My family’s lived experiences provided me with an understanding of the social and economic inequalities that exist across the world from an early age. That has driven me towards opportunities and activities that allow me to in any way lessen those gaps, while focusing on empowering underserved communities and groups rather than acting on their behalf. 

I also love being in nature, my favourite trips involve hiking and camping. Having visited many different global environments I really focus on personal environmental responsibility and advocacy to ensure future generations can enjoy our planet to the same extent that I can. 

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

I think of sustainability as a measure of how informed a decision or action is. In business this means how thoroughly the welfare of all stakeholders, including the community and environment, are considered. Sustainability is achieved when a forward-focused mindset is employed to overcome barriers like the status quo, initial investment costs, and a fear of disruption to build businesses that will have the chance to prosper long-term. Studying philosophy before entering Ivey made me wary of the conflict between common good and perceived business success that companies face today, but I believe that they can and must coexist. 

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

Already, I have had the valuable opportunity during a summer role to evaluate ESG reporting metrics and apply them to potential clients and investments. I was immediately fascinated by this work and I believe that in the duration of my career sustainability will only become more critical to every business. I hope to work on a team that is leading the development of ESG-related practices in an established organization, changing their operations and policies to align with the greater good. Before reaching this position I will build skills to allow myself and the ESG sector to properly considered by management at these firms. 

My ideal role in the future would be working for Parks Canada to help them further monetize their operations. I have grown up going to national and provincial parks, and I have a deep appreciation for their importance and the people who support them. While I might not be cut out to be a park ranger, I am determined to ensure the parks system survives. There have already been many cutbacks in services and it would be almost irreversible if more severe compromises had to be made in the future due to a lack of funds. 

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in? 

I have always gravitated towards work, extracurriculars, and volunteering related to social justice and sustainability. In my home community in Toronto I helped to lead a nutrition program at school that provided free access to nutritious foods for students. I have organized many local fundraisers and food drives, the largest of which raised $40,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Several of these were Me to We campaigns, which led to being invited to collaborate with them in their Toronto office on how to best reach youth in my area. 

At Western I have continued my involvement, organizing a large-scale food drive in my role with USC Charity. I also volunteer at Western’s on-campus food bank and with ReForest London to plant trees in support of Victoria Hospital. Raising awareness is a critical element of sustainability, which encouraged me to write articles on environmental impacts for Her Campus and for journals of the firms I have worked for. 

I currently sit on the Climate Committee for Western’s Arts and Humanities faculty as the undergraduate student representative, alongside several professors, faculty, and graduate students. Our purpose is to guide policy to ensure inclusivity and respect are maintained, and under-represented groups are welcomed.