Sustainability & Business as North America’s Top 30 Under 30 Environmental Educator - Jason's Story

Jason Pang is currently completing a Master's in Sustainability Management at the University of Toronto.

Named one of North America's Top 30 Under 30 Environmental Educators, Jason has supported youth environmental programs for the City of Richmond, managed sustainability projects for Western Canada’s largest student union, interned in ESG roles at TD Securities & Deloitte, and recently advised Enactus UBC (UBC’s largest social entrepreneurship club) to be crowned National Champion in the Desjardins Youth Empowerment competition.

Jason is a mentor for our Porte Accelerator - a 1-year virtual program where you are paired 1-1 with someone like Jason to launch your own initiative. Apply and enrol for the program here.

Give us your background! What’s your story? How did you begin?

I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and protecting our environment. I’m a first generation immigrant from Hong Kong and my family moved to Vancouver to give us a better place to live. Growing up, I’ve always been curious about nature and noticed the difference ways that my two home countries approached sustainability.

My first step in exploring environmental advocacy actually began with high school science fairs. I dove into several different research projects which spanned from studying local ecosystems to experimenting with renewable energy. I loved the work and subject area - so much so that I was inspired to restart my high school’s environmental club - the Richmond Secondary Green Team.

That’s when I began initiating various projects to raise awareness about sustainability issues. 

Properly exploring my initiatives in high school really solidified my decision to pursue a career in sustainability and environment. I initially thought I would just focus in environmental science or geography. But one day - during my first year at UBC - a friend from the Commerce school reached out. They asked me if I wanted to join them to compete in a sustainability case competition.

From then on, I’ve focused on this niche in sustainability. I chose to study Global Resource Systems at UBC where I can blend my interests in commerce, engineering, and environmental science. I started new sustainability programs and developed different on-campus campaigns to involve students in sustainability on campus. I also worked a couple internships at Deloitte in the ESG sector. I’m now on my way to complete my Master’s in Sustainability Management.

Looking back, my journey until now has been one where I’ve continuously explored new experiences and pushed the boundaries. I believe that this can be one of the best things you can do at this stage. Each new direction has only deepened my commitment to address environmental challenges.

You’re one of North America’s Top 30 under 30 Environmental educators. What were examples of initiatives that got you there?

I was nominated the title in 2018 by the City of Richmond! I’d say that my most impactful initiatives were the ones where I worked to develop a sustainability curriculum as a member of the public outreach team. One of my proudest achievements was successfully installing solar panels for schools. I remember how my team spent hours pitching the idea, researching policies, and creating different installation plans.

But just installing solar panels wasn’t enough - I also wanted the project to continue to have a positive impact for the long term. Alongside the actual solar panel installation, our team implemented various curriculum points which would teach students not only why solar panels are beneficial, but also its socio-economic impacts.

Some other initiatives: holding electric vehicle education campaigns for elementary school students and organizing our public outreach team to stand by different waste bins to educate different patrons on how to district waste. 

Although my interests in sustainability first started in the subject itself, as I did more awareness & education campaigns I found myself really developing a passion for working with students. Education is such a huge part of sustainability - if we can educate more people about sustainable impact, that knowledge will slowly be integrated across different fields. Being in this field has fuelled my passions for education and mentorship as well. 

What were your parents’ reaction to saying you want to study environmental sustainability? What would you define a fulfilling area of work to be?

When I told my parents, first-generation immigrants from Hong Kong, that I wanted to study environmental sustainability, their reaction was surprisingly supportive. We had moved from Hong Kong to provide a better environment for our family. It was always clear that I was passionate about sustainability; my parents knew of my interest and they could see my drive to pursue this area. At the end of the day, my parents just wanted to see me succeed and feel fulfilled - and I proved this through my different corporate internships & current career.

A concept I like sharing is “ikigai” - a Japanese term which talks about finding your purpose. It’s about finding the balance of something you’re good at, passionate about, and can give you a livelihood. I can happily say I’ve found that in my current direction.

Words you would like to share with your future mentee about working with you? 

I’m really excited to hear about all your ideas and support you.

As someone who had to figure this out alone – I would love to support you, work together, and overcome challenges together.

Jason is a mentor for our Porte Accelerator - a 1-year virtual program where you are paired 1-1 with someone like Jason to launch your own initiative. Apply and enrol for the program here.