Growing up, I always wanted the next season’s most trendy item. Whether that was a piece of clothing or trying a viral food item, I was consuming items for the stake of exclusivity rather than definite need. But through topics of eco-friendly practices, I’ve learned how to strike a balance between consumption and sustainability. Since joining Ivey, I’ve been able to explore new hobbies spanning from crocheting to cooking weekly meals with my roommates. Additionally, I enjoy making charcuterie boards with my friends, working out, and taking digital camera photos.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

One of my favourite quotes is “Buy less, choose well, make it last” by Vivienne Westwood. To me, sustainability can be integrated within every aspect of our lives from clothing to food choices. There are active decisions we make daily that impact the future. With a prominent climate crisis, reflecting on how people from an individual, professional, and governmental level can change routine processes and instead integrate a sustainably focused approach can reap substantial benefits. It requires mindful consideration of the interdependence of all living things and acknowledging a shared duty to protect the planet for future generations.

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

I intend to start my professional career within strategy consulting where I hope to first, understand the gap between business operations and consumer perception and second, leverage that knowledge to create recommendations geared towards sustainable models. In addition, it intrigues me to determine how marketing, specifically with regard to consumer perception, influences purchasing decisions based on ESG-related strategies. I hope to learn how to appeal to target markets who are unaware about sustainable products and find the intersection between sustainability and consumer behaviour.  

In the long-term, I aim to get more involved with fashion sustainability given my interest within the industry. More specifically, make more and buy less clothing. Whether this manifests itself in terms of my own clothing business or assisting at a fashion week, I plan to integrate sustainable aspects within my line of work. For instance, integrating sustainable supply chain processes, premium quality materials for longevity, and timeless designs to avoid seasonality, all contribute towards a healthier fashion economy. 

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

My first exposure to sustainability would be during my time on CAISA Fashion Show – Canada’s largest student-run charity fashion show raising over $405k for Children’s Health Foundation. Since working as a Corporate Relations executive these past two years, I have conversed with local London businesses and helped source sponsors whose missions are rooted in sustainability. Beyond this, the clothes used in the show are either donated or thrifted which are then sold through our annual closet auction. All this to say, this cycle promotes circular fashion.  

Since joining Ivey, I’ve been part of the Social Impact Club (SIC) and Community Consulting Project (CCP). As a Projects Sapling on SIC, I led a team of four analysts surrounding impact consulting for Urban Roots London. With a lack of visibility and an outdated sponsorship package, my team curated a new package along with recommendations to appeal to the broader Western community. For CCP, I worked alongside four analysts to consult for Habitat for Humanity. Recommendations included improving waste management systems, utilizing Facebook Marketplace for excess inventory, and collaborating with university clubs to build traction among students. 

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

• Fashion sustainability (thrifting, upcycling, crocheting)
• Food sustainability (home cooking, food insecurity, donating excess food)
• Environmental sustainability (transportation: walking over cars, sports, hiking)