I am passionate about the arts, travelling, and teaching kids. I was professional performer and teacher for 5 years and toured countries such as Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, Lithuania, and all over Canada and the US. I continue to teach dance for UWO Dance Force and a local dance studio. I also had the opportunity to work for Disney Cruise Lines as a Youth Activities Counselor prior to university. Currently, I work for The Sunshine Foundation of Canada and am looking to explore future opportunities in the non-profit sector.

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

To me, sustainability is about creating societal practices that reduce harm and encourage long-lasting prosperity. Importantly, sustainability reaches beyond one factor or industry and encompasses environmental, economic, and social spheres of life and considers the intersectionality of these aspects. As a queer student, my personal passion for sustainability leans towards improving equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in businesses and societal systems. I believe that the inclusion of multiple and diverse opinions, experiences, and ideas will help pave the way to create overall sustainable system.

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

As a person with many different passions, I am not entirely sure where my professional career will lead. I do know that I want to bring sustainable business thinking with me wherever I go. In the performing arts industry, I am passionate about encouraging sustainable costume and prop practices that focus on reuse over single use. In the non-profit sector, my passion lies in advocacy and accessibility for youth of all backgrounds to encourage more equitable opportunities for the next generation. These are some specific examples, but I also believe that sustainability will play a role in any position at any company. I believe that taking the ideas and discussions from my peers and professors and applying them to situations outside of a sustainability committee or sustainability focused organization is how we are going to be able to make long lasting change. Of course, sustainability committees and organizations do play a key role in creating change and I would also love to work in these environments if the opportunity arises. Overall, while I do not know what specific position I am looking for in my professional career, I do know sustainability will inform my decision making.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

Throughout high school, I was heavily involved in the Social Justice Committee who organized and ran various fundraising and advocacy events. These events included the Vow of Silence and Christmas food and toy drives. We also researched, presented, and brought in speakers on current global issues to further understand social justice movements. Our committee’s largest annual event was the Barefoot Walk where the social justice committees from different London and are a high schools all worked together to create a day of empowerment, education, and fundraising. During my grade 11 and 12 years, I participated as an executive on the sponsorship and events teams for the Barefoot Walk. My interests for sustainability and social impact have continued in university. As a member of the Ivey Pride Club, I have had the chance to connect with and support other queer students and allies, as well as advocate for improved LGTBQIA2S+ inclusion and policies at Ivey. I am also a member of the Social Impact Club and have been inspired by the events throughout the year to continue to pursue education and a career in sustainability and community impact.