Inspiring Young Leaders to Transform Industries and Cities
We were thrilled to host the inaugural Be the Future Conference in partnership with the University of Waterloo Faculty of Environment and Ontario DECA.
Held at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, this impactful sustainability-focused event welcomed high school students for a day of inspiring conversations, interactive workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions. Our incredible speakers and panelists shared their insights and expertise on the importance of integrating sustainability into all careers and industries, emphasizing the role of collaboration and innovation in driving global progress.
Thank you to our speakers, panelists, and guests for making this event a success and inspiring the next generation of leaders to champion sustainability!
Stay tuned for more information about DECA GRIT Entrepreneurship Conference 2025, held here at the School of Accounting and Finance!
I have been teaching in the area of business and sustainability for over two decades, but rarely have I seen questions so insightful as the ones the students were asking at the Be the Future conference. If this is indicative of the next generation of changemakers, then sign me up! I'm excited - and hopeful - for what's to come.
Meet our keynote speaker
Munam Khan
Senior Manager in the Financial Accounting Advisory practice at EY.
She has over 11 years of professional experience ranging from complex accounting and reporting areas under IFRS, US GAAP and ASPE to finance optimization matters, across the financial services, telecommunications and retail sectors. Her prior experience also includes financial statement audits in the asset management industry. Munam is leading EY's ESG disclosure and reporting efforts, supporting clients in integrating sustainability in their Finance function. Munam supports clients in various ESG areas, including compliance based reporting across the ISSB and SEC proposed frameworks, establishing an effective sustainability reporting operating model and enhancing process for governance, risk and controls.