Sayano Izu

Sayano Izu

Sayano Izu is a first generation settler on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations. She is a passionate learner, advocate, and community engagement specialist. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on urban studies and human geography. Her interests include decolonization, just city planning, migrant rights, climate action, public health, information justice, and many more. She has worked for a local non-profit organization since 2022 and has run climate action programs for youth and young adults across the region. Through her experience of living in the so-called Metro Vancouver area as an international student, she also developed an interest in formal and informal representations of young international students and workers. Sayano is also keen on learning about how to provide just and accessible educational opportunities for new and temporary immigrants about the history and presence of colonialism in Metro Vancouver as well as Canada. She hopes to explore these issue areas and realize communities where these youth who are underrepresented in our city have chances to be heard and be a part of the decolonial efforts. Sayano also loves getting to know new people by sharing food and being in nature with them.