Samantha Young is a freelance artist, grant writer, and former Project Coordinator at the UBC Transformative Health & Justice Research Cluster. Sam is a mixed race settler living and working on the traditional, unceded and occupied lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt) and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations. She supports the coordination and implementation of community-driven arts and research initiatives that center equity, education, and social impact. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from OCADU and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Community Development at the University of Victoria.
With experience in arts programming, administration, project coordination, and grant writing, Sam has used her skillset to conduct participatory action research initiatives at UBC. She serves on the board of directors for Gallery Gachet and Unlocking the Gates Services Society, contributing to initiatives that advance health equity and justice. Samantha believes that creativity is a powerful tool for connection and change and is passionate about fostering spaces where art, education, and community care intersect. In her free time, Sam enjoys camping, going on travel adventures and board games.