My passion for the natural environment stems from a childhood spent outdoors. I grew up yearning for the next time I went camping, canoe tripping, or backpacking. In high school, I wanted to pursue biology to study ecosystems in the natural world. I decided to go into business because I thought it was the area where I could create the greatest change. A 52-day canoeing trip in the Arctic Circle in 2022 was the catalyst for me recognizing my strong positioning to combat climate change with the connections I make at Ivey.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

My definition of sustainability relates to building systems that collaborate with the natural environment on a long-term scale. Sustainability is working in symbiosis with the Earth rather than practicing the parasitic relationship we have developed over the past centuries. By my definition, very few businesses today practice environmental sustainability. In general, we take more out of the Earth than we put in. In the Worldchangers presentation, Derrick Emsley vocalized a relationship that I have tried to develop for a while now. He explained veritree's commitment to building businesses that "not just do less bad but do more good".

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

This is a question I have personally grappled with since coming to Ivey.

My initial idea of integrating sustainability into my career was to join a firm like Patagonia, whose mission is to preserve the environment. I liked the potential for my efforts to positively contribute to the growth of environmentally conscious consumerism.

Once I began exploring the career paths traditional to Ivey graduates, I began to formulate a vision of curating expertise in the energy industry and transitioning into the green energy industry as my career developed.

However, I've explored my deep desire to be involved in an organization whose values are rooted in sustainable practices. Since creativity week, I have had a feeling that entrepreneurship is a career path I should explore. This was reaffirmed by Derrick Emsley's presentation on creating tentree and veritree. I felt a calling to create my own organization and shape its values around mine. I think this could be the most meaningful way I might contribute to innovating sustainable business practices.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

I work for a reforestation company in Northern Ontario. I wanted to learn about the reforestation industry firsthand. I believed tree planting to be long-term component in combatting climate change by offsetting carbon and restoring biodiverse ecosystems. I did not expect to learn that tree planting in Canada is essentially farming trees for the logging industry. While not what I initially thought it to be, tree planters ensure that the supply of lumber is replenished. I planted over 45,000 trees last summer and plan to plant even more this coming May.

I am a canoe-tripping leader at Camp Wanapitei in Temagami, Ontario. Wanapitei is largely responsible for my connection to the natural environment. By travelling on possibly the most beautiful lands in Canada, I came to understand why the Earth is worth preserving. I liked David Attenborough's quote, "No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced." By working at this camp, I hope to inspire the next generation of youth to form deep connections to the Earth so they may understand why it must be preserved.

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

I am interested in pursuing my CPA designation. I enjoyed the Accounting and Fin Fun 48-hour report we wrote about IFRS Sustainability Reporting. I would love to further explore the growing need for frameworks and standards surrounding sustainability reporting and ESG metrics. I am also interested in the Energy industry. I would like to learn more about the role of sustainable energy creation and transitioning the Fossil Fuel Industry towards more environmentally conscious practices.