In sustainability, we’re trying to make the world better... but a better world by whom and for whom? Heather Mak asks these uncomfortable yet instrumental questions with co-founding Diversity in Sustainability.
THE IMPACT. Heather Mak:
- Is co-founder of Diversity in Sustainability, a membership organization aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of sustainability.
- Has spent almost 15 years consulting on sustainability issues and previously held sustainability roles at Deloitte, Tim Hortons, Retail Council of Canada, SustainAbility, and Canadian Business for Social Responsibility.
- Has lectured at the MBA level at the Schulich School of Business, York University, and regularly mentors students and new immigrants who are interested in the field.
- Holds a B.Com with Distinction in Marketing from McGill University, and an MBA with Honours in Sustainability from Schulich School of Business, York University.
- Is a mom, wife, sister, and daughter to two Chinese immigrants to Canada.
THE JOURNEY. In our conversation, we explore:
- Early influences: following environmental crises in school
- Early barriers: not seeing people like herself in the field
- The many needs for diversity in sustainability: supporting career paths, addressing historical social issues, gathering data and stories, creating better outcomes
- Challenges and learnings in the last year: creating a network of networks, creating a tent across cultural and country differences
