Chandelle O'Neil

They are Chandelle O'Neil and are from Trinidad and Tobago. They are a sustainable energy specialist and human rights advocate. They went to university and worked in Canada where they obtained their Bachelor’s of Engineering in mechanical engineering (with distinction) specialized for sustainable energy systems design and worked in process engineering for waste reduction and improving efficiencies at large international companies including Johnson & Johnson. Their background in mechanical engineering comes from the fact they have always been good at math and science, with a particular fondness for physics.

Along with being a Global Shaper with the Port-of- Spain Hub and working with CAISO Sex and Gender Justice, they have their own startup, Mawu Energy that supports energy efficiency, sustainable design and resource management in residential and commercial buildings/ properties. They were a Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) Young Caribbean Water Entrepreneurs Shark Tank Competition Finalist in December 2020. They are currently a part of GWP-C Water Academy for Youth where they are learning about Climate Resilience and Integrated Water Resource Management.

They are a youth climate expert, focusing on the intersection of gender and climate change, with Unite for Climate Action, a group of youth from the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. U4CA met with and lobbied various German government ministries, NGOs and think tanks to build bridges for climate advocacy and action. They are currently enrolled in their Global Leadership Diploma with the UN Mandated University for Peace as well as an ambassador with HEY (Healthy and Environmentally-Friendly Youth) Campaign and the World Literacy Foundation.

They volunteer with the Fondes Amandes Reforestation project, led by women, in their community (over the hill behind their house) planting trees, maintaining fire trails, and doing river clean-ups. They are also a member of YOUNGO- the Children and Youth Constituency to the UNFCCC as well as part of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network.