Alessandra Zuccon is a dual degree student combining her interests in business and medical sciences. Her volunteer and work experience in the health care and non-profit sectors instilled in her a passion for social impact. Last year, Alessandra travelled to Ghana to teach business through Ivey’s Africa Service Learning course. Her interest in community development led her to take a leadership position within Ivey Connects, a student-led organization with the aim of inspiring students to contribute to the societies in which they live. Alessandra is excited to explore her cross-sector interests and strengthen her commitment to sustainability.
Additional Information
Personal definition of sustainability
Sustainability is ensuring my today positively impacts someone else’s tomorrow. I see sustainability as a foundation to making long-lasting impact supported by a community network that crosses traditional boundaries. It means using each individual’s unique skill set to educate and empower other’s to catalyze social change.
Sustainability requires knowledge of environmental, social and economic environments and a passion to explore the opportunities within the crossroads of these sectors. Sustainability is understanding that you are part of something much bigger than yourself and that every choice has consequences. In this way, sustainability becomes part of the consideration set for every business, government and personal decision.
Sustainablity-in-Action
I see sustainability playing an important role in my professional career. As consumers and businesses acknowledge that we operate in a global society, organizations, both private and public, will have to consider and implement strategies addressing sustainability. My goal is to be part of that discussion and part of the solution in each job placement I take. I will get involved and take leadership positions in my firm’s sustainability initiatives because sustainability will always be important to me. I will challenge my co-workers to get more involved in the community and help organize events to strengthen relationships with community organizations.
I strongly believe triple strength leadership is an increasingly important for effective management of national corporations and the key to unlocking social value. With every career step I take, I will look for opportunities to develop my leadership skills while incorporate my calling to make a difference. I am also interested in pursuing sustainable opportunities after gaining skills and experience within traditional work placements.
Ultimately, I aspire to make a difference within my local and global community. I look forward to discovering which path I will take to make that impact and what partners I will share my journey with.
My involvement in sustainable projects began in high school when I pursued my interests in nonprofits and healthcare. I volunteered my summers at Toronto General Hospital and was inspired by the work of healthcare professionals and personal strength of the patients. I was selected as one of three students to represent my school at the UN Convocation on the Rights of the Child in New York. This was my first experience participating in an event of this scale and I learned a lot about issues such as human trafficking and child labour.
I brought my passion for philanthropy to university and volunteered with clubs such as Chics Clic and Best Buddies. I participated in Ivey’s Community Consulting Project during my HBA1 year and worked on a CSR initiative for my IFP course. During my HBA1 summer I traveled to Ghana to teach the business case method to university students and learn about the local business environment.
This summer I had the opportunity to work for two nonprofit organizations on business and strategic development. I revamped the sales presentation for Child Development Institute’s SNAP program in its goal to expand across Canada. I developed a donor engagement strategy for Epilepsy Support Centre focused on expanding it’s presence and reach within the London community.
As I return to Ivey for my final year, I am assuming the Internal Director role for Ivey Connects. I am excited to build it’s reputation at Ivey and strengthen it’s relationships with local charities.
Alessandra Zuccon
