Taking a time-out from a successful career in real estate development, Ian is the “Chief Pilot” and Team Leader for the expedition. He’s flown paragliders, paramotors, sailplanes and fixed wing aircraft in many places around the world for the last 4 decades. With a BA (Sc) from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA from Queens University at Kingston, he has started, grown and sold a number of companies. Married to Michelle for 24 years now, they have travelled together, and with their children, to many countries.

Sydney has graduated grade 12 French immersion at a public high-school in Vancouver, and has a keen interest in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. She is always a whirl-wind of energy and is active in soccer, field hockey, snow-sports and is a black belt in Shotokan Karate – a sport she has practiced for 10 years now and competes in nationally and internationally. Bilingual in French and English, Sydney is also a licensed Private Pilot and will often sit “right seat” as co-pilot or as PIC during the expedition. Sydney will take a gap year prior to entering university to participate in the expedition.

On the expedition, Michelle will continue in her role as mum, medic, counsellor, logistics coordinator, communications coordinator…..you get it. Early in her career and prior to becoming a full-time homemaker, Michelle worked at UBC within the Centre for Health Services and Policy Research in Epidemiology, then branched into Technology Transfer and the commercialization of biotech intellectual property. She then joined a major Biotech Research & Development firm. Michelle is one of the happiest and positive people you could hope to find and has shared many memorable travel adventures with Ian and their family.

Samantha has completed her 3rd year at the University of British Columbia (UBC) studying Geography –Environment and Sustainability. An accomplished athlete, Samantha’s energy and enthusiasm motivates people on any team she is on to just try harder. Soccer is her sport of choice, and she has kicked the ball around in friendly play with kids in far flung places such as Ecuador, India and Tanzania. Bilingual in French and English, Samantha is also making progress with conversational Spanish. She is a licensed Private Pilot and will often sit “right seat” as co-pilot or fly pilot-in-command during the expedition. Samantha has put her UBC studies on hold for a year to participate in the expedition.

Christopher is in Grade 10 at a public French immersion school in Vancouver, which he will continue online while participating in the expedition. He’s smart, witty and athletic and enjoys soccer, rugby, snow sports and paddling C1 Canoe and K2 Kayak. He was too young to remember some of the countries he has previously been to, so is looking forward to getting re-acquainted with them.