The board of directors at AWARE are pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Pegah Pourkarimi (she/her). An entrepreneur with experience working with non-profits in Canada and abroad, Pegah was selected after an extensive candidate search earlier this spring.

Pegah was drawn to AWARE’s strategic priorities, which include goals related to safeguarding habitat, biodiversity, and wilderness values; and building a sustainable and resilient community. She wishes to be part of a community movement that speaks up and acts on environmental issues within Whistler and the surrounding corridor. Having spent a great deal of time in the Sea to Sky, she was familiar with AWARE’s 30-year history of impact in Whistler.

“I look forward to learning from existing community partners and developing new connections with intersecting organizations in Whistler,” says Pegah. “Together, we can increase alignment and momentum on key issues facing the community as it relates to the environment.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Pegah to AWARE,” notes Paul Dorland, AWARE Board President. “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.”

When not immersed in food (she and her husband own a locally based small batch hot sauce brand, and she is a Board Director at the Squamish Farmers Market), Pegah spends her free time attempting to keep up with her twin boys on mountain bikes and snowboards. Her young children drive her ambition to help build a sustainable and climate resilient community for future generations.

AWARE has worked with the community for three decades to deliver bold, inspiring evidence- based solutions to the environmental issues that affect Whistler. Our world is at a pivotal moment, so a collective voice from citizens will help encourage governments and the private sector to take a leading role in the environmental crisis. Businesses, individuals, community organizations all hold
power to influence change.

As a registered charity, community support is vital to amplify AWARE’s impact. AWARE is the grateful recipient the Whistler Community Foundation’s Environmental Legacy Fund, which provides capacity funding to support the Executive Director role.

Support AWARE’s work in Whistler: make a donation, become a volunteer, join its membership.