I am a health science and business dual-degree student passionate about changing how businesses think and operate. As a consultant, I am excited to develop my professional career and help shape companies for the better. With my science background, I will apply my understanding of holistic, whole-person care to future interactions with the planet. How do we engage with the environment in an honourable and sustainable way? How do we involve stakeholders in a holistic fashion? I will address these difficult questions in my pursuit of the Sustainability Certificate at Ivey. 

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

When I hear the word sustainability, the first image that comes to mind is one of circulation. Take an element, be it a resource or piece of data, and imagine that element flowing from one corner of the world to another, without causing harm to the environment, the economy or society. To me, sustainability means fulfilling this generation’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability ensures that the environment, the economy and society may exist and thrive for hundreds of years. 

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

As I advance in my career, I hope to incorporate elements of sustainability in all that I do. In consulting especially, I will equip myself with the tools and resources to influence a company’s sustainability agenda. Even if my project is unrelated to ESG practices, I have learned to be mindful of decision-making criteria beyond those that are profit-maximizing in my courses at Ivey. Thus, I will apply my knowledge of environmental, social and governance factors to make a direct impact on businesses in my professional career. 

Within the workplace, I aim to provide my coworkers with some food for thought. With my hobby in sustainable fashion and prior experience working for a sustainability organization, I will share my knowledge with my peers and act as a reference point for their questions. I will also seek out opportunities to launch sustainability initiatives at my job, such as hosting workshops or organizing volunteer groups within the community. 

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in? 

From an early age, I have been interested in environmental and social issues. By nine years old, I had developed a love for polar bears and decided my future job should incorporate environmental activism. In high school, I began participating in TD’s annual tree-planting initiatives. A few years later, I began devoting my spare time to upcycling clothes - little side projects where I could explore my creativity and hunger for entrepreneurship while helping the environment. 

In addition to upcycling, I am currently working with Re_Generation as a Curriculum Change Coordinator to help build a brighter, greener future for students. Re_Generation is a youth-led non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable business practices. As a coordinator, I am building an extensive report to highlight the shortage of sustainability-minded concepts in current business education, and drive change for the better. 

I am also actively involved in sustainability at Ivey through SIC and as a Sustainability Week Director. Through these opportunities, I have learned from future-oriented leaders, organized eye-opening and engaging events and met a community of like-minded students.