Faces of IMI: Michelle Atkinson

Faces of IMI: Michelle Atkinson

January 26, 2023

Michelle works as the Sustainability Projects and Engagement Coordinator with the Master of Science and Sustainability Management (MScSM) program at IMI, supporting major sustainability initiatives including the STTPA Conference, Sustainability Week, youth community programming, the Certificate of Completion in Global Sustainability, and the Sustainability Ambassadors Program.   

Prior to joining IMI in September of 2022, Michelle spent 11 years in Student Affairs and Services working with both the UTM Career Centre, and the Centre for Student Engagement. The focus of her work has been in experiential learning, building meaningful community partnerships, civic and community engagement, and developing co-curricular programming that promotes both personal and social responsibility for UTM students.   

Outside of her work at IMI, Michelle sits on the Board of Directors for Mixed Company Theatre, a Toronto-based not-for-profit that uses forum theatre as a tool for social justice and change. 

Your portfolio includes some major events and projects within the MScSM program. Which initiative would say is the most impactful?   

That’s a difficult one! I think what I love about all of the projects that I work on is that they are impactful because they meet our community where they are at in relation to sustainability both in breadth and depth. For some that might look like participating in Sustainability Week or a one-off event, for others, it might be deepening their understanding of sustainability by becoming a Sustainability Ambassador or enrolling in the Certificate of Completion in Global Sustainability.   

Sustainability is a longstanding core value within the University, and a top priority at IMI in particular. Tell us about the Certificate of Completion in Global Sustainability.   

Something unique to UTM and offers all undergraduate students the opportunity to learn about global sustainability is the Certificate of Completion in Global Sustainability. Students can learn from faculty by taking 3 required and 3 elective modules and can customize their learning experiences through electives based on their interests, skills, and values. There is truly something for everyone! All undergraduate students who have completed 4.0 credits are eligible to enroll in this certificate program and they can chip away at the modules over the course of their undergrad.   

How do you, personally, practice sustainability in your work life and at home?   

One thing I have almost completely cut out at work is use of the printer. I think the pandemic has taught us that we can totally function in a more planet conscious way both at work and at home. I also dollar-vote by supporting organizations that value sustainable practices and divesting from those that do not. Finally, something that I personally value both at work and at home is civic engagement. So much that is working against having a more sustainable world is systemic and it is hugely important to be involved and engaged in issues at a local, provincial, federal, and global level.   

Can you share a little bit about your work at Mixed Company Theatre? What are they doing in terms of support for social justice?   

Yes! I joined the Board of Directors at MCT this past summer as a member-at-large. On the board we support the organization by advising on larger planning and strategic decisions. It is such a cool organization to be a part of! MCT uses forum theatre as a tool for communities to find actionable solutions to larger social challenges. Some of the initiatives they are working on for the 2022-23 Season are: Anti-Oppression Forums for Schools, Sexual Violence and Prevention on college campuses, and exploring the impacts of mental illness, suicide, and MAiD on ageing communities.   

What is your favourite book?   

Another toughie! It probably changes all the time, but a constant in my life has always been Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I have such a deep love of the characters and the book is so full of nostalgia to me.