Health, well-being, and community have always been the primary driving factors in my life. From a young age, I appreciated the importance of health and community involvement by participating in team sports and spending summers at camp. After studying Health Sciences, I came to Ivey to develop my business acumen and gain the skills required to positively impact the health and well-being of those in my community. With a passion for healthcare, social responsibility, and the environment, I am excited to expand my understanding of sustainability through this certificate. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing hockey and tennis, crocheting, and baking.  

What is your personal definition of sustainability?  

Sustainability requires conscious decision-making to create a balance between profit, people, and the environment. We have not cared for our planet, and without sustainability permeating all aspects of our existence, the world as we know it is at significant risk. To ensure our planet’s long-term health and viability, humans must recognize their impact and acknowledge the limitations of our ecosystems and natural resources. Moving forward, it is imperative that we collaborate to implement policies, practices, and legislation to ensure the survival of our species.  

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

In my professional career, I hope to combine my interests in health and business to create sustainable solutions to address inequalities in health outcomes, access, and experiences. Through my health sciences education, I established my professional goals to contribute to quality improvement and reduce barriers to equitable healthcare. I am pursuing a degree at Ivey to gain the practical skills that will enable me to actualize these goals. Healthcare systems continue to have a large impact on the environment due to the significant waste produced by medical procedures and the energy required to power healthcare facilities. The current healthcare system is not sustainable, and innovation is necessary to contain costs and provide efficient care delivery. Given the interconnected relationship between sustainability and healthcare, my career will ideally involve implementing system-based changes leading to environmental, economic, and social sustainability.  

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?  

In 2020, I was privileged to participate in the Global Public Service Academy global health trip in Belize. I had the opportunity to make a positive social impact by engaging with community members and providing culturally sensitive healthcare services and education. Community engagement was a significant component of this program as we sought to expand our understanding of cultural practices and beliefs. While staying with a local family, I assisted with their family business by collecting eggs for distribution to village members. Additionally, we partnered with the San Antonio Women’s Co-op to learn how they help women build sustainable livelihoods, improve their economic well-being, and engage in traditional sustainable food production methods.

I have always been interested in fashion and enjoy wearing unique pieces, often found by shopping for second-hand clothes at thrift stores. Over the past year, I have developed a passion for crocheting and knitting sustainably crafted apparel. Most recently, I decided to make clothing items for those in need in my community. Using yarn purchased at second-hand shops and donated by community members, I’ve been making hats and scarves for the Out of the Cold program in Toronto.