The Hazelview HBA Award in Sustainability is conferred to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the HBA Sustainability Certificate at the Ivey Business, who demonstrates excellence in sustainability and academic achievement. This award is made possible by Hazelview Investments, a group of active investors, owners, and managers of real estate investments since 1999. Hazelview is committed to fostering the sustainable growth of the communities in which they operate and supports learning and innovation in Environmental, Social, and Governance practices.
What inspired your interest in sustainability? Can you share any personal experiences or moments that shaped your values around sustainability?
Before starting at Western, I had a general understanding of sustainability and the importance of being a good steward of the Earth. This understanding stemmed from my involvement in my high school's Eco Club, where we implemented environmental activities and promoted eco-friendly classroom behaviour such as recycling drives, battery collections, and raising awareness about composting for staff and students.
However, my passion for sustainability truly soared when I started at university. Through my pre-Ivey experiences in Health Sciences, I learned about the detrimental effects of climate change on our health and well-being. In coursework, I delved deeper into how climate change exacerbates health issues, such as respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses and premature deaths due to natural disasters. The most eye-opening moment was when I realized the disproportionate effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and low-income communities. Participating in various projects and collaborating with peers and professors further solidified my commitment to advocating for sustainable practices.
This interest led to my involvement in Western’s Global Health Equity HUB, a repository that brings together people, events, research activities, educational opportunities, partnerships, and student organizations dedicated to Global Health Equity at Western. Community members would write blogs sparking conversations on how we can attempt to solve some of these challenges in our local communities, and globally. I found that engaging in discussions with researchers, faculty, and students about critical analyses on issues involving Global Health Equity, along with reading various thought-leadership pieces, promoted awareness and gave voice to tackling these challenges. My positive experience with Western’s Global Health Equity HUB has instilled hope in me for a better world.
I firmly believe that my extracurricular involvement during my first two years at Western greatly inspired my interest in sustainability even before I began at Ivey. The values I cultivated in Health Sciences further ignited my passion for sustainability and led me to pursue Ivey’s Sustainability Certification.
How has your education at Ivey helped you develop your understanding of environmental issues? Are there specific classes, projects, or experiences at Ivey that have been particularly impactful?
Ivey’s HBA Sustainability Certificate has been one of the most inspiring and empowering opportunities I have pursued at Western. Through my work for the certificate, I have met many like-minded students who are passionate about making a difference and aspire to build and lead sustainable organizations. By fulfilling various academic requirements, engaging in extracurricular events, and networking with people working in sustainability-related fields, I have developed a holistic view of sustainability and its impact on both business and society.
I have greatly enjoyed our field trips throughout the past two years to The Grove and Growing Chefs!, two London-based organizations that are committed to promoting environmental sustainability and the importance of locally sourced, nutritious food. By touring and engaging with their operations and facilities, we were able to see first-hand the impacts and influence that local charities have on community engagement and sustainable ecosystems. These experiences have underscored the vital role that grassroots organizations play in driving environmental change and fostering a sense of community responsibility.
Also, through Ivey’s New Venture Project, my team and I built a venture that created a sustainable toothpaste company aimed at reducing the waste of plastic toothpaste tubes. This experience was incredibly rewarding as I collaborated with fellow students, faculty, and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who provided invaluable support. We gained first-hand experience in developing a comprehensive business plan for a commercial enterprise. This Sustainable venture allowed me to intersect my interests in both Healthcare and Business and taught me the importance of innovation, collaboration, and persistence in driving meaningful change.
Through the sustainability certificate, I was also able to take sustainability-focused classes. For example, in Corporations & Society - Business Strategy & Sustainability, I developed insights on systems thinking, circularity, and regeneration, and their importance in creating sustainable business models and interconnected ecosystems that benefit corporations and society.
Another impactful course that deepened my interest in sustainability was Social Enterprise, which emphasized the importance of value creation and how businesses can drive positive change and improve the world. We were tasked with becoming social entrepreneurs to address today's grand challenges and explore ways we can meet the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We also studied cases of various B Corporations making positive impacts around the globe. My final report on my theory of system change allowed me to envision how I plan to impact the world in the next coming decades. It enabled me to develop a comprehensive plan for achieving my chosen goal, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. I even got to write a song!
During my time at Ivey, I was actively involved with Ivey Connects, a student-led organization that connects HBA students with charity and non-profit organizations. This initiative inspires Ivey business students to make positive impacts on their community through fundraising and philanthropy. In my first year, I served as VP of Ivey Connects and section representative for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I successfully planned events that raised over $1,500 to help grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children. As co-director of the Ivey Connects Program the following year, I mentored section leads and the executive team, setting fundraising goals and raising over $9,000 across all ten sections. I also helped coordinate the Canada Life Ivey Connects Community Internship Program, which gives students the opportunity to work as interns over the summer for a not-for-profit organization. These experiences deepened my commitment to making a positive impact.
Through these experiences at Ivey, including academic coursework, hands-on projects, and meaningful interactions with like-minded individuals, I have gained a deeper understanding of environmental issues and the role that sustainable practices play in driving positive and meaningful change.
What does winning this award mean to you, personally and professionally?
Winning this award has been an honour and I am deeply grateful for Hazelview Investments’ generous donation in supporting the funding of my tuition at Ivey. This award will help bring me closer to achieving my academic, personal, and professional goals. It exemplifies my hard work, drive, and passion for sustainability and positive change. It also reaffirms my belief that individuals have the power to make significant changes and impact the world around them. I am also thankful for my professors, mentors, and peers who have guided and supported me throughout my journey. This award and recognition inspire me to continue to give back to the Ivey community in the future.
I am also grateful that I had the opportunity to meet and connect with the associates from Hazelview in person at Ivey. It was an honor to engage with them and share how impactful this award has been on my academic, personal, and professional journey.
What advice would you give to other students or young professionals who want to make an impact?
My advice to other students and young professionals who want to make an impact is to always stay true to your values and remain dedicated to your goals. Despite the challenges you may face, it is critical to stay true to yourself, advocate for what is right, and take risks. To create positive change, you must continuously learn and grow, which is only possible if you pursue your passion and lead with both your heart and mind.
How do you envision incorporating sustainability into your future career?
As a dual degree student graduating from Health Sciences and Ivey, I aim to pursue a career that intersects my three passions: business, health, and sustainability. I aspire to work as a healthcare professional and help transform the healthcare system to become more sustainable and equitable. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in minimizing the environmental impact of health industry operations. As a future healthcare worker, I am eager to implement sustainable practices to promote a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come. Additionally, I hope to drive systemic changes that ensure more equitable access to healthcare resources and foster long-term environmental stewardship within the industry.
What role do you think individuals and communities play in achieving a sustainable future?
Individuals and communities play a critical role in achieving a sustainable future. Even small individual actions like reducing single-use plastics, supporting local and sustainable businesses, or using public transportation, can have a lasting impact on the future trajectory of the planet. My time at Ivey has made me question my daily consumer actions and has inspired me to adopt behaviours that foster a more sustainable world.
While we are still a long way from achieving net zero, every little action counts. Individual and collective effort, as well as advocating for sustainable policies, all contribute to the goal of reducing our carbon footprint. By consistently making environmentally conscious decisions and encouraging others to do the same, we can create a ripple effect that inspires others to take similar actions and effect meaningful change for future generations. It is up to all of us to take collective action; together, we can drive significant change and move closer to a sustainable future for all!