Our Team
Lena Soots
I am an educator, process designer and facilitator with over 20 years experience working within academic institutions to build meaningful, impactful relationships with community and design collaborative programs to address complex social and environmental challenges. As Director of the Trico Changemakers Studio, my work focuses on social innovation and systems change with an emphasis on designing processes and programs that foster deep collaboration, transformative learning and that build the capacity of changemakers. I came to Moh’kinsstis 8 years ago from the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples where I was on the founding leadership team at CityStudio Vancouver, a Faculty member with the Centre for Sustainable Community Development and the Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University, and a member of the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Steering Committee.
Sally Njoroge
I love being in the position to uplift others. I thrive in creating pathways for changemakers to share their work, knowledge, and experiences with communities. I enjoy seeing relationships grow and connections made that lead to new ways of solving problems. In the Studio, you’ll find me working on the Artist as Changemaker Project and the Changemaker Conversations Project.
Christina Metters
Since obtaining my degree in Art/History from the University of British Columbia, I have gravitated to admin roles within community focused, non-profit organizations. With the skills I’ve acquired from this background, I hope to keep the Studio running smoothly so that our team can focus on what they do best - helping amplify the work of the changemakers and facilitate meaningful change. I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic group of people and look forward to the exciting challenges and learning opportunities that lay ahead
Barb Davies
In my role with the Trico Changemakers Studio, I support the Studio’s changemaking initiatives from a developmental evaluation approach to understand the impact of the Studio’s work on the MRU campus and broader changemaking community. I am also cross-appointed with the Institute for Community Prosperity at MRU where I lead Catamount, a fellowship for emerging changemakers. I have a particular interest in exploring how economic tools can be used to bring about a more equitable and sustainable future for all. In addition to my roles at MRU, I am one of the founding members and board chair of Local Investing YYC, an impact investment cooperative that mobilizes community wealth to invest in locally owned businesses making a difference for people and the planet
Brit Nickerson
As the Studio’s Community Engagement Strategist, I will be designing and facilitating engagement strategies, programs and activities that creatively engage students, faculty, staff and community members. I hold a Bachelor of Design and Masters of Fine Art with a focus in design and photography. For the past five years, I have held various positions at non-profit organizations that foster political and social change.
Kelaena Maude
As a current student concentrating in social innovation at MRU, my particular passion lies in the emergent nature of change when working with community collaboration. I’m honoured to be working and learning in this space. I’m curious about integrating reciprocity and compassion in the systems in the interest of leaving a legacy of care for future generations. In the Studio, I will be assisting with the Artist as Changemaker project and the Art of Social Change Network: Calgary Hub.
Catalina Berguno
I'm a Journalism and Digital Media student at Mount Royal University. WIth a background in podcasting and writing, I'm passionate about storytelling people's stories in the community. As the Podcast Production Assistant at Trico's Changemakers Studio, I hope to empower the voices of the people around me and highlight spaces that engage in changemaking.
Zoe Say
As a mature psychology student at MRU, I’m passionate about facilitating human connection, and reducing barriers to help all people thrive. I hope to one day start a decolonized psychology practice where I can help people, particularly underserved populations to flourish from a lens of positionality, embodiment, and reciprocity. Currently I run a regional United Church Young Adult community, and I’m a research intern at the Calgary Family Therapy Center, helping them to explore ways to engage in reconciliation. In addition, I’m a research assistant for Dr. Inés Sametband, am a student member of the MRU Psychology Department’s EDI Committee, and a co-facilitator for KAIROS Blanket Exercises. I had the privilege of participating in the Trico Changemaker Studio’s Anitopisi Indigenous Leadership Program in 2022 and fell in love with the work that happens here. I am honoured to be able to now work here as the Anitopisi student intern, carrying forward what I learned and helping others to engage in the profound processes of reconciliation.
Ashlyn Smith
When we work to truly connect with and understand one another’s stories, we can better facilitate change! My time as a psychology student, as well as my experiences over the last three years working in libraries, have taught me that. I believe one of the most important qualities one can have is harbouring a love of learning, whether you are five or fifty. Working in the literacy lab as a student lab assistant has expanded my views on this, and in my position I hope to play even just a small part in making learning more accessible for everyone
Mason Weakley
Mason Weakley (they/them) is a dedicated post-secondary student in Mount Royal University’s Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in Psychology. They have recently joined the Trico Changemakers team as a Social Lab Assistant with the Literacy Lab. With a penchant for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, Mason is passionate about breaking down systemic barriers, empowering marginalized communities, and improving the quality of life of all individuals from such communities. They are excited about joining such a unique team of changemakers to affect positive change in Moh'kins'tsis (Calgary) and beyond.