Meet our Advisory Panel: Shefaly Gunjal
Who are you?
I am a Canadian, Muslim, South Asian, Woman of Colour. I am a convert to Islam, a researcher, a student, an advocate, a storyteller, an advisor, a friend, a sister, a wife.
Tell us more about your journey - what drew you to diversity and sustainability work, and why do you think it’s important?
When I first started my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, I was pursuing Economics and happened to take an elective course in Environmental Management. Thanks to the wonderful professors and the content of that course, I fell in love with the subject matter and changed my major. Throughout my studies, I began to focus on the intersection of environmental issues and social issues, first focusing on environmental justice and in particular Indigenous Communities in Canada, to a more broader lens of the intersection of the three pillars of sustainability - society, environment and economy. My focus in diversity, equity and inclusion really began in my first year of graduate school. I attended Accelerate Her Future’s summit - a summit for BIWOC in the STEM field to network and build professional skills. Attending the summit opened my eyes to the power of and need for DEI, particularly in sustainability education and in the sustainability field as a whole.
It’s important because diversity in sustainability is the fabric of our being, it is how we survive. Without including the voices of those who often go unheard, as decision makers, we will always be leaving someone out of the change we strive to create in the sustainability field, whether its environmental, social or economic.
Touring the geothermal heating system at the University of Toronto Mississauga LEED Certified Instructional Building.
Do you have a mentor? How have they helped you in your personal growth?
I have been lucky to have a few mentors throughout my career who understand the unique challenges I face being a woman of color. These mentors collectively have supported my personal and professional growth not only by setting an example of women of color who overcome the barriers we face, but also in giving me the confidence to believe in myself, my vision for my work, and to not let fear or insecurity hold me back.
What has been your proudest moment to date?
My proudest moment to date is likely graduating from grad school. Had you asked me if I would have a Masters degree while I was in my first years of undergrad, I would have told you that’s impossible! A close second is the work I have had the chance to do in my current position at Citizen Relations. The communications and PR industry has a long way to go and I truly believe that Citizen Relations under the guidance of its current leadership is leading the way in making an impact while also calling clients to this impact too.
What advice/quote do you most live by and why?
“There is a verse in the Qur’an that goes “indeed, with hardship there is ease” and I’d have to say that’s what I live by the most whether I am going through hardship or through ease. Thinking about this verse reminds me that there is always hope at the end of the tunnel, and that if we all work together, we truly can create an inclusive society where all voices are celebrated. ”
What development(s) have excited you most in the field?
I’m most excited to see more and more organizations starting to draw linkages between DEI, social impact and sustainability work! We have a long way to go but some of the work being done is truly inspirational! Another thing is that companies are learning to leverage their skills and expertise to make a difference. For example, Citizen Relations has been using the power of communications to social impact and DEI work which creates real change.
Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future, and why?
I’m optimistic! From my faith-based perspective, there is always a reason for hope and positivity. Without being optimistic we give way to the anxieties that prevent us from taking action. There are so many people doing amazing work and bringing positivity to the world that I have to believe it will make a difference.
What’s next for you?
I’m going to keep doing the thing! Having recently started my position at Citizen Relations, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the organization, its culture and the change that I can bring as its DEI manager. Internally, we have been making strides moving our conversations to action and I am excited to see the pieces coming together in the new year!