I’m Firuza, an HBA student at Ivey Business School with a background in economics and moral philosophy from my first two years at Western University. I strive to make a net positive societal impact through active involvement in my local community, advocating for various political causes, and educating myself on issues related to socio-economic inequalities. I aim to challenge traditional neoclassical economics taught in business schools and embed ESG, climate change, EDI, and Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation within classroom discussions related to business. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to & making music, reading, and travelling.

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

Contrary to popular sentiment that links sustainability as a purely environmental goal, I think of sustainability as a way to live prosperously on Earth without sacrificing the opportunity to live prosperously for others around us, or for future generations. This could mean living responsibly to help the environment, our family, our local community, or marginalized groups whose voices are typically not heard by Canadian institutions. Most of all, my personal philosophy on sustainability links it with degrowth, and specifically the notion that our planet’s resources are not infinite. Although neoliberal market thinking, and modern neoclassical economic models glorify exponential GDP growth as the sign of a prosperous society, I reject that ideal. I believe sustainability is achieved when humans are able to decouple growth and prosperity, ultimately leading to more conscious and fulfilling lives.

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

Since I was in high school, I knew that my future career would be related to sustainability and social impact in some way, shape, or form. Thus, I have curated all my previous work & volunteer experiences to a successful career in sustainability, whether it be related to social finance, woman-led social entrepreneurship, public policy and regulation, or another realm that interests me down the line.

In my second year of University, I worked part-time with Impact Junk Solutions (a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment for those with mental health issues)while volunteering with Western’s division of AIESEC (the world’s largest youth-led nonprofit dedicated to facilitating international exchange and promoting global unity). Through these endeavors, I developed qualitative and quantitative skills in managing social purpose organizations that will assist me with my future career.

In summer 2022, I will be working at Mackenzie Investments as a Social, Responsible, Impact Investing(SRI) Intern, and will get the chance to engage in hands-on work surrounding climate change and social finance on an institutional scale. After graduating, I hope to become an innovator in the social finance sector and receive a Master’s degree related to sustainability after working in the space for a number of years.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

Since coming to Ivey, I have been engaged in several sustainability projects, mainly with three organizations: Ivey Social Impact Club (SIC), the LEADER Project (LEADER), and the London Social Value Fund (LSVF).

In the summer before HBA1, I had the opportunity to be a Pro-Bono Consultant with SIC in partnership with Nokee Kwe, London’s premier Indigenous education & employment center. Over the span of 2months, I was able to design a 14-page Impact Assessment with a team of like-minded peers. I enjoyed the experience so much that I applied to be an HBA1 Representative for SIC the following September. So far this year, I’ve written a blog piece titled ‘OPINION: Every Business Should be Employee-Owned’, and plan to write another blog on the ethical implications of Buy-Now-Pay-Later services before the end of the year.

As a Curriculum Coordinator with LEADER, I work with a small team of MBA and HBA students to revamp a curriculum taught to entrepreneurs in 7 international sites.

Finally, as a Fund Associate on the London Social Value Fund, I undertake research to find eligible social purpose organizations in the Southwestern Ontario region, while learning about how to quantify several ESG and sustainability factors. Additionally, I have completed 3 training modules on topics such as Sustainable Finance and Decolonizing Entrepreneurship with the Social Innovation Academy.