Hey, my name is Mayo, and I am currently and HBA 1 student pursuing a dual degree Honours Business Administration with Civil Engineering. I love going outside, meeting new people and playing soccer. My interest in sustainability stems from thinking about the future and how I can make an impact. Changing people’s lives one step at a time.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

Sustainability is about building for the future, which means balancing between economic growth, environmental integrity, and social equity. It embodies the principle of meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It also embodies the principle of being self-replenishing and continuous. This balance requires thoughtful consideration and action across all sectors of society to ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of our natural environment or social well-being. It champions the idea that true progress is only achieved when it is sustainable for the planet, profitable for business, and beneficial for people everywhere.

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

Pursuing a dual with civil engineering I think it makes the most sense that I start thinking about sustainability and how that affect our everyday life. As the business landscape evolves, I believe there will be a growing demand for professionals who can navigate the complexities of sustainability. My career goal is to leverage this background to guide organizations towards integrating innovative sustainable practices into their core operations. I want to develop my skill set to meet this demand, providing expert advice on sustainable practices that can help set a solid foundation for future growth. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and knowledge to help organizations build sustainably, ensuring a better world for generations to come.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

My most notable experience was with Global Brigades in Honduras. In my 3rd year I was part of a team that travelled and designed a 20,000-gallon water system to support 161 households in El Portilla for the next 20 years. This project was not just about engineering a solution but also about ensuring its sustainability through community involvement and education, highlighting the social equity aspect of sustainability. We also got to present our executive summary and final budget entirely in Spanish to a community of over 600 individuals.

I also worked as an engineering Intern at Alaro City in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria over the summer. They’re a company with specialized in developing infrastructure and real estate. Getting involved with the early stages of city development was a huge experience for me. This allowed me to address sustainability from an urban planning and infrastructure perspective.

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

One primary interest is in sustainable urban development. With cities around the world facing unprecedented challenges related to climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, I'm eager to delve into innovative urban planning and smart city solutions that prioritize sustainability at their core. I aim to explore how emerging technologies and data analytics can be leveraged to make urban areas more livable, resilient, and environmentally friendly.

Also, just the general application of innovative solutions to optimize core business operations.