The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) has a new executive director, Pegah Pourkarimi, who is hitting the ground running during the association's busiest season.
Pourkarimi comes to AWARE with an entrepreneurial spirit and experience in non-profits in Canada and internationally. AWARE advocates for everything environmental in Whistler, from public education to community gardens, evidence-based policy and more. The organization is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the Audain Art Museum, and community members can meet the board of directors.
Pourkarimi said her goal is to focus on connecting community partnerships and solidifying operational priorities identified in AWARE’s draft strategic plan.
“We have a draft strategic plan and are getting the input from all of the various community stakeholders and partners. And also we've got our AGM where we will learn how we can better collaborate to amplify our impact within the community,” she said.
The group’s last strategic plan was from 2021-2023, which is why they need a refresh.
Pourkarimi is also focusing on supporting staff and volunteers during the organization’s busiest season.
Summer programs on the go include the Zero Waste Heroes program, where AWARE helps events reduce their waste. This year the heroes program is showing up at Crankworx Whistler, Arc’teryx Climbing Academy, RBC GranFondo, Whistler Village Beer Festival and Whistler’s Farmers’ Market.
Also on the go is the association’s GROW program, which facilitates community greenhouses and gardens. GROW provides local, healthy food for Whistlerites, while also reducing carbon footprints. Community gardens also eliminate packaging waste and facilitate community connections while getting hands dirty.
Through the GROW program, AWARE recently installed two compost boxes and 18 greenhouse boxes at Alpha Lake Greenhouse, and built 10 garden boxes. Two were placed at Alpha and the other eight went to Cheakamus Community Garden. The work was a partnership between AWARE and Whistler Blackcomb, with the mountain operator contributing $4,400 to purchase materials and supplies through the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation EnviroFund. Whistler Blackcomb carpenters also joined in the work.
On top of her new role, Pourkarimi is the business owner of To The Next Journey (TTNJ), which produces small-batch hot sauce in Squamish, and also sits on the board of the Squamish Farmers' Market.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pegah to AWARE,” said Paul Dorland, AWARE board president, in a press release.
“Under her leadership, she will drive actions related to programming, advocacy, research and innovation to advance AWARE’s Strategic Plan. She will guide our small-yet-mighty team of staff and volunteers. She will help grow membership and build the community’s voice to advocate for positive outcomes on climate action, circular economy, land-use and habitat conservation.”
Pourkarimi’s hard work extends to her life as a mom of twin boys, and when she’s not immersed in food, she’s chasing her sons on the slopes and mountain biking trails. Her children centre her desire for sustainable and climate-resilient communities.
Funding for the executive director role comes from Whistler Community Foundation’s Environment Legacy Fund (ELF). WCF manages funds earmarked for grants and donations from various donors who want to give back to the community financially on a long-term basis. The ELF was created in 2001 with grant funding from the Resort Municipality of Whistler and aims to fund charities whose actions target environmental benefits for Whistler’s community.
