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Women Talking Climate: Living Labs Workshop

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Upstart & Crow Studio

Description

“Living Labs are user-centered, open-innovation ecosystems based on a systematic user co-creation approach, integrating research and innovation processes in real-life communities and settings.”

We hold this truth to be self-evident: not only do women play an essential role in ensuring the long-term wellbeing of their communities, especially in times of crisis, but we cannot weather the climate impacts we face without their leadership and solutions-building.

That’s why we’re hosting an informal, reoccurring event series for women and non-binary folks who work in climate — in any capacity — to mingle, connect and celebrate each others’ work.

On Thursday, June 4 at 6p.m., Women Talking Climate is hosting its first hands-on workshop to give you a taste of the European model of Living Labs and learn some of their practical applications in order to engage citizens and civil society, policymakers, businesses, non-profits, and academia alike when it comes to solving complex, multi-faceted problems.

This 2.5 hour event will include climate-focused icebreakers; place-base “exploring” to enhance place-based education and engage with the current environment; and hands-on brainstorming sessions using collaborative and knowledge sharing tactics, helping to strategize big picture solutions for some of these ongoing climate challenges.

We ask that you bring your burning climate questions or topics, your desire to learn, and your problem-solving hats: we’re excited to see what you can take away from this unique session!

The registration fee for this event is $5. Your admission to the event will include a structured 2.5-hour expert-led session, non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. If you are experiencing financial barriers, please email us at hello[@]upstartandcrow.com for one of our scholarship spots.

More about Upstart & Crow:

Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers, readers and stories, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com.

Accessibility:

The main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. As part of disability justice and community care for the chronically ill, vulnerable and elderly, we ask that you refrain from attending if you feel sick.

Questions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.

More about the facilitators:

Sheliza Thobani is a brand and communications consultant for sustainable businesses. From impact investing to hard-to-recycle plastics to sustainable food chains, Sheliza is a strategic storyteller that is focused on consumer education and driving impact. With an MBA in Green Energy and Sustainable Businesses from Bologna Business School, Sheliza brings over 12 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, digital marketing and international project management across public, private and non-profit sectors in both Vancouver, Canada and Bologna, Italy.

Championing people and the planet in all the work she does, and a true advocate for climate action, diversity, equity and inclusion, and empowering women and women leadership, Sheliza is passionate about advancing a greener future. She now works to connect her background in sustainability and community-focused initiatives (at a European scale) to growing her client base in BC and Canada; all of whom are focused on green outcomes.

Angie Woo has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of climate risk, resilience, infrastructure, nature and community wellbeing. From post-tsunami recovery work in Southeast Asia to climate-resilient health infrastructure in British Columbia, her work has focused on helping people, organisations and ecosystems prepare for the climate impacts already unfolding around us. As the founder of Think Resilience Inc, a Vancouver-based advisory firm, Angie brings a practical, collaborative and community-minded approach to climate action — and she is especially committed to creating spaces where women and next-generation resilience leaders can connect, learn and support each other.

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