Sophia Young YCAA Alumni Interview

Meet Sophia Young — a passionate young change-maker whose story is a powerful reminder that grassroots activism can lead to real, lasting change. As part of our National Youth Climate Activism Award interview series, Elaine Xiao — also a YCAA winner and a member of our Youth Climate Cabinet — spoke with Sophia about her inspiring journey, from personal struggle to leading a citywide transit revolution — and now, pushing for change across Canada! You can view Sophia’s 2024 winning entry ➜ here.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Sophia’s activism was born from a personal challenge. When her dad was temporarily paralyzed, her family struggled — especially with transportation. “My mom couldn’t drive me to school, and I missed out on a lot,” she shared. “Later, I realized that so many kids were in the same situation — especially those from single-parent, newcomer, or refugee families.”

That insight lit a fire in her. If youth couldn’t even get to school, community events, or part-time jobs, how could they be expected to thrive? So, Sophia got to work.

CHANGING THE SYSTEM, ONE BUS PASS AT A TIME

Teaming up with a local advocacy group, Regina Energy Transition, Sophia campaigned tirelessly for 14 months to secure free transit for youth under 13. The result? A game-changing policy that gave 36,000 kids access to transportation — and a new sense of freedom.

“I remember hearing a kid say, ‘I can finally go visit my mom at work.’ That moment hit me. Transit isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about connection, community, and opportunity.”

But she didn’t stop there.

BETTER BUS YOUTH: A MOVEMENT GROWS

Next came Better Bus Youth, a grassroots group Sophia founded to advocate for free transit for all youth under 18. What started with five passionate teens quickly grew to 50 — then 1,500 community supporters. Through events, petitions, and lobbying city council, they kept the pressure on.

Four years later, in January 2025, their efforts paid off. Regina’s city council unanimously passed a pilot program for free youth transit.

“It was beyond me,” Sophia said. “This was the community saying, ‘We want this.’ And now Regina joins 20+ Canadian cities offering free transit for youth. That’s powerful.”

ADVICE FOR YOUNG ACTIVISTS

For anyone just starting out in activism, Sophia has wise words: “You don’t have to do it alone. Talk to people. Ask for help. There are mentors and organizations who want to support you — you just need to reach out.”

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She also urges youth to see criticism differently. “If people are debating what you’re doing, your message is being heard. That’s your chance to clarify, educate, and grow support.”

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And start small. “In Regina, we knew asking for free transit for all youth right away might be too much. So we began with youth under 13 — something the city could say yes to. That success made the next step possible.”

FINDING HER VOICE — AND HELPING OTHERS FIND THEIRS

Sophia says advocacy helped her find her own voice after years of being told she was “too young” or “just a girl.” Now, she’s using that voice to uplift others — and she’s not slowing down.

Currently pursuing a degree in environmental engineering and doing research on microplastics, Sophia is also a program coordinator with Get on the Bus, a national youth transit movement powered by Small Change Fund. Her goal? Expand free transit access across Canada and ensure all youth can fully participate in their communities.

A PLATFORM FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH

When asked why she applied for the National Youth Climate Activism Award, Sophia said it best:

“I wanted to be part of a community of young people who are working toward a better world. This award isn’t just about recognition — it’s about sharing stories, inspiring others, and showing that we’re stronger together.”

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WANT TO FOLLOW IN SOPHIA’S FOOTSTEPS?

Find mentors. Start small. Ask for help. Stay loud. And remember: YOUR VOICE MATTERS! — not just for your own future, but for the future of your community and planet.

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