Hi, I'm Palak! Passionate about exploring the world's wonders and preserving its beauty, and intrigued by Corporate Social Responsibility, I am on a mission to merge my interest in entrepreneurship with sustainability. Since high school, I have been all about promoting eco-friendly habits to keep our planet thriving. Committed to giving back to both community and nature, I actively seek initiatives aligned with my values. Let's team up to create a brighter, greener future together!

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

Sustainability, in my view, involves ensuring practices that preserve resources for both present and future generations. Sustainability fosters holistic betterment, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions. It recognizes the interconnectedness of our global community, transcending geographical boundaries. I believe, sustainability is like putting together a puzzle where every piece matters. It involves considering different viewpoints and taking thoughtful steps to tackle various environmental and social issues. Ultimately, it is working towards a future where our interconnected world can take a conscious collective effort.

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

I see sustainability as the foundation of my approach to social entrepreneurship. Being a responsible member of the global community, my goal is to raise awareness about the urgent challenges we face worldwide. To make meaningful progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it's crucial to grasp the issues at hand. I want to bridge the gap between those who may not yet understand sustainability and the need for change.  

I am dedicated to embedding sustainability, sustainable development, and social responsibility into creating shared value. This means actively aligning business goals with economic, societal, and environmental needs, thereby generating positive impacts for stakeholders while tackling global challenges. Whether it is through promoting inclusive supply chains, adopting renewable energy projects, or supporting community engagement initiatives, I aim to foster a culture of purpose-driven innovation and ethical leadership in my field. This will contribute to a more sustainable and fair future for everyone.  

I view sustainability as a driver of innovation and creativity. By considering the long-term impacts of our actions at every stage, I believe we can discover new opportunities for growth and stand out in the market.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

Being someone deeply committed to making a positive difference, I have had the privilege of contributing to meaningful projects.  

As an Assistant Project Manager, I helped lead the way in implementing Youth Wellness Hubs in London, making sure youth could easily access mental health and substance use services. My engagement extended to ongoing dialogues with community, youth, and family advisories, where I prioritized amplifying their voices and incorporating their insights into the project's governance framework. By maintaining inclusivity, I could increase stakeholder engagement by addressing diverse stakeholder needs.  

As a Chief Finance Officer at Enactus Western, I gained invaluable experience in financial management, partnership cultivation, and relationship building. I, along with my team, actively contributed to sustainability through projects like RollUp and BoostHer, reducing our carbon footprint and inequalities in the community.  

These experiences reflect my holistic engagement in sustainability, addressing both societal and organizational needs, from mental health support for vulnerable populations to financial sustainability and community development. As I continue to pursue opportunities to drive positive change, I am committed to leveraging these experiences to enact meaningful and lasting sustainability initiatives that benefit individuals, and global communities.

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

I am eager to delve deeper into sustainability-related interests through the certificate program, particularly as I anticipate initiating new sustainable projects at Enactus Western in the coming year. One area of interest for me is gaining insight into the process of starting sustainable businesses from scratch. While I have ideas to pursue, I recognize the importance of guidance in understanding how to establish businesses that not only prioritize environmental and social sustainability but also thrive in today's competitive market.  

Additionally, I am keen on exploring the intricacies of launching a startup based on sustainability pillars. This involves understanding how to integrate sustainability principles into every aspect of the business, from product development and supply chain management to marketing and financial planning. I believe that by immersing myself in this topic, I can gain valuable knowledge and skills to effectively lead and contribute to sustainable entrepreneurship initiatives.  

Overall, I see the certificate program as an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of sustainability and entrepreneurship, equipping me with the tools and insights necessary to drive impactful change both within Enactus Western and in the broader community. I am excited to engage with mentors, participate in relevant events, and learn from experts in the field as I embark on this journey to further explore and pursue my sustainability-related interests.