I am currently pursuing a dual degree in Ivey HBA and Philosophy at Huron. My passion for sustainability and the environment stemmed from the summers I spent exploring different national parks while growing up. With a strong passion for environmental justice, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development, I hope to learn more about the different ways that we can address environmental challenges facing our communities both locally and globally.

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

During my studies in Philosophy, I came upon Tim Delaney’s book Environmental Sustainability where he mentioned that sustainability is the ability of an ecosystem to hold, endure, or bear the weight of a wide variety of social and natural forces which could compromise its healthy operation. To me, sustainability means being aware of the relationship between us and the ecosystem in meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In recognizing our actions and the impact it has on the ecosystem, we can work towards an ecological equilibrium that can be applied throughout politics, economics, society, and the environment.

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

The role that sustainability plays in finance is already starting to change the way that companies think about products, technologies, people, and business models. The integration of ESG factors into different facets within finance suggests that sustainability will undoubtedly play a large role in my professional career in different shapes and forms.

Currently, I am working as an equity research summer analyst. As I continue this path, I am looking forward to seeing a greater integration of ESG factors into equity research, specifically in broader ESG themes on different industries and companies that will drive investment recommendations.

Outside of my professional career, I hope to continue my involvement in sustainability initiatives by taking part in sustainable investing projects and environmental conservation programs abroad.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

Sustainable Agriculture Research Project: Over this past summer, I worked alongside two professors at University of Toronto and Brock University as a research assistant where I identified sustainability trends within the plant-based foods and cultured/clean meats industry. Having the opportunity to learn about the impact sustainable agriculture made in both public and private sectors showed me that sustainability will continue to help shape our lives in different ways.

Rwanda 2019: Before coming to Ivey, I undertook a Political Science course that took me to Rwanda. This international learning experience was formative in several ways; I saw first-hand the sustainability initiatives that the Rwandan government implemented in addition to participating in discussions with community members in learning about international politics. Near the end of our time in Rwanda, we helped plant a vegetable garden for an elderly woman named Rosa, who became paralyzed during the genocide.