Dream, Believe, and Create: these words ignited my journey as an international student with a passion for social impact and business. Raised in Panama, a country blessed with abundant biodiversity and natural wealth, I experienced firsthand the vital role of agriculture in our daily lives. From the age of 15 to 18, I accompanied my dad to wholesale farmer markets twice a week, witnessing the significance of farming to our basic needs and survival. Talking to farmers about their concerns about air pollution, pesticides, wildfires, and rising operational costs, fueled my passion for sustainability. I found profound admiration for their essential work and always expressed gratitude for their contributions to nourishing our nation and beyond. This admiration propelled me into social impact endeavors within my community. I volunteered in tree planting initiatives, encouraging a deeper connection to nature and Panama's rich biodiversity. Additionally, I engaged in high school science projects focused on recycling, facilitated access to food for the homeless, and supported sports programs for children in underserved communities. These sustainable initiatives were not just actions but expressions of my heartfelt desire to see my community thrive with compassion and purpose.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

To me, sustainability embodies the harmonious balance between benefiting the ecosystem, humanity, and all life forms while responsibly managing resources and time. It's the ability to enact practices and beliefs that prioritize the well-being of all beings, guided by the right resources, meaningful intent, and ethical actions. Sustainability is about cultivating behaviors that acknowledge the interconnectedness of our decisions in both local communities and the broader global environment. It's a mindset that values the long-term impacts of our choices, fostering a world where sustainability isn't just a concept but a lived reality for generations to come. 

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

Sustainability serves as a crucial link between my professional journey in accounting and institutions committed to long-term strategies for community well-being. In my envisioned career path, sustainability plays dual roles. Firstly, it acts as a cornerstone for ensuring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance and initiatives within business entities. This fosters a more transparent and informed environment where stakeholders can access ESG reports and control systems, combating greenwashing and misconceptions while promoting genuine sustainability efforts. Secondly, by delving deeper into sustainability studies at Ivey and within broader communities, I will gain the expertise needed to navigate international projects and assess the relevance and impact of accounting practices. The synergy between sustainability and accounting is profound, as they are universal languages in business, influencing every strategic decision. This intersection empowers me to approach challenges with both logical rigor and humanistic values, shaping a career that not only thrives financially but also contributes meaningfully to societal well-being. I am passionate about leveraging this intersection to guide individuals and businesses towards sustainable choices, creating a positive impact on lives and resources for generations to come.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

My journey in sustainability projects has been incredibly fulfilling, particularly through my roles with Urban Roots London (UR) and USC Food Support Services. As a representative of Ivey Social Impact at Urban Roots London, I took on the exciting challenge of revamping their sponsorship package. Delving deep into their values and past sponsorships, I felt a personal connection to their mission of promoting ethical practices. Together with my team of 4 students, I was tasked with crafting sponsorship tiers, suggesting aligned sponsors, and designing engaging materials within a tight 2-week deadline to enhance sponsor engagement and foster lasting partnerships, fueling my passion for impactful change. After presenting our final package to UR's lead, I learned more about sustainable agriculture in Canada and felt grateful to see my team's work impacting organizations. Simultaneously, my involvement with USC Food Support Services as a volunteer allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges of food insecurity among students. By organizing food drives and fundraising initiatives, I engaged in conversations about long-term solutions and sustainability in community support. Through these experiences, I realized the importance of addressing systemic issues and advocating for change at both a local and global level. I am now committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world and support those in need.   

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

I am happy to explore areas in sustainability like sustainable finance, ESG compliance, sustainable risk and mitigation, sustainability and social impact, sustainability and accounting, and the intersection between sustainability and psychology and human behavior.