Allison Kermode is a Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU), and is also an affiliate/member of the Pacific Water Research Centre in the Faculty of Environment at SFU, and of the Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease in the SFU Faculty of Science. Her research programs range from the biology and conservation of tree seeds to the development of therapeutics for rare childhood genetic diseases. With a special connection to the Spirit bear, she has a passion for protecting the treasures of the natural environment of BC. Propelled by the urgency to protect our oceans, coastlines and forests, and revere all the beautiful wildlife that they support, Allison and her partners developed the Take a Stand program to move beyond the traditional to galvanize youth to instill public education through art and film and to inspire youth-driven ‘tipping point’ conservation actions.