Health. Business. Sustainability. These three fields are not mutually exclusive.

My passions lie at the intersection of social determinants of health, climate change, and how we, as future business leaders, can make a difference to build safe, resilient, and prosperous communities for generations to come.

This passion stems from my studies in Health Science and Ivey’s HBA program. I consistently seek opportunities to support the holistic wellness of my community. I am currently a Director for Violence Against Women Services Elgin County, the Head of Community Partnerships for RollUP Solutions, and consistently advocate for sustainable initiatives on student organizations.

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability for humans and all other life on earth to achieve holistic wellness in the present, without depleting the resources necessary for generations to achieve the same level and quality of wellness in the future.

Discovering, developing, and updating environmentally focused initiatives is the responsibility of individuals, communities, countries, and corporations to for years to come. In the 21st century, committing to take action against climate change is no longer an option, but rather an obligation. The fate of our health is dependent on our actions today and the priorities of our current and future leaders.

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

Anyone in the workforce in the 21st century will have sustainability play a role in their professional career. Personally, I am interested in working in the healthcare field. With a position in this area, I will work to further promote public health and protect the environment while ensuring the prosperity of the economy.

According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century. I want my work to consistently promote initiatives, education, and community engagement surrounding climate change. I want to be a voice for the consequences of our well-being if we do not act on climate change and further develop resources with other health care leaders, policymakers, and climate scientists to build resilient communities.

Climate change is also a health equity issue. For this reason, I want to continue my work to break down socioeconomic disparities that exist within our healthcare systems. For example, I want to continue my work with RollUP Solutions to increase mobility device accessibility for all which is a way to increase health equity.

I will always approach decisions with an intersectional lens, understanding the social, environmental, and financial implications for my company, co-workers, and community.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

My passions of health and sustainability intersect with my current position as the Head of Community Partnerships and Operations at RollUP Solutions (RollUP). RollUP is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2017 by students at Western University. Our overarching goal is to remove social and physical barriers in the community by providing mobility devices that are affordable to all.

Our supply chain works by accepting donations of used mobility devices that would otherwise end up in the landfill, upcycling them, and then donating them back into the community. We specifically focus on helping individuals that would otherwise be unable to purchase a mobility device, as upfront costs are large and applications for financial support are long and complex.

Since I joined the RollUP team in June of 2020, we have donated over 100 wheelchairs and walkers to organizations and communities in need. Our work has diverted over 4,000 pounds of waste from landfills while further reducing health inequities in Canada.

I also support sustainability-focused projects such as more accessible reusable face masks as a member of the Canadian Face Masks team and policy changes or initiatives as a student leader on the HBAA and the Health Studies Students’ Association.