Passionate about sustainability from the outset, I pursued a pre-Ivey program minoring in the field, delving into environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. Throughout my journey, I've actively sought positions aligning with this ethos, from leading pro bono consulting teams at 180 Degrees Consulting to analyzing sustainability challenges on Ivey's Community Consulting Project. Social impact remains a core criterion in my career choices, as I seek opportunities to enact meaningful change in any company I engage with. Sustainability isn't just a career path—it's a lifelong commitment to creating a more equitable and environmentally responsible world.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

Sustainability, to me, embodies the ethos of responsible stewardship, where actions are undertaken to ensure the well-being of our planet, society, and future generations. It involves striking a harmonious balance between environmental preservation, social equity, and economic prosperity. Sustainability requires adopting practices that minimize harm to the environment, conserve natural resources, promote social equity and justice, and foster economic resilience and inclusivity. It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and systems and striving for a future where humanity thrives in harmony with nature, leaving a legacy of abundance rather than depletion for generations to come.

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

In my professional career, I envision sustainability playing a central and transformative role, particularly within the realm of finance in Canada. As a financial professional, I recognize the profound impact that financial decisions can have on environmental, social, and economic outcomes. Thus, I am committed to integrating sustainability principles into my work to drive positive change and contribute to a more sustainable future.  

One key aspect of this involves promoting sustainable investing practices, such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria integration, impact investing, and responsible lending. By advocating for sustainable finance principles, I aim to encourage capital allocation towards environmentally friendly and socially responsible projects and businesses, thereby supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and fostering inclusive growth.  

Additionally, I see an opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the financial sector to develop and implement sustainable finance frameworks, policies, and products. This may involve collaborating with government agencies, industry associations, investors, and other financial institutions to mainstream sustainability considerations into financial decision-making processes.  

Overall, my goal is to leverage my expertise in finance to advance sustainability objectives, aligning financial interests with environmental and social priorities to create long-term value for both investors and society as a whole.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

In recent years, I've immersed myself in various sustainability projects, contributing my skills and passion to drive positive change. As the Team Lead for 180 Degrees Consulting (180 DC), I oversee a team of six student consultants, providing pro bono services to non-profit organizations in London, Ontario. Through these projects, I've focused on enhancing sustainability practices, advising on resource efficiency and waste reduction strategies. Additionally, as a Consulting Analyst on Ivey's Community Consulting Project, I collaborated with a non-profit organization to address sustainability challenges, leveraging analytical skills to develop solutions for long-term sustainability goals. Complementing these experiences, my pre-Ivey program minor in sustainability provided a robust foundation in environmental issues and sustainable business practices. This educational background has equipped me with the knowledge and perspective to integrate sustainability principles into various projects and initiatives. Overall, my engagement in these endeavors reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and a dedication to driving positive environmental and social impact both personally and professionally.

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

Climate Action, Sustainable Finance, Renewable Energy