Sindy Singh (she/her) (BES ’09, MES ’13) has dedicated over a decade to environmental management and climate change. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she now resides in Queens, New York, though her heart remains tied to her upbringing in South Trinidad. Her education at the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) at York University laid the foundation for her career focused on advocating for vulnerable communities facing climate impacts.
Can you talk a bit about yourself and describe your path after graduation?
After I graduated, I returned to Trinidad and Tobago, where I started my career in environmental policy and planning. Afterwards, I pursued my Master’s at York, focusing on Caribbean development and climate policy. This paved the way for roles in national and international climate policy, including representing small island states at the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC).
My journey has been driven by a passion for addressing climate change impacts, advocating for vulnerable communities and shaping international climate policy. From coordinating national climate strategies to negotiating on behalf of small island states, I’ve dedicated myself to environmental justice and sustainable development. I’m proud to have played a role in influencing global climate targets and continuing to champion critical issues in international discussions.
Were there any cross-cultural barriers from working internationally that you faced during your career path thus far? And how did you overcome them?
As a woman from a small island developing state, I initially faced challenges in being heard and respected internationally. It was disheartening to be overlooked when trying to contribute in meetings, simply because of how I looked. Over time, I sought guidance from strong female mentors and worked on enhancing my public speaking skills and knowledge base. They empowered me to navigate and overcome cultural barriers, allowing me to assert my voice and perspectives effectively in global settings.
York also played a pivotal role in my journey by helping me embrace my cultural identity as a woman of Indian descent from the West Indies. This newfound confidence enabled me to integrate my heritage into my professional work, advocating for diverse perspectives in international forums.
Do you have a favourite memory at York?
My favorite memory at EUC revolves around the supportive atmosphere created by faculty like Anders Sandberg, Anna Zalik, and Lisa Fawcett during my undergraduate years. Their doors were always open for guidance and discussions, which was invaluable as an international student far from home. In my MES years, Professor Mark Winfield, alongside Lisa and Jose Etcheverry, provided crucial mentorship. Josephine Zeeman (who is now retired) also played a pivotal role in directing me to university resources. Their guidance was essential for navigating both academic challenges and life in a foreign country. EUC not only facilitated academic success but also ensured a fulfilling experience at York University and in Toronto overall, which influenced my decision to return for my MES.
How did York impact you in your career? Is there anything that you still carry with you that you learned from university?
I made so many friends from different parts of the world and learned from people that came from places like Nepal or Africa who I didn’t think I would have so much in common with. Interacting with a vibrant international student community challenged me to broaden my views and learn from diverse backgrounds, preparing me for my career in international negotiations and policy making. Additionally, EUC offered numerous skill-building opportunities. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I joined student government as the Graduate Environmental Studies Student Association (GESSA) chair, advocating for change within our community. This experience honed my public speaking and governance skills, proving invaluable in my subsequent roles in climate policy.
Is there any type of advice that you want to give to current or future students?
My advice would be to define what success means to you personally, because it varies greatly from person to person. This understanding will evolve over time, so it’s crucial to begin this process early in your academic and professional journey. Without a clear definition, you may find yourself pulled in different directions that don’t necessarily contribute to your growth or align with your aspirations. Once you’ve defined success for yourself, map out the steps to achieve it. Remember, along the way, your well-being, happiness, and overall contentment are equally important—not just in your professional life, but in every aspect of your journey.