Our ambassadors

Erik Huang is an MIAE Technician for the Engineering Design and Manufacturing Lab and coordinates their Library of Parts Depot to reclaim salvageable hardware for next year’s Capstone project prototypes. Erik wants to build a greener future through technology; through community; through hands-on learning. They want to empower our students and our communities to design, innovate, and create in sustainable ways. He wants to connect like-minded people who envision a healthier future for our planet, for our society. They want to build a healthier relationship between our planet and our society. Envisioning a world where technology is democratized, where solidarity is collaborative, and where skills are shared freely — this is what inspires him to be sustainable.

James Gibbons is a Writer at the Office of the President and a two-time Concordia graduate. He’s been keenly watching the evolution of sustainability initiatives at Concordia over the years and wants to be part of the action. James recognizes the imperative of developing more resilient systems and believes that community mobilization is a key component. His ambition as a Sustainability Ambassador is to improve his own sustainability profile and to serve as a resource guide to colleagues.

Marian Pinsky is the Administrative & Events Assistant at Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) (Student Success Centre). She sees sustainability not as grandiose gestures, but rather individual actions of consistency, community, and a commitment to change. More than just recycling, sustainability involves local engagement and above all, minimizing impact in a meaningful, consistent way. Marian is proud that events she has coordinated have been inspired by these guiding principles. As environmentalist and polar explorer Robert Swan stated, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Whether it’s Meatless Mondays, using reusable dishes at events, or getting involved in a community organization, we can all make a lasting and impactful change for the better!

Marie-Elyse Lafaille-Magnan is a Business Development Advisor for the Office of Research. She’s passionate about repurposing items because it’s both a problem-solving and creative outlet. For example, she purchased a second-hand piece of furniture to paint and add scrapbook paper to. Marie-Elyse thinks it’s fun to challenge ourselves to make Halloween costumes from clothes, craft items, toys, and makeup we already own! She made washable wipes from old pyjamas seven years ago and still uses them. Some of her favourite things are heirloom pieces that family members kept for her. She has two girls, so she loves when the little one wears wools, washable diapers, or her sister's clothes. Lately, Marie-Elyse asked her mom to make handmade things from upcycled or repurposed items as holiday gifts for her. She’s given her silk scrunchies from old ties and a couple skirts from wool sweaters!

Niem Huynh is the Internship Coordinator for the Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment and has been at Concordia for almost a decade! Niem enjoys the challenge of finding a second life for materials, nurtured by a family whose values are rooted in producing minimal waste. Her favourite sustainable habit is creating “art” with “waste” that would be destined for the garbage/recycle bins.

Robyn Burchell is the Department Assistant for Finance in the John Molson School of Business. She originally signed up for the employee introduction to sustainability session because she believes sustainability needs to be worked on constantly in our personal and professional lives, given the state of the world. Robyn’s been working at Concordia for a little over a year and wanted to explore what initiatives she could get involved in and this program seemed beneficial for not only herself but her department and Concordia in general. She’s excited to meet new people and help make a sustainably conscious impact. Robyn hopes to learn new sustainable tips and tricks and implement these methods into her everyday life to do her part in giving back sustainably to our society and environment.