Julia Ko

Vicki's Bio

Vicki is the Executive Director of Environmental Innovation at Alberta Innovates. In addition to being recognized as one of Canada’s Young Women in Energy award winners, Vicki has been a speaker at multiple Inside Education events over the past few years and always appreciates the enthusiasm the students and teachers have for learning.

She plans to continue to connect and share leading edge research with the Inside Education programs in her role on the Board. . When she isn’t working, Vicki can be found exploring with her two young boys.

Amanda's Bio

Amanda’s spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space as she followed Canada’s journey skyward. She teaches Junior High Science, Math, Coding, and STEAM classes in both English and French in Beaumont, Alberta.

She believes in creating authentic cross-curricular learning opportunities for her students to apply to real-world problems, fostering a generation of young people armed to build a better future.

Amanda has received numerous A+ for Energy grants, has been recognized provincially by the Alberta Teacher’s Association Science Council and nationally with a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM.

Sithara's Bio

Sithara Fernando is a teacher, enjoys working outside and loves to engage with indigenous communities. Sithara enjoys travelling to new places, likes to take pictures, be outside and have fun with her dog. She is a passionate advocate for marginalized groups and volunteers extensively. She often blogs, enjoys writing, and one day hopes to write a book about all of her experiences. She is an avid reader, an engaged employee, and likes working as part of a team. She is a very kind and attentive individual who cares about all of the folks around her.

Sithara is currently a Natural Resources Manager for the Akisqnuk First Nation.

Julia's Bio

Julia Ko brings to Inside Education’s Board a career spanning environmental advocacy, Indigenous water rights, and organizational leadership. From advancing First Nations water management across BC to leading data governance and technology strategy at the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects, Julia has built systems that empower communities to thrive.

She has led AI adoption and guidance for her organization, helping teams responsibly harness emerging technology, and works extensively with data systems to turn complex information into insights that drive better decisions. Julia holds a Master of Environment and Resource Studies (Waterloo) and an MBA (Quantic), and is passionate about equipping young Albertans with the environmental and science literacy to shape their future.