Shirley Zhong is a dual degree candidate in Software Engineering and Honors Business Administration at the Richard Ivey Business School. Her career spans diverse roles in six early-stage startups in four countries. Shirley's entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Xatoms, an innovative water treatment startup aiming to address critical environmental challenges. Further amplifying her commitment to social impact, she spearheaded the organization of the Hult Prize competition at Ivey Business School. As Shirley continues to explore the intersection of technology, business, and sustainability, she is dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

My personal definition of sustainability is the equilibrium of environmental care, economic stability, and social equity, aimed at fulfilling our current needs without limiting future generations' opportunities. It emphasizes innovation for ecological balance, responsible resource use, and community inclusivity. This holistic approach merges environmental protection with economic and social vitality to secure a resilient future for all beings. On a personal level, my commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through practical actions: opting for an electric car, utilizing public transit, and choosing metal straws over single-use plastics, each a step towards minimizing my environmental footprint and fostering a sustainable lifestyle.

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

Growing up near the polluted ZhuJiang River in China, I used to fall ill due to the water contamination. Seeing hundred and thousands of death caused by water pollution, this problem grew to be so close to my heart, which propelled me to became an engineer and an entrepreneur in the water space to tackle this problem head-on. This year, my friends and I co-founded Xatoms. Xatoms is a water treatment start-up where we discover new materials that can purify water through quantum computing and AI. This summer, I'll extend our mission to Cape Town, South Africa, for market research and further R&D, aiming to validate and refine our innovations on a global scale.  

Sustainability, for me, transcends a professional obligation; it's a life mission centered on combating water scarcity and pollution. As I navigate the evolving landscapes of technology and business, my goal is to integrate sustainable practices at every level of operation, from product development to market strategy. This commitment is driven by a recognition of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequity.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

My passion for sustainability led me to initiate and direct significant projects at Western University. As the Founder and Campus Director of the Hult Prize Pitch Competition at Ivey Business School, I successfully launched the event post-pandemic, attracting five teams to compete for social entrepreneurship. My responsibilities spanned managing logistics, marketing, and securing sponsorships with Morrissette Institute and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Club, creating an event that highlighted sustainable startups at Western.  

Furthermore, as an organizer for the Global Spark Sustainability Forum this past November, I orchestrated an event on "Roadmap to zero hunger" at BCG (Boston Consulting Group), attracting over 200 participants. The event featured industry experts and interactive workshops aimed at understanding food systems' impact on climate change, further solidifying my commitment to sustainability.  

In addition to these leadership roles, I contributed to the sustainability dialogue by participating in a nationwide Sustainability Engineering Conference and engaging with Innovation North's system thinking workshops. These experiences reinforced my dedication to advancing sustainable development through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. My goal is to make a tangible impact on our world.

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

My sustainability-related interests that I wish to explore further during the certificate include:

1. Core Interests: Water, Wildfire, Sustainable Operation, Engineering, Social Enterprise, Social Entrepreneurship
2. Field Work: Looking forward to field work in sustainability.  
3. Running Profitable Corporate Social Enterprises: Delving into strategies and models that balance profitability with social impact, understanding the dynamics that lead to successful social entrepreneurship ventures.
4. Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship: Investigating the intersection of innovative business practices with social value creation, focusing on how startups can address global challenges through sustainable solutions.
5. Protection of Natural Resources: Studying comprehensive approaches to conserving water, soil, and biodiversity, and exploring policies and technologies that support sustainable resource management from a business perspective.