Meet our Communications Intern: Jasmine Rana!

Who are you?

Hi! My name is Jasmine Rana and I’m the communications intern at Diversity in Sustainability. I recently graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Marketing and I am excited to be beginning my career in the marketing space. 

Throughout my life, the concept of community has been integral to my personal growth and happiness. Whether it is within academic settings, cultural events, familial gatherings, musical rehearsals, or team sports practices, I have actively sought out diverse groups. These interactions have provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn alongside passionate individuals who share their unique experiences and perspectives. Engaging with such diverse communities has not only shaped my identity but also instilled in me a profound appreciation for diversity in all environments.

I am deeply committed to advocating for diversity and inclusion as catalysts for creativity and critical thinking, essential components for societal progress. I am particularly fascinated by people's personal narratives and the diverse experiences that have shaped their lives and how they interact with the world around them. Entering adulthood, I have discovered a passion for storytelling, both in listening to others' journeys and sharing my own. Writing and creative expression are avenues through which I explore and communicate these stories. Additionally, my love for travel stems from a desire to immerse myself in new communities, seeking connections and a sense of belonging wherever I go.

You are a recent graduate from Dalhousie in marketing. What made you decide to pursue marketing?

Self-expression has always been fundamental to my identity, whether through personal style, writing, the literature I immerse myself in, or the media I engage with. This innate connection to self-expression has led me to be particular in my choice of brands. I've been drawn to brands and products that resonate with my personal experiences and values.

As a woman of South Asian heritage, representation in media has been a significant consideration for me. Seeing individuals who reflect my background authentically portrayed has been rare, and often, when representation does occur, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Therefore, encountering brands that feature models of my heritage or skin tone has greatly influenced my consumer loyalty, as it demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion that aligns with my values. 

My strong interest in creative industries, particularly fashion and publishing, has driven my career aspirations in marketing. I believe marketing offers a powerful platform to ensure inclusivity across various brands and sectors, while also enabling me to connect authentically with consumers who share similar backgrounds and experiences. I am passionate about leveraging marketing strategies to highlight the relatability and benefits of products and services to diverse audiences.

My love for marketing is driven by a desire to promote inclusivity and representation within creative industries, while effectively communicating the value of products to consumers who, like myself, seek meaningful connections through their purchasing decisions.

You also started Her Campus at Dalhousie. Why?   

Writing has always served as a profound creative outlet for me, whether through personal journaling, writing letters to loved ones, or contributing to the school newspaper. Upon entering university, I eagerly sought out opportunities to continue developing my writing skills. However, I discovered that the campus lacked a platform dedicated to creative expression for women. The existing publication focused predominantly on news rather than fostering a space for diverse voices and narratives.

Motivated by a desire to fill this gap and provide a meaningful outlet for female students to share their experiences and perspectives, I founded Her Campus at Dalhousie University. This initiative aimed not only to cultivate a supportive community but also to initiate dialogues on issues directly impacting university-aged women. In a post-COVID landscape, it became increasingly important to create spaces where like-minded individuals could connect and collaborate, and where women could articulate their thoughts freely. 

By establishing Her Campus, I endeavored to empower women by offering them a platform where their voices could be heard and their stories shared. This endeavor not only nurtured a sense of belonging among students but also contributed to a richer, more inclusive campus environment. 

My journey with Her Campus at Dalhousie University reflects my commitment to fostering community and facilitating meaningful dialogue through the written word, aiming to empower women and amplify their voices within the university community. 

Why do you think diversity in sustainability is important?

Diversity fosters an environment where individuals with varied perspectives can unite towards achieving collective goals. Each person brings unique life experiences and insights to the table, enhancing decision-making and promoting inclusive solutions. Exposure to diversity has personally enriched my skill set, equipping me with adaptability, innovation, and effective communication abilities.

These skills are particularly vital in the sustainability sector, where inclusive discussions about climate change and sustainable practices are imperative. Collaborative efforts within this sector can significantly impact a variety of communities, broadening the discourse to incorporate a wider array of perspectives and sustainable practices. This inclusivity not only enhances the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives but also ensures they resonate with and benefit a broader spectrum of stakeholders.

What do you hope to get out of your internship with DiS?

I am enthusiastic about deepening my understanding of sustainability in a more focused capacity. My longstanding interest in sustainability is reflected in my personal practices, such as purchasing second-hand items, supporting local and small businesses, composting, and recycling. I also prioritize sustainable choices in my daily routine, such as using beeswax wraps and reusable containers in my kitchen.

I am eager to expand my knowledge so that I can empower others through education in my everyday life. Furthermore, I am excited to enhance my skills in marketing and communications within the non-profit sector. Being part of a dynamic team that is making a significant positive impact presents an exciting opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully and grow both personally and professionally.

What issues in sustainability are you most concerned about?

​​In today's digital age dominated by social media and the internet, the issue of overconsumption has emerged as a significant concern, particularly within the realm of fashion—an area of personal interest for me. Rapid trend cycles have accelerated to an unprecedented pace, resulting in a decline in product quality and a culture of excessive buying and rapid disposal. This unsustainable cycle contributes significantly to environmental waste.

Moreover, these fast-paced cycles often involve unethical practices in manufacturing, with workers in other countries enduring poor working conditions and inadequate wages to keep production costs low. This entire process perpetuates a cycle that is fundamentally unsustainable.

The prevalence of social media has further exacerbated these issues by fostering a culture of instant gratification, where consumers feel compelled to purchase items they see immediately, regardless of the ethical implications. While there are sustainable brands producing high-quality products under ethical conditions, their prices are often unaffordable for most, leading some consumers to seek cheaper alternatives that may compromise on ethical standards. 

Personally, I am committed to sparking meaningful conversations about sustainability within the fashion industry and advocating for more responsible consumption habits. I feel it is important to raise awareness about the environmental and ethical impacts of our purchasing decisions and to promote the adoption of sustainable practices in everyday life.

Is there a quote or mantra that you live by, and why?

The quote "this too shall pass" has always resonated deeply with me, as it holds relevance in both the good and challenging times. It serves as a comforting reminder that difficult moments and bad days are temporary. Simultaneously, it gently encourages mindfulness and gratitude for the present, knowing that even the joyous moments will eventually pass. Life seems to accelerate with age, and this quote has grown increasingly significant to me as I’ve gotten older.

What would you like to do next?

I am eager to advance my career in marketing and explore opportunities across diverse industries. My passions lie particularly within the fashion, beauty, wellness, and hospitality sectors. My aspiration is to engage in branding, event communications, and digital marketing for a brand within these fields that aligns with my values and ideals. I am driven by the desire to work in an industry where I can actively participate in and initiate dialogues on sustainability. It is important to me to contribute to shaping a more sustainable future through impactful marketing strategies and initiatives. I am also interested in completing my Master of Business Administration in the next couple of years.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future and why?

I would describe myself as optimistic about the future. There is a tremendous amount of commendable work being done to disseminate knowledge about sustainability and the various positive impacts we can achieve. Awareness is at an all-time high, which has the potential to drive sustainable action and foster positive change. Each successive generation has made significant progress in this regard. Although it can be challenging to maintain optimism in the face of constant negative news, I remain very hopeful overall. I always remind myself to take it day by day!