York University students in the Master in Environmental Studies (MES) program’s ENVS 5100 course had the opportunity to meet and liaise with successful Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES) alumni during the 13th annual Anita McBride Mentoring Luncheon held on Oct. 22.
FES welcomed 14 alumni who have established successful careers in a variety of different industries, including conservation and resource management, corporate social responsibility, energy and climate change, the arts, law, social justice and planning.
From left: Cara Clairman, Anita McBride, Mark Haslam, Bruce Lourie and Sabrina Dias
The luncheon was designed to inspire the MES class of 2021 to consider their future possibilities by giving them an inside look into what their career paths might look like after graduation.
The Anita McBride Mentoring Luncheon is an annual event for FES students and alumni, consisting of a panel presentation and speed networking sessions. McBride is the former director of the FES Office of Student & Academic Services. She began working at the Faculty in 1972 and retired in 1999. Through this luncheon, McBride has been able to inspire thousands of students as they begin their career journeys.
This year’s panel included:
- Bruce Lourie (MES ’87, PhD ’19), president, Ivey Foundation;
- Sabrina Dias (MES ’05), founder and CEO, SOOP Strategies Inc.;
- Cara Clairman (LLB, MES ’93), president and CEO, Plug’n Drive Coalition of Ontario;
- Mark Haslam (MES ’99), media arts officer, Ontario Arts Council; and
- Dave Hardy (MES ’78), president, Hardy Stevenson and Associates Limited.
McBride remains instrumental in the event through her continued financial support, along with maintaining numerous connections with FES alumni and inviting them annually to share their experiences with current students.