Kareem began his career in finance, where his job involved developing investment strategies by studying financial markets and the economy. Through this experience, he began to recognize that our economic system is both less efficient and less fair than it has the potential to be, oftentimes due to well-meaning policies with unintended consequences.

He left finance to pursue a PhD and build AI systems aimed at addressing real-world problems, particularly in the medical field. Kareem's work with Generation Squeeze aims to identify practical, evidence-based solutions to Canada’s economic challenges.

Check out Kareem's reflections on his work with Gen Squeeze.

Verena is driven by the mission to make the world a more just, environmentally sustainable, and compassionate place not only for her children Josephine and Samuel, but for all living beings everywhere. As a former physician, she was frustrated by the limited effect she had on the wellbeing of her patients who had been made sick by systemic issues. Instead, she became interested in learning more about interventions that would provide everyone with an equal opportunity to thrive. Now a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia’s Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Verena’s research revolves around the question of how academics can more effectively create change on a policy level, particularly with regards to the existential and intergenerational crisis that is climate change. The combination of her professional and academic training has taught her to look at the big picture and think and strategize on a systems-level – an ability that Verena leverages in her work as an advisor to environmental organizations with regards to their impact and knowledge-to-action strategies.

Kaitlyn is a project management professional specializing in process improvement and team engagement. She believes that projects and organizations are most successful when teams are empowered and engaged. An experienced facilitator, Kaitlyn brings an open and supportive communication style to her advisory work. Kaitlyn holds an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a BA in Political Science from McGill University. Her recent work experience includes managing graduate programs at UBC’s School of Population and Public Health as well as leading international research programs at Mitacs (a non-profit that fosters Canadian innovation through research collaborations). Kaitlyn now works as an independent consultant in project and team advisory.