For as long as I can remember, I’ve been driven towards meaningful activities that provided a benefit to other people and the planet. This drive flourished when I learned about sustainability and social enterprise in my entrepreneurship classes. When we got the opportunity to speak with an employee from Patagonia, I was empowered by their ability to find a middle-ground between economic and ecological growth. As an Ivey student, I have been encouraged to be a leader of change. Thus, I aspire to join, and eventually, lead a mission-driven company that is sustainable, profitable, and committed to environmental activism.  

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

To me, sustainability refers to being mindful of the Earth’s natural resources, by striking a balance between our needs and our resources. It is up to us to discover and maintain a balance between our limited resources and our needs and wants, to protect the capacity of subsequent generations to provide for their own need. It is of the utmost importance that we engage in sustainable practices now, so as to not worsen the state of the world that our posterity will see. Therefore, we must find the equilibrium where we can help the economy without creating further environmental damage. 

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

In my career search, I’ve always known that I wanted my work to contribute to something greater than solely profit. Thus, I envision sustainability to play a big role in my professional career. As the urgency to slow down the effects of climate change heightens, companies will continue to demand diverse perspectives, skills and talent with a strong ability to implement sustainable strategies in all facets of business. Thus, virtually any role will involve sustainability in some capacity. I am eager to pursue a career in sustainable consulting and marketing, with a focus in sustainable fashion, climate justice and intersectional anthropology. With these interests in mind and my desire to work in an organization that is focused on the triple bottom line rather than one without a purpose beyond profit, I am certain that sustainability will play a dominant role in my professional career.  

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in? 

Prior to attending university, I started a non-profit organization selling handmade beaded jewelry, with all the proceeds going towards coral reef recovery. This initial experience contributed to my newfound interest in altering traditional business by giving back, rather than being exclusively profit driven. During the incubator phase, I learned a lot from various consulting firms and non-profit organizations about conscious sourcing, sustainable supply chain management and upcycling. Since my second year of university, I have had the opportunity to work for several sustainable startup companies such as Nana+Livy, Ash&Green, and Flashee. All of these companies have integrated sustainable models and innovation, which has provided me with valuable experiences in the sustainability space. I had many opportunities to discover how to implement more renewable operations while contributing to the larger goal of promoting sustainable actions in the business world. Overall, these experiences, alongside my education at Ivey, will guide the sustainable practices I will implement as a leader of change in an effort to enact valuable social and environmental shifts for a better future.