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Krista Taverner's Story

Category: Employee
Country: Vietnam

Written by: Krista Taverner

Krista and her friend stand by a “WE Love SET” sign in a green park with trees
We were a group of 8 NSCC female students in STEM programs and 10 students from Tra Vinh University (TVU) in Vietnam, each bringing unique talents, perspectives, and a willingness to take on challenges.

The Change Maker Project is close to my heart. Its goal is to help build female leaders in STEM careers an area where, despite decades of awareness and advocacy, the percentage of women remains largely unchanged. We’re determined to change that. The project topic focused on advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

While in Vietnam, we explored how our personal and professional choices can support a healthier planet. Some highlights of our project work included:
  • Diving into the SDGs and their specific targets.
  • Learning brainstorming tactics to generate ideas for project development.
  • Visiting the local industry using advanced AI to monitor the effects of climate change.
  • Attending a session at TVU on water usage, we discovered how our product and food choices, such as a Big Mac’s staggering 2,400-litre water footprint, can significantly impact conservation.
  • Visiting a local elementary school to promote STEM careers and sustainability to local children.

The student teams developed project proposals focused on the SDGs for Quality Education and Gender Equality. We were so impressed by their final presentations—not just for the strength of their ideas, but for the way the students collaborated and the confidence they showed on stage.

For two unforgettable weeks, our new Vietnamese friends hosted us with such kindness and generosity. We loved learning about their culture and history, trying many different foods, exploring their beautiful country, and building friendships.

Mother Earth needs us to care—and I’m grateful to know that these students are already stepping up as future leaders in their fields. Personally, this experience deepened my understanding of sustainable development and left me feeling inspired to bring more sustainability-focused discussions into the courses I teach.

Thank you, NSCC International, for supporting women in STEM, sustainability, and life-changing international experiences.

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