Before my acceptance into Ivey, I studied BMOS at Western. My passion for the environment stems from my experiences growing up and travelling to Ontario Parks. Through the past three years, I have been able to apply this passion through hands-on experience working for Ontario Parks. Now that I am in Ivey, I hope to explore sustainable business practices to transform myself into an impactful business leader. I look forward to learning how to make impactful business decisions for my community and on a global scale. 

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

I believe sustainability is tied to the fulfillment of needs. In an ideal world, sustainability means everyone has access to their basic human needs, from clean water, and food, to safe shelter. Access to human needs should then not compromise the needs of future generations. Although this ideal world is hard to achieve, I believe it is possible with the advocacy of individuals in our position who educate themselves. This advocacy then translates into business decisions in later life, balancing economic growth with environmental caution to achieve a better world. 

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

I believe sustainability can play a significant role in my professional career. Despite how sustainable practices often require more time, thought and investment, I trust every business that makes these efforts will eventually realize the benefits. In my professional career, I hope to take my learnings from Ivey and apply them in a business context, advocating for companies to make these efforts. I aspire to do this because I believe advocacy from educated individuals is the key to creating a world in which sustainability is possible. I maintain that position level in an organization and advocacy have no correlation. Therefore, in my early career and beyond, I hope to voice my knowledge and experiences. Once I am able to make consequential decisions, I will listen to others within an organization and make well-rounded decisions to contribute to universal access to human needs. 

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in? 

Throughout high school, I was an active participant in a club called “Mission 271”. This club strived to raise awareness and funding for multiple organizations that gave back to the community while offering volunteer experience. Through this club, I was able to participate in volunteer work and fundraisers for Big Brother Big Sister, Salvation Army, and local food shelters. These activities contributed to my working definition of sustainability and provided me with a perspective on how I can impact lives. Throughout my working career at Ontario Parks, I have made efforts to contribute to sustainable business practices. From cleaning up the beaches and making the public aware of the environmental impact garbage has on the ecosystem to choosing the products I stock within my store based on plastic reduction, I have gained a greater appreciation for the treatment of our environment.