Prior to my HBA at Ivey, I studied Media, Information & Technoculture (MIT) at Western. I am passionate about topics surrounding wildlife conservation, sustainable consumption and environmental friendliness. I always aim to employ these values into my personal life, even in small ways. For example, I have been vegetarian for nearly 5 years.

I currently hold executive positions in Western Capital Markets and Women in Management at Ivey. These organizations allow me to contribute to my community, in an effort to leave a positive impression behind. I intend to pursue a career in the capital markets, and enjoy seeing the growing intersection between finance and sustainability.

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

During my studies in MIT at Western, I studied Martin Heidegger’s concept of bestand. This translates to “standing reserve.” This concept illustrates how society views the world’s resources as raw materials to be thoroughly used, in order to seek economic gain at any cost. With this in mind, I define sustainability as the opposite of exploitation. To me, sustainability is about recognizing the interconnectedness between humans to the physical environment, knowing the impacts our actions have on it, and choosing ecological balance in favour of depletion.

What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?

It is my ambition to work within sustainable finance in Canada, through providing advisory services and solutions to corporate, financial, public and institutional organizations across the globe.

Canada has a robust resource driven economy matched with a strong financial services sector. Given these forces, our country has the foundation to be a leader in guiding a low emissions, climate conscious future. Utilizing Canada’s strong financial sector is essential in accelerating this movement, and this is where I would like to find myself playing a role.

Currently, I am working as an investment banking summer analyst. This is a path I hope to continue while promoting the growth of sustainable finance groups and advocating for businesses founded on sustainable values and practices.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

This past year, I did not have the chance to directly engage in sustainability-focused projects, however I have gained exposure through involvement in the following initiatives.

Firstly, as a member of Ivey Social Impact Club, I frequently joined meetings and sessions related to impact investing, sustainable business models and corporate responsibility. Secondly, I have facilitated many food drives and fundraisers with organizations within the London community, such as the London Food Bank and Boys and Girls Club over the past three years. Finally, in grade 12, I helped to plan and contributed work to my graduating class’ art exhibition. My featured work was centered on themes of global warming and water pollution, inspired by the work of art activists including Chris Jordan, Niles-Udo and Agnes Denes.

Through the Sustainability Certificate, I hope to further engage with larger scale projects.