My first two years of University I studied Political Science at Huron University College. Upon receiving a scholarship to study abroad I deferred my acceptance to Ivey and spent the year studying International Relations at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Getting involved in and giving back to the community has always been very important to me. I have continued my commitment to extra-curriculars, academics and community involvement since starting at Ivey this year getting involved in the Women in Management Club, Ivey Marketing Club and doing pro-bono consulting for a non-profit organization through the Community Consulting Project. I have also continued my work as a Residence Don. In my free time I love to complete in triathlons and travel! I am excited to utilize my experiences and skills to positively contribute to the Sustainability Certificate Program.
Additional Information
Personal Definition of Sustainability
I view sustainability as a lifestyle and way of thinking. Sustainability means taking what we need now, without jeopardising the ability for future generations to live in a society that meets their needs. I am interested in sustainability because I see it as a broader extension of community involvement, which has always been a passion of mine. A commitment to sustainability is a commitment to bettering the community you live in and giving back as much as you can. From a business perspective, sustainability involves instilling into business decision-makers that we are all citizens in a global village, and that it is essential to preserve the welfare and stability of its global citizenry.
Sustainability-in-Action
My biggest involvement in sustainability projects has been through community service both at home and abroad. My interest in sustainability began in high school when I had the opportunity to travel to Ecuador with the organization Free the Children. During the trip I spent three weeks volunteering in two impoverished indigenous communities in the Sierra Mountains where the average income was less than two U.S. dollars per day. The majority of the trip was spent building schools alongside the community members and I was able to explore and gain a fuller understanding of Ecuador's history of economic disparities, human rights struggles and how the country has been affected by environmental degradation. Upon returning to Canada, I immediately founded a club at my school so that I could continue my involvement with Free the Children and raise awareness about the issues I had been exposed to first hand. My involvement with this international non-profit organization has continued into University including an executive position with the campus club and internship at the Head Office in Toronto.
My passion for sustainability also led me to start my own business initiative, which helped empower my local community to make an environmentally positive change in how they led their day-to-day lives. I currently have a job offer in the UK for this upcoming summer for a company that focuses on sustainable building practices.
