As a former psychology student, I am always asking myself why things are the way they are. Although (unfortunately) there is no simple answer to this question, there are tremendous benefits to challenging the status quo. I am excited to use this mindset to challenge traditional business operations and encourage more sustainable practices. I am most passionate about animal welfare, social justice, and environmental sustainability. In my free time, I love playing hockey, swimming in the ocean, and riding my bike. I also enjoy a good Netflix binge but can also be found baking as a form of procrastination. 

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

Sustainability is about recognizing the impacts your actions have on the environment and community, and consciously working towards minimizing adverse effects and maximizing positive effects. It is about holding yourself accountable for your actions and acting in a way that does not compromise the ability of someone or something in the present or future to have access to enough resources. Engaging in a community of discussion and action in works to raise awareness is extremely important; individual efforts are valuable in starting change, mass population efforts are valuable in making change.

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

Businesses’ have a significant influence on society, and therefore can make measurable impacts on the environment and community. Sustainable business efforts have the power to create positive social, economic, and environmental change, and I am excited to contribute to such an essential undertaking in my career. Our world has reached a point where sustainable efforts are imperative to maintain a quality of life as human beings and the diversity of life on Earth as a whole. I hope to pursue a career where I can work to find an intersection between the business operations and sustainable practices, and I am confident that the Sustainability Certificate will provide me with the tools I need to be able to do so. 

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

Volunteer Service Trip: I participated in an international volunteer service trip to Kenya through Me to We. I travelled with 20 other like-minded students to Osenetoi Primary School where we worked alongside community members on a sustainable development project. 

Example of Sustainable Change in Workplace: While working at Mooredale Pool Club, I was tasked with editing and printing a 45-page long staff manual for 20 staff members. I had a meeting with the Manager about emailing the manual to staff members instead of printing off individual copies because it saves administrative work and is environmentally sound alternative. I eventually got the idea approved, and manuals will now always be distributed electronically. 

Vegan: I was a vegetarian for six years before becoming vegan in 2017 for moral and environmental reasons such as saving vast amounts of grain feed and land required for meat production, which is a significant contributor to deforestation.