My name is Tina, and I am an HBA + Management and Legal Studies student with a keen interest in social impact and sustainability. Previously, I have worked and volunteered at non-profit organizations which support individuals through different social issues such as health inequity, food insecurity, and gender inequality. In May, I had the opportunity to participate in the Africa Service Learning course where I became interested in learning about ESG from a global perspective. This upcoming year, I will be the co-president of Ivey’s Women in Management club and hope to introduce students to careers in sustainability. 

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

Sustainability is the result of the actions we take to provide a healthier and stronger future for our planet. This means caring for future generations through an environmental, social, global, or even at a community level. While looking out for future generations, our efforts work to improve the quality of life for others. As individuals, we have a responsibility to protect our planet and those around us and these safe practices build supportive environments for all. Sustainability is critical in an organization's strategic plan to foster actionable change around the world and leave our planet in suitable condition for future generations to thrive. 

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

Following my previous experience working in a non-profit, I gained a strong interest in social impact and ESG. In pursuing a career in ESG Strategy, I hope to work with smaller organizations to begin incorporating sustainability and ESG practices into the organization. Through these efforts, I hope to encourage others to look deeper into ways organizations can implement strategies into their corporate social responsibility. As we continue to dive deeper into the topic of sustainability, an organization's efforts in supporting ESG practices will inspire the next generation to continue improving the quality of life for those around us. Following this chapter of my career, I aim to work in non-profit organizations related to health equity and supporting food security. I hope to support individuals beginning on a community level, to increase access to food and health care services. These efforts on a community level will expand to a more global basis as I set goals for myself and the organizations I work alongside. In the future, I aim to bring importance to sustainable practices that support our planet.  

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

In May 2023, I participated in the Africa Service Learning (ASL) course at the St. Augustine University Of Tanzania, one of Ivey’s partner schools. Throughout this course, I worked with a team of HBA students to teach students a Simulating Business Decisions Through Cases certificate course. This program aimed to equip students with the knowledge to make informed business decisions through case studies. Last summer, I worked at a non-profit organization that aims to build healthy and sustainable communities. As an intern, I worked alongside local organizations and food banks to host events that reduce food insecurity and improve health inequity in low-income Toronto neighborhoods. I introduced a Nutrition and Healthy Eating workshop for community members to learn about meal planning and making nutritious meals on a budget. Additionally, I participated in a student group on the Human Issues and Sustainability portfolio to educate students on climate change, social inequalities, and overconsumption. I organized monthly events relating to social and environmental issues occurring in and around the London community. 

Alongside planning and running large-scale events centered around sustainability, I try to incorporate sustainable practices into every area of my life. I have gotten my entire family and many friends into using reusable products like grocery bags, Tupperware, and metal straws. I have also had many important conversations with people – especially people who are less aware of or in denial about the impacts of climate change – about the increasing need for climate action. I hope to take this a step further by being accepted into the sustainability certificate.