BEST is a non-profit charitable organization
with a long history of promoting sustainable transportation.
Our Vision
Through sustainable transportation, we build vibrant, inclusive communities.
Our Mission
To activate better transportation options through initiatives, collaboration and leadership.
How We Do It
We offer innovative social enterprises, programs and services to encourage,
promote and enable sustainable and active transportation choices.
Who We Are
Team Members
Pablo Zacarías | Executive Director
Pablo (he/him) has been our Executive Director since 2022.
As an uninvited guest in the lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh with a mixed heritage result of intergenerational displacements, born in one of the most densely populated cities in the world (Mexico City), Pablo understands how access to public and active transportation is a key determinant of wellbeing, community resilience and justice.
His love for community building, local arts and active transportation led him to co-create Rodante, Mexico’s largest itinerant bicycle music festival, as a way to advocate for better transportation policies, democratize public spaces and facilitate social connections in a decommodified environment. BEST is currently exploring similar initiatives to effectively use the arts to promote mobility justice.
Pablo holds two Master's Degrees in Education for Sustainability (UBC) and Transdisciplinary Studies for Sustainability (UV), writes songs, plays live, and does stand-up comedy whenever he can.
Sammy Purewal | Finance Associate
Meet Sammy, the financial maestro at BEST, where a Bachelors of Business Administration converges with a fervor for numbers and strategic financial management. With a sports background cultivated since age 6, Sammy has cultivated teamwork, discipline, and determination – qualities seamlessly integrated into their financial expertise. Beyond the balance sheets lies an adventure enthusiast exploring global horizons and shredding slopes on a snowboard when the mountains beckon. In the dynamic realm of BEST, Sammy isn’t merely managing finances; they’re craving a path to sustainable success. With a resolute commitment to BEST’s mission, Sammy strategically navigates the financial landscape, ensuring every dollar invested aligns with the vision for creating livable, sustainable communities through active transportation initiatives. It transcends mere numbers – it’s about crafting a financial narrative propelling BEST towards a future where eco-friendly transportation is a norm, not an exception.
Crystal Teves | HR Coordinator
Crystal (she/her), the HR Coordinator, brings unwavering dedication to sustainability and a love for eco-friendly transportation to her role. Commuting, especially by train or bus, gives her space to indulge in her favorite music or podcast, read books, and prepare for work or unwind after a long day. With a strong belief in creating livable communities, Crystal seeks to connect with individuals who share her passion for sustainable practices. Through her work, she is committed to helping them recognize their potential and fostering a team of like-minded individuals dedicated to creating a more sustainable future. Crystal firmly believes that prioritizing active transportation not only reduces traffic congestion and improves air quality but also contributes to healthier and happier lifestyles for employees. In her role as an HR Coordinator, she aims to inspire positive change and make a lasting impact on the organization's commitment to sustainability.
Sasha Rodriguez | Program Manager
Sasha (she/her) is a recent University of British Columbia graduate with a background in Urban forestry and green space management. During her undergraduate studies, she had the opportunity to conduct research on nature-based solutions. In addition to investigating various methodologies for making cities more livable and resilient by integrating the built environment, nature, and humans. She noticed that cities were not adequately designed for an aging population. She is now able to collaborate with a fantastic team at Better Environmentally Sound Transportation ( BEST) as part of the Seniors on the Move (SOTM) initiative, which is a project led by seniors to improve and increase transportation options for older adults across the Province.
Farinaz Rikhtehgaran | Program Manager/Research & Development Coordinator
Commuting by bus and skytrain most times, Farinaz is curious about making cities more accessible, walkable, and livable for everyone regardless of their identities. With a Master's degree in Urban Design, Farinaz moved to Vancouver from Isfahan, Iran two years ago to pursue a Master's degree in Gerontology at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Since then, she has been working as the research coordinator and graduate research assistant on three participatory research projects focused on urban built environment accessibility and housing affordability at SFU and Hey Neighbour Collective. Her own research interest focuses on the development of walkable and accessible urban neighbourhoods and communities for immigrant older adults. Farinaz likes mapping and data visualization as well as facilitating workshops, focus groups, and dialogues. By joining BEST as the Living Streets coordinator, she hopes to put her academic knowledge into practice and contribute to creating walkable and age-friendly neighbourhoods.
Pegah Ghane | Community Engagement Coordinator
Pegah Ghane is pursuing a Master's degree in Civil Engineering at UBC. She began her academic journey with a strong foundation in Urban Planning and received her Master's degree in Urban Design from the University of Tehran. In 2023, she started a new chapter by commencing her studies in Civil Engineering at UBC, focusing on transportation. Pegah is particularly interested in active transportation and looks forward to combining her knowledge of urban planning with new experiences to contribute to developing safe, equitable, and sustainable urban mobility. At Best, she aims to use her passion for social communication and to encourage more people to stay active!
The Bike Valet
Saskia Asyari | Business Development Manager & Analyst
Saskia's love for cycling and walking fuels her drive to promote eco-friendly transportation. With nearly 4-year experience in project management and marketing at Southeast Asia's largest ride-hailing and food delivery app provider, Grab, she had the chance to contribute to creating more socio-economic opportunities, eco-friendly transportation, delivery, and logistics alternatives for more than 500,000 users through collaboration with educational institutions, FMCG corporations, government, public sectors, and other entities. As the Bicycle Valet Manager at BEST, her ultimate goal is to make cycling a safe, accessible, and enjoyable option for everyone with the aid of secure bike parking facilities and initiatives. Through her work, Saskia is dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation for a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant community.
Vrishank Prabhu | Bike Valet Operations Manager
Vrishank is a third-year electrical engineering student at BCIT with a huge passion for transportation innovation. Approaching close to two years of experience with The Bike Valet, Vrishank leads The Bike Valet’s operations with a drive to improve and grow the program. Vrishank actively participates in improving the student experience as the Chair for the School of Energy at BCIT's Student Association.
His enthusiasm for engineering and electronics continues into his personal pursuits, where he spends time on projects often involving microcontrollers and Raspberry Pis. This summer, he has been getting into photography, spending time around the Lower Mainland's outdoor scene and enjoying Vancouver's nightlife.
Cayley McCallum | Marketing & communications Coordinator
Growing up surrounded by the hustle and bustle of urban life, Cayley developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a desire to make a positive impact on her community. In her free time, Cayley finds joy in hiking and taking long walks in nature. These moments spent outdoors not only help her clear her mind but also inspire her to continue her mission of advocating for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
With a fervent dedication to community building and a keen eye for creative expression, Cayley seeks to leverage her marketing expertise to amplify voices, champion causes, and effect positive change. Just as she finds joy in exploring the outdoors, Cayley aims to use her skills to connect people with causes and initiatives that promote sustainability and community well-being.
David Minic | Active Transportation Coordinator
David is a passionate cyclist and long-time Vancouverite. He is dedicated to creating more livable, sustainable communities where people can thrive. He believes that by prioritizing active transportation, we can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and achieve healthier, happier lifestyles. In his free time, David can be found exploring new trails, reading by the beach, or experimenting with new recipes.
Board Members
Margarita Fullerton | Co-Chair
With over 20 years of consulting experience in both the public and private sector, and an Industrial Engineering degree, Margarita specializes in operational excellence, strategic planning, business strategy, and finance transformation. For the last 10 years, Margarita has worked with UBC’s Executive and Faculty Leadership in developing solutions to complex problems and identifying/sizing various opportunities. Since joining the BEST Board in April of 2021, Margarita has been able to combine her passion for both, sustainability and strategy, to help promote sustainable transportation. In her spare time, Margarita enjoys spending time with her family and friends and playing pickleball.
Tylor Sherman | Co-Chair
Tylor is a creative technologist and co-founder of Vancouver interactive studio Denim & Steel. An engineer with a keen eye for design, he approaches all work with both approaches in mind - balancing what's possible with what makes sense and will work well. A music lover, you may spot him jamming on his walk to work with his dog Sophie.
Deepshika Kelkar | Secretary
Deepshika is of Indian origin living on the unceded territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She has extensive travel and lived experiences which has shaped her worldview and perspective on diversity and equity. She believes that intercultural learning can play an important role in building healthier and more equitable communities. She joined BEST because their vision matches her values in creating inclusive communities.
Currently, she works as a researcher at a not-for-profit organization. In her spare time, she enjoys creating abstract art, birding, and biking. She holds a BA in International Relations with a minor in African Studies and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Simon Fraser University.
Serena you | Treasurer
Serena has experience in creating and developing partnerships for non-profit & education organizations. In her current role at UBC Sauder School of Business, she conducts market analyses within designated industry sectors to identify hiring trends, business skills requirements, and future career opportunities. She also has experience in recruiting employer participation for community business projects and has contributed to strategic planning and program/project assessments and evaluation. Before joining UBC, Serena worked for Siemens Ltd., China, ensuring compliance with company regulations and standard practices. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management and is currently pursuing a Human Resources Management Certificate and a Business Management Certificate from Simon Fraser University. Serena’s skills and experience can help organizations to develop strategic partnerships, identify opportunities for growth, and effectively manage their resources to achieve their mission.
Ana Milosavic | Member at Large
A marketer with a passion for sustainability, Ana joined the BEST Board in April 2021 to help make her passions come alive. A true Vancouverite, she takes advantage of Vancouver's nature and loves to go on walks and hikes in her spare time. Ana is looking forward to helping promote and encourage sustainable transportation, whether it be biking, walking, taking transit, or whichever other mode might work best for the individual.
Vanja Bartula | Member at Large
As someone who got their driver's license in their late 20s, Vanja is no stranger to public transit and alternate forms of transportation and the importance of having these readily available. Vanja has also been very passionate about the environment for as long as she can remember; she strives to reuse and make conscious choices when buying products and services, while keeping waste to a minimum. Vanja also recognizes the large carbon footprint that comes with owning a vehicle and frequently cycles and carpools as a means of transport.
Vanja currently works in the public sector and enjoys all sorts of physical activities, including: weight lifting, hiking, and cycling.
Jerry Gosling | Member at Large
Jerry is the Vice President of the Health and Wellness Institute, the Regional Director of the BC OAPO, and serves on the council of advisors for the BC Senior Advocate. In the past, he was also the General Vice President of Cosco, the Vice President of CHHA BC, the President of the BC OAPO, the President of CHHA Abbotsford, and the President of the MSA Museum. Jerry also teaches classes for COSCO, as well he formerly taught classes at UVIC where he was a master trainer.
Anthony Kupferschmidt | Member at Large
Over the course of his career in the field of gerontology, Anthony has seen the essential role of transportation in ensuring older adults can live well in the community. He is passionate about supporting older adults to attend vital medical appointments and equally important social opportunities. Older adults deserve mobility equity, and Anthony is excited to contribute to BEST, playing a growing role to meet the transportation needs of our aging population. When he is not working or volunteering, Anthony enjoys walking with his dog, Ferguson.
Pomponia Martinez | Member at Large
Pomponia (she/her) is an ardent supporter of clean energy solutions in transportation. Her occasional commutes from Chilliwack to Vancouver are with an EV. She currently teaches post-secondary students in areas of business and human resources and holds a Master in Administrative Management in addition to the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. She has owned and operated her own business and has a background in systems and business management. Previously, she served as President of the Vancouver Chapter of the Vancouver Astronomical Society of Canada, a not-for-profit, regulated under the Societies Act. She values teamwork and transparency in all Board work and is happy to contribute to supporting environmentally sound transportation solutions in our community.
