LaSalle resident wins 2021 Young Nature Leadership Grant

A LaSalleresidenthas been named one of six winners of the 2021 Young Nature Leadership Grant.

Iman Berry, a second-year student at Western Universityand secretaryof Green Ummah,was awarded a $1,000 grant to promote environmentaleducation inthe Muslim community.

"It feels really great," said Berry.

The grant, supported by Nature Canada and Women for Nature, is meant todevelopa youth-led, community-based project focused on the environment andsustainability in Canada.

The winners may alsobe offered mentorship with a Women forNaturementor.

"I'm super excited to kind of learn about some of the other women who were chosen, some of the great stuff that's going onin terms of the environmental movement," said Berry.

Berry saidGreen Ummahwill put the grant money toward hosting educational webinarsfeaturing guest speakers, social media campaigns, a curriculum projectand information sessions in the Muslim community.

Green Ummah, a grassroots community organization, is dedicated to creating an environmental movement within the Canadian Muslim community.

It was founded in 2020 by students, some of whomattend the University of Windsor.

Berry has been a board member since last year.

She believes it is extremely important that young people get involved with environmental movement.

"We're the next generation. I think that change starts with us," said Berry.