Young Leaders Who Are Changing the World

Meet Sasha Buch – Sustainability Manager, Aurora Expeditions

When Sasha Buch walks into a room, you feel it. Her energy hums, her warmth radiates, and within moments, you’re leaning in, drawn to her natural enthusiasm. “I’ve always been a big people person,” she says with a grin, “and I’ve always believed we each have a role to play in making things better.”

It’s no surprise that Sasha found herself in the travel industry – a space that speaks to her love of people, cultures, and the planet. Today, she’s the Sustainability Manager at Aurora Expeditions, and her mission is as adventurous as it is urgent: help transform travel into a force for long-term, positive change.

But her journey to this role has been anything but ordinary.

As an undergraduate, Sasha embarked on research programs in Uganda and later in Cambodia, contributing to women's business development training through She Investments. After completing a Master’s in Development Studies, she made a bold move – relocating alone to Cambodia to work with an NGO, driven by nothing more than her values and a hunger to contribute. “That kind of experience really shapes who you become,” she reflects.

Her early work with NGOs – from refugee settlements to wildlife care with WIRES – helped her cultivate deep empathy and sharpen her problem-solving skills. But it was travel that gave her global perspective. “Being on the ground in different parts of the world made me see the gaps in our systems – and the potential for change.”

This year, Sasha took another leap – onto the stage at A Force for Good. Public speaking was not in her comfort zone. “It was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done,” she admits. “But it was also one of the most empowering. Hearing other women speak with vulnerability reminded me I’m not alone – and that it’s okay to back yourself.”

Inspired by the event, Sasha joined Toastmasters to keep building her confidence as a speaker. “I believe in baby steps,” she says. “Confidence doesn’t come overnight – but it does come.”

At Aurora Expeditions, Sasha feels she’s landed in a company where purpose is front and centre. “Sustainability isn’t a side project here – it’s at the core of what we do. We’re always asking how we can do better, not just now, but for the future.”

Her vision? That every business owns its responsibility across the entire supply chain – from people and products to purpose and impact. “Being a force for good means being aware of your impact – the good and the bad – and doing what you can to tip the balance toward positive change.”

For Sasha, leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, reflection, and action. “I try to live with kindness. Everyone is doing their best, and when things feel heavy, nature is my healer. Go outside, breathe. It works.”

She’s particularly inspired by young changemakers advancing consent and climate education, and she hopes her legacy includes reshaping the way businesses think about their role in society.

As we wrapped up our conversation, we found ourselves dreaming – what if we brought together all the brilliant young sustainability leaders together? What if we created a space to share, challenge, and co-create solutions?

Well, let’s just say... something exciting might be coming next for A Force for Good.