged with over 40 higher and further education institutions to promote self-directed projects and facilitate knowledge sharing in the sector
• Identified and communicated opportunities and challenges to reduce air travel amid internationalisation by engaging with international students through semi-structured interviews and consultations

Edinburgh City, Scotland, United Kingdom

• Develops and delivers weekly interactive lessons on topics in sustainability for 15 children aged 6-12 during COVID-19 lockdown
• Achieved a 100% re-registration rate for second session of classes
• Topics include renewable energy, sustainable transport, food and agriculture, the circular economy etc.
• Designs engaging workbooks for children to support learning

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

• Produced videos and case studies, informed by semi-structured interviews, communicating the stories of sustainable initiatives in the Edinburgh South Asian community to the wider public, including members of parliament
• Conducted self-directed postgraduate research project to evaluate and improve South Asian women’s experiences in climate education workshops, uncovering novel findings about food-focused sustainability workshops and.
• Supported data entry on household waste, home energy efficiency and transport to monitor and evaluate Climate Challenge Fund outcomes
• Contributed research findings and case studies to successful funding applications

Toronto, Canada Area

• Recruited, coordinated and supported groups of over 20 volunteer student researchers across Canada
• Led groups in successfully creating and launching a sustainable and ethical food standard for Canadian universities and colleges
• Managed and organised cross-country research meetings
• Conducted independent qualitative and quantitative research on food certifications
• Provided research support on ecologically-sound, humane and socially-just criteria for over 200 food certifications
• Developed the next 3-year cycle of the project by creating 5 research positions based on sustainability and Indigenous food sovereignty

Montreal, Canada Area

• Conducted research on sustainable sourcing for the David Suzuki Foundation Office in Montreal
• Advised colleagues on ethically sourced office supplies, printing and coffee

• Conducted research on issues pertaining to global peace and conflict
• Produced weekly articles and monthly reports on environmental justice and issues in food security

Montreal, Canada Area

Elected McGill Representative for the Programming Committee, overseeing, monitoring and organising all on-air activity.

Montreal, Quebec

• Conducted live and recorded interviews with community organisers, activists and artists
• Produced two hours of content every week, including segments on marginalised voices and environmental issues in Canada including panels on the TransCanada pipeline
• Maintained communication with community organisers, activists and artists
• Communicated stories and disseminated information on environmental issues to diverse audiences from McGill University and the Montreal community

Montreal, Quebec

• Collected, synthesized and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data on projects that ensure sustainable livelihoods for women in over 20 African and Latin American countries, via Microsoft Excel
• Provided regular input on how to improve monitoring and evaluation systems and projects
• Created surveys to understand the effect of Crossroads’ programs on women
• Gained an understanding of cultural and political issues or conflicts affecting the empowerment of women

Master Of Science - Msc, Environment And Development, Distinction

Activities and Societies: MSc Environment and Development Programme Representative, Edinburgh Award recipient, Best Overall Contribution.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Development Economics And International Development, First Class Honours

Activities and Societies: Stage Manager for Arts Undergraduate Theatre Society Stage Manager and Costume Designer for Tuesday Night Cafe.

Study Abroad, History And Food Systems