I joined Western in 2021 as a Political Science and Scholar’s Electives student after moving across the country from Vancouver, B.C. 

I grew up surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, rainforests, and the Rocky Mountains. Moving to Ontario opened my eyes to the beauty of nature that I had taken for granted. 

My genuine appreciation for nature underpins my sustainability advocacy—as seen in my hobbies, including hiking, camping, and dog-walking. 

Currently, I hold an executive position in Ivey’s Social Impact Club (SIC) and assist the Western Engineering Green Technology Club (WEGTC) in creating a carbon capture and sequestration device.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

To me, sustainability means the ongoing process of environmental preservation through anthropogenic impact reduction, encompassing social, political, economic, and technological activities. Every action spurs a complex web of interconnected implications affecting people both positively and negatively across the globe; measuring the sustainability of an action requires quantitative analysis and qualitative evaluation, such as GHG emissions and interviewing affected persons, respectively. Therefore, sustainability exists on a spectrum rather than in binaries. True sustainability is interwoven through every aspect of life in both short-term and long-term activities, from using beeswax wraps instead of cellophane to developing green technologies and capping GHG emissions.

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

In the long-term, I envision myself working as a green consultant, measuring climate impact through socio-technological economic assessments of proposed and existing projects. DMA highlighted my interest in data analytics and modelling—my future now includes an Ivey MSc in Business Analytics. My passion for analytical discourse and understanding arguments from all sides drove me to compete nationally and internationally in debate as well as study Political Science. Green consulting lies at the intersection of my love of sustainability, professional interests in data modelling, and passion for critically discussing complex issues.  

IBM’s sustainability consulting team speaks to me as consultants are involved in strategizing and execution of the project, enhancing my personal feelings of fulfillment, thereby reducing the risks of burnout. Similar to WEGTC, IBM emphasizes a steady, preplanned transition to green technology along supply chains to secure a lasting sustainable future and manage risks whilst simultaneously delivering socioecological value. Green consulting draws upon my skills in data modelling and analytics as well as my ability to crystallize and communicate esoteric ideas into actionable items. Finally, the excellent mentorship opportunities at IBM would expand my proverbial toolbox and provide me with the support necessary to thrive in my role. 

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

As an SIC “Sapling” under the community portfolio, I organize executive and club-wide events to increase member registration and retention. These events include the speaker series featuring green consultants at IBM who highlighted career opportunities in the ESG space; collaging with secondhand magazines and art supplies, visualizing individual actions that support a greener 2024; and team dinners discussing future initiatives for SIC.  

I joined WEGTC this year as an engagement lead, and have hosted speaker series and recruitment events, as well as spoken to prospective students at Fall Preview Day. My experiences in Political Science and Ivey allow me to offer a unique perspective on the designing and building processes of the direct air capture device and subsequent carbon sequestration techniques.  

I am an avid member of Ivey Degrowth’s discussions, drawing on my analytical and public speaking skills from my six years as a competitive debater to question, synthesize, and respond to previous contributions.  

Similarly, I was involved in my high school’s Social Responsibility club for four years, during which time I undertook Earth Day fairs, advocated for Meatless Mondays in the cafeteria, and hosted secondhand clothing collection drives for local homeless shelters. 

Please list any sustainability-related interests you want to explore during the certificate. 

• Sustainable finance & sustainable investing
• Slow fashion and fast fashion
• Ecological impacts of tree-planting, especially in relation to growing carbon credit markets
• Scalability of carbon sequestration technologies
• Life below water & life on land SDGs re: ecosystem disruptions due to climate change effects (for example, coral bleaching due to rising temperatures)