Hi, I’m Cathy! I am interested in pursuing a career in strategy and finance, with a passion for projects focused on sustainability and social impact. As someone who grew up in Alberta, I have always loved the outdoors, whether that be hiking, camping or skiing in the mountains. I also love to travel, and this has allowed me to develop a great appreciation for the earth’s beauty. I hope to learn more about sustainable practices to contribute to a better future and positive social change in a personal and corporate environment!

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

Sustainability means taking actions to push for a greener, safer, and more stable world, where the connection between supporting the environment will bring a positive effect to supporting long term economic growth in communities. This starts with thinking about how to live and how businesses can operate in a way that takes care of the planet so that future generations are able to function and thrive effectively. Small actions such as reusing plastic shopping bags as garbage bags, and always striving to finish food in the fridge before it goes bad to reduce food waste, captures how I live sustainably!

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

Sustainability already plays a significant role in my life; thus, I want to continue this journey and engage with corporations who are actively thinking about sustainable initiatives and operating practices. Drawing from my knowledge at Ivey, where I have been exposed to how various environmental, social and governance factors help shape companies’ business decisions, I want to be a part of a team who spearheads impactful strategies for the betterment of the world and therefore also the firm.

With aspirations in working in finance, sustainable finance and impact investing drive change forward in reaching a company’s business goals. It can ensure long term financial stability and an enhanced brand reputation, which brings a sense of purpose to its employees and allows for them to gain and spread awareness. I would love to see myself diving deeper into these areas to advance global development. I also want to have meaningful conversations that either push forward or challenge my knowledge with fellow members at the firm, so I hope to join sustainability focused employee resource groups and work on external initiatives such as volunteering as well.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

As someone who has been involved with various NGO’s and projects surrounding social impact, I have loved researching and gaining new perspectives about sustainable practices. During the pandemic, I combined my passions for art and for supporting environmental advocacy, and this led to co-founding an online shop that sold stickers with designs showcasing combatting climate change and a greener future. This was an enriching experience that not only had a rewarding outcome of donating half the profits to GreenPeace Canada, but cultivated a vibrant community of like-minded individuals committed to raising awareness about pressing environmental issues.

I was also part of the summer and fall projects cohort of the Ivey Social Impact Club. A notable project that I was on involved researching funding strategies for The Market at Western Fair District, who had a major goal of transforming the space to be more sustainable and eco-friendlier. The grants would support initiatives such as elevating its agri-business hub, implementing innovative rainwater recovery systems, and enhancing their organic waste diversion.

I have learned so much through these valuable experiences, and I hope to participate in more projects as a student in this certificate program!

Please list any sustainability-related interests you want to explore during the certificate. 

Sustainable fashion and consumption, conservation of biodiversity, climate action