Featured Alumna: Mallory Furlong

How has the program shaped your passion for driving positive change in your community or industry? 

Being surrounded by intelligent and kind people in this program has inspired me to drive positive change in my work. From the administration to the teachers to my fellow students; the people involved in the MScSM program have had a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally. While this field of work can be scary and uncertain, I feel confident in the efforts of the people around me to keep fighting for what is right. And I’ll keep fighting alongside them. 

How did the program help you build connections within the sustainability community? 

The program really helped me to build confidence in creating connections within the sustainability community. The professional development sessions, networking events, and resources shared by the program offered great exposure to the sustainability community. Having never had the opportunity to network before, I have felt supported in my attempts to do so throughout the program. Every time I walk into a room, I know that there will be an MScSM alumni there to talk to or someone who is well aware of the program’s reputation, making me feel even more comfortable in growing my own network. 

If you could go back in time and learn more about a work-related topic, what would it be and why? 

If I could go back in time and learn more about a work-related topic, I’d like to learn more about the social impact side of sustainability. Through my research paper and opportunities outside of class, I have come to realize that this is an area that I’d like to work in after I graduate. I wish I had more chances to focus on this in class assignments, electives, and professional development activities over the course of the program. 

What tools and relationships have you utilized to support your professional journey? 

I have relied heavily on my mentors to support me in both my personal and professional journey. These mentors include Professor Stephen Scharper and Professor Simon Appolloni; two people that I respect greatly and who have provided immense support for me as I navigate life. Both Stephen and Simon have modelled for me what it means to align your personal values with professional opportunities, and I am so grateful to have had their mentorship throughout my time at UofT. 

What is one brand that aligns with your self-image and/or values? 

 This is a tricky question because I don’t see myself aligning with brands. I don’t think I know the intricacies of certain companies to be able to align myself with them. I think my values align more closely with a non-profit organization, such as Shake Up The Establishment, or a community platform, such as the On Canada Project. These grassroots, for-the-people missions align more closely with my beliefs surrounding inclusivity, compassion, and responsibility. 

If you could have any person in the world as a mentor or friend, who would you choose and why? 

I would like to have Joanna Macy as a mentor. Macy is an environmental activist, an author, and a Buddhist teacher who focuses most of her efforts on the idea of Active Hope. This type of hope encourages us to bring about the change we want to see in the world. As I have focused my efforts towards the eco-anxiety and wellness spaces, I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from Macy’s work. I would love to learn more about how she leads with hope, empathy, and strength in light of the uncertain future we are headed towards. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to current MScSM students? 

Be where your feet are. You are where you are for a reason, so try to cherish it as much as you can instead of thinking about what comes next.