On November 10, the University of St. Michael’s College celebrated Student Capstone Projects, the summative exercise in the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability Program. These projects are designed to create positive social and environmental impact. The 2022-23 winning projects focused on embedding equity in social and environmental practices, creating shared value in the construction and music industries, and embedding sustainability and social responsibility within small and medium companies, in public institutions and at the country level.
“These projects exemplify the transformational work initiated by students in this St. Michael’s program, and demonstrate how care for our common home and solidarity with the human family can take root across industries, governments, and corporations,” says University President David Sylvester. “We are proud to see our students produce such outstanding work.”
The winners of the President’s Capstone Project Award are:
In the category: Advancing Social and/or Environmental Impact
- Jessica Bermudez: “A Social Impact Guide for Changemakers”. Mentor: Krista Moroz, Manager, Community Partnerships & External Relations, ENMAX
- Ignacio Loor-Colamarco: “University-Government Collaboration for Ecological Solutions in Ecuador”. Mentor: Yvonne Jeffery, VP, Sustainability, Vermilion Energy
In the category: Advancing Social & Environmental Responsibility, Sustainability in their own organization or that of others
- Jessica Aviva Anderson: “Embedding Equity in our Social and Environmental Responsibility Practices”. Mentor: Antoinette Ellis, CEO & Co- Founder, ACE & Co. Ltd
- Marley MacDonald: “NSLC Path to Corporate Sustainability – Applying an Embedded Strategies Framework”. Mentor: Susan Kapetanovic-Marr, Director, Sustainability – Energy and Sustainability Services , JLL
In the category: Advancing Innovative Practices in Social and Environmental Responsibility, Sustainability and/or ESG
- Nicole Monaco: “Creating Shared Value in Construction Projects”. Mentor: Yvonne Jeffery, VP, Sustainability, Vermilion Energy
- Dan Scarcelli: “Creating Shared Value in the Music Industry to Drive Artist Sustainability”. Mentor: Tara Knight, Director, ESG Communications, Scotiabank
Students receiving Honourable Mention:
- Katherine Alyea: “Menopause Inclusive Workplaces: Expanding Workplace Equity for Canadian Women”.
- Glory Keong: “Embedding Sustainability Principles in Enterprise Real Estate”.
- Brooke Graham: “Stronger Together in the Frontline: a DEI Insights Report for Hourly Workers”.
- Stephanie Grant: “Embedding Reconciliation: An Action Plan for KiDrone”.
- Marcell Lawrence: “Enhancing the Employee Experience to Build a Sustainable Workforce”.
- Paul McQueen: “Leveraging Canadian Retail Investor Attitudes on Sustainable Investing”.
Projects considered for the President’s Capstone Award must be distinguished in what they achieve or propose in one or more of the categories.
Nominated projects were judged by a panel which included: Anna Ritacca, Partner & Strategic Advisor, BEL+RIT urbanism (Graduate and Mentor in G.Dipl. SR&S), Dr. Greg Rupik, Director, Office of the President, USMC, and Dr. Michael Salvatori, Director, Continuing Education, USMC.
About the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability — Fourty participants are accepted annually to the St. Michael’s program, which attracts students from across Canada and around the world from sectors as diverse as banking and manufacturing to education and NGOs. This “work as you learn” program enables participants to take their career in Social Responsibility, Sustainability and ESG to the next level. Participants tackle and resolve a Sustainability/ESG challenge in their company in a major Action Project under the mentorship of faculty and co-learners; learn from global thought leaders; experience practical “real world” change management through the ExperienceChange™ Simulation, and join a prestigious community of St. Michael’s Alumni in continuing education, sharing and networking. Graduates receive the post-nominal letters G.Dipl.SR&S.
A Business Advisory Committee ensures the Diploma program is relevant and experiential across the field of social responsibility, sustainability and ESG. Members are Sustainability/ESG Leaders, representing a broad range of business sectors, who provide advice and input to this leading program.
The Diploma will start applications for 2024/25 Cohort in January. Only 40 applicants are accepted. To apply, go to the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability website. First intake deadline is March 31, 2024. Contact: Kathryn A. Cooper, Program Manager, Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability