Hi, I’m Belinda and I'm dedicated to sustainability and an outdoor enthusiast! I've always loved getting out into nature and exploring. Whether it's hiking, kayaking, or camping, there's just something about being surrounded by the great outdoors that fills me with joy and wonder. Ever since being introduced to Earth Day in elementary school, I've been passionate about sustainability and doing my part to reduce my carbon footprint. From participating in sustainability events to composting and recycling at home, I'm always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment to ensure that it is still here for future generations to enjoy. 

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

Sustainability is about finding ways to balance aspects of economic, social, and environmental concerns so we can create a world that is equitable and resilient. When I think of sustainability, it’s not just about environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. Sustainability encompasses social and economic issues like equity, economic development, and healthcare accessibility. Sustainability affects all these factors of our society because they are all interconnected. Ultimately, sustainability requires us to take a holistic and long-term view of our actions and their impacts. It means recognizing intersectionality and how our choices today will shape the world tomorrow. 

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

For me, sustainability has always been a deeply held value and a guiding principle in my personal and now for my future professional life. As someone who is deeply committed to social and environmental justice, I see sustainability as an essential consideration in any career path that I choose to pursue. In the future, I see myself merging sustainability with areas like consulting and the finance industry, such as impact investing and sustainable finance. With consulting, I hope to work with clients to develop and implement sustainability strategies that not only reduce their environmental impact but also create positive social outcomes. This might involve developing supply chain sustainability programs, conducting sustainability reporting and disclosure, or providing training and education to clients and their employees. In finance, I would like to see these services drive positive social and environmental outcomes through impact investing and sustainable finance. By investing in companies and projects that align with my sustainability values, I can help to create positive change while also generating financial returns. I believe sustainability is an essential component of any successful business strategy, and I am committed to incorporating sustainability into my future work.  

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

One project that I’ve done in the past was as a volunteer gardener for Ecosource. This involved participating in hands-on environmental education programs about food, waste reduction, and climate action. Through this experience, I was able to work with other passionate individuals to cultivate a garden that served as a living example of sustainable living. We learned about composting, reducing food waste, and growing our own food. It was incredible to see how a simple garden could foster a sense of community, inspire others to make sustainable choices, and have a positive impact on the environment. Currently, I am serving on Western’s Sustainability Committee. In this role, I am working with other council members to explore ways to reduce waste on campus. One program that we promote is Trash Talkers, which encourages students to become sustainability leaders and educate their peers about how to sort their waste correctly. It's been exciting to see the impact we can make by working together towards a more sustainable future.