HBA Sustainability Certificate
Empowering the next generation of sustainable leaders
HBA Sustainability Certificate
Empowering the next generation of sustainable leaders
Bio
I never thought I could survive in the business world. The concept of money as a motivator and working with Type A's never appealed to me, but I knew that with my goals and aspirations, I would need a strong business background. Once I came to Ivey, I realized that I could merge my strength in business with my passion for sustainability. My interest in sustainability goes from health and wellness, rural development, conserving water and so much in between. I have been privileged to work closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, the Terry Fox Foundation and the Ontario Power Authority. Next year, I will be joining AIR MILES for Social Change, a social venture that inspires consumers to make smarter choices by offering incentives. I hope one day to start my own business devoted to social change but realize that I have so much more to learn and can't wait to soak it all in.
Additional Information
Personal Definition of Sustainability
Sustainability is such a broad word that encompasses so many things. To be honest, I'm not really sure what sustainability means. But for me, sustainability is almost a responsibility to future generations (to my kids and their kids). It involves meeting the needs of present day without making any choices that will negatively affect the future. It involves acting in a smart, clean, healthy and conscious choices economically, socially and environmentally. It is so much broader than just the green movement. It can also apply to areas such as health and safety and has been a word that has become common in the business world.
Sustainability-in-Action
To start, my international experiences involves me teaching English in Peru and Costa Rica. I have also done a stove-building expedition in South America with an organization called Solidarity in Action, which was an eye opening experience for me and sparked my interest in sustainable development.
I do believe that my commitment to charity work and has sparked my commitment to sustainability. On a local level, I have been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2004, and hope to be a Big Sister when I settle down in a stable environment. This was one of the highlights of my high school years and has really shaped me as a person (in a positive way). Throughout University, there have also been two organizations that I have worked closely with: Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Terry Fox Foundation. In 2010, I was the Shinerama Coordinator for the University of Western Ontario, and was in charge of organizing thousands of first year students to participate in this day. When times were tough and the worked piled up, I always kept in mind the people who I have met that have lived with and died from these diseases.
In terms of my future plans, this summer after a month of backpacking through Southeast Asia, I plan to settle in Thailand for a month and work in sustainability. I have been doing some research on schools, habitat rebuilding, orphanage care and international health programs and organizations. Although I haven't and will not choose what I am doing until I am there, I am ready and willing to immerse myself in the culture and give back this summer before I return home. I want it to be a pure experience and even though I will only be one person, I hope to make contacts and meet people who will inspire me to think bigger for the next time I return.
