As an HBA 2 dual degree with Political Science, I have developed a strong passion for utilizing the resources and opportunities I have been given to create meaningful change in the world around me. My sense of fulfillment comes from seeing my work’s impact on improving people’s daily lives. I am currently involved with Ivey Connects and Western Women in Politics in event coordination roles. Last intersession, I had the opportunity to participate virtually in the African Service-Learning (ASL) course, which developed a passion for social impact directed toward developing nations. 

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

My personal definition of sustainability is an approach that keeps a holistic forward-looking perspective at its core. Originally, sustainability to me only meant the environment; however, I now see it as something much bigger. I see sustainability as maintaining our ability to live a fair, fulfilling, and prosperous life. To achieve this, we must consistently consider the long-term maintenance of our environment, global cultures, and the social structures that enable us to coexist peacefully and equally. Sustainability means placing this long-term maintenance above short-term benefits, whether at the small-scale personal or large-scale business and government levels. 

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

I see sustainability playing a crucial role in my professional career. There are two main career interests I would like to explore, non-profit work and public policy analysis/advocacy. Regarding non-profit work, I hope to contribute to work regarding global or societal development and utilize the limited world’s resources more efficiently to achieve a suitable quality of living for all.  

In the summer of 2023, I will work with the Leacock Foundation to assist in their leadership and literacy development programs in underprivileged Toronto communities. In this position, I will have to consider how to create programs that can be sustainable. How, with limited income revenues, will the program maintain operation and a measurable impact on the community?  

Regarding public policy analysis/advocacy, my political science education has exposed me to the true impact of these policies on the way society acts toward sustainability. I believe governments can push businesses and individuals in the direction of considering more long-term maintenance. The government exists for the purpose of the people; and, therefore, should have their ability to achieve and maintain as its goal, one that requires a sustainability mindset.  

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in? 

In terms of environmental sustainability, I have unfortunately had limited involvement over recent years; however, as VP of Events for Ivey Connects, I have organized fundraisers for various London non-profits, which include environmental causes. I hope that in the future, and through participation in the Sustainability Certificate, I can have more exposure to this form of sustainability.  

My work has been primarily focused on global societal development. In high school, I had the privilege of going to Kenya on a Me to We service trip, where I assisted in building a local primary school. This trip exposed me to their societies’ different natures, which require a different approach to business and sustainability. Through the ASL course, I contributed to the development of Rwandan students’ business skills and taught business cases related to improving the sustainable furtherment of their economy. These experiences inspired me to get involved in Ivey Ubuntu Impact Consulting and continue to use my education to assist an African business in contributing to sustaining its society’s farming culture through non-traditional financial systems.