I was born and raised in Canada, and I have been lucky enough to attend school, play competitive sports, and travel. I spent most of my childhood in the ravine behind our house, climbing trees and skating on ice patches. This experience led me to grow a deep attachment to nature that, to this day, continues to play a role in my life. Even though my goals are still developing, I aim to be someone who makes my friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers feel loved, empowered, and accepted.

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

Sustainability is an umbrella term that encompasses various pillars, goals, problems, and solutions. Tome, the literal definition of sustainability is a well-informed, inclusive conversation that leads to effective action that betters our society and planet. The reason I define sustainability as a “conversation” is because it is an ongoing process that is constantly adapting as nature and human behaviour change. This continuous discussion needs to empower diverse voices to constantly re-evaluate the core issues of our world and find solutions that improve planet health as well as humanities physical and mental health

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

My brother Nathan is my inspiration and teacher. I quickly learned that having Down syndrome set Nathan apart from others, but that did not stop me from expecting the best from him. When I begin my professional career, I am determined to create an inclusive environment for people like Nathan and others with disabilities that prioritizes society-fixing over person-fixing. Additionally, considering the recent pandemic, the pressing issue of climate change and ecological sustainability cannot be ignored. I am motivated to leverage the knowledge and practices of Indigenous communities in Canada into my future career decisions. Through learning about the First Nations, Inuit, Méti and directly engaging with the Tsafiki Tribe, I understand that a sustainable-focused career is possible and can create a significant impact on the lives of others. This program will be the first of many steps in guiding the development of an eco-friendly, equitable and integrated society.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

Almost three weeks before the first lockdown, I had the opportunity to travel to Ecuador with the non-profit organisation, Operation Groundswell. The 10-day trip examined the global food system’s impact on rural and Indigenous livelihoods. The Tsafiki Tribe and my team of staff and students worked together to develop a polyculture garden to provide food for the community members. Witnessing the lack of food sovereignty in these communities motivated me to educate myself on ecosystem protection and encouraged me to take action the following summer. In 2020, I was the youngest member at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to lead an experienced team of conservation managers to organize, develop, and execute an entirely new virtual nature program for children. Having to teach environmental education, I dedicated a large portion of my summer to intensive research on self-sustaining ecosystems and endangered species. By this year, I felt confident enough to put my skills to the test and participate in the “How to change the world ”sustainability challenge. This program challenged me to work with a new, diverse team to tackle real-world problems while considering the perspective of a variety of stakeholders. Through these experiences, I have become more comfortable engaging in discussions, working with new people, and considering multiple perspectives in sustainable decision-making.