Renewed partnership supports developing job ready graduates
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Libro Credit Union has renewed its commitment to experiential learning in the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment, pledging another $60,000 over the next three years to support the Student Leadership Series and the inaugural Environment Capstone Symposium.
These initiatives connect students with alumni and industry professionals to learn where they can make a meaningful impact and apply those insights directly to their coursework, including their final capstone projects.
Libro’s first Student Leadership event took place on February 9 and featured 19 alumni and industry leaders who shared their perspectives on tackling complex, “wicked” problems facing our planet. Among the featured guests was Bianca Rocha (BES ‘15, MCC ‘22), a Purpose Integration Specialist, with a focus on climate, at Libro Credit Union, who joined the event to support and mentor students.
“It was inspiring to see how passionate the students are about their careers and today’s wicked problems,” says Rocha. “Seeing the positive impact of Libro’s partnership with the Faculty of Environment in practice reinforces how meaningful experiential learning can be in helping students connect their values to real-world impact.”
Since 2024, Libro’s partnership with the Faculty of Environment has made a tangible impact for students. Previously, Libro funded six student internships with Habitat for Humanity, House of Friendship, and Futures Cities Institute founded by CAIVAN where they were able to bring their energy, knowledge and skills to the non-profit sector. One of these students was Kenya Miller.
Miller, a Bachelor of Environmental Studies Planning co-op student, was the Fall 2024 Global Citizen Intern. She brought compassion and leadership to her role as Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Justice & EDI) Coordinator at the House of Friendship (HOF) in Kitchener. During her placement, she collaborated closely with advisory and operational committees, compiled feedback to inform annual planning and strategy development and contributed to policy revision. She co-created learning opportunities, such as the upcoming Justice & EDI Challenge Workshops and conducted an organization-wide perceptions audit to strengthen inclusion across all departments.
“This internship reconnected me with the purpose of my studies,” she said. “Working with Charmaine and the HOF team opened my eyes about meeting people at all levels and making connections regardless of differences.”
After graduating, Miller plans to work in housing policy. Her experience at House of Friendship helped her discover her purpose and ignite her passion for political science and policy.
Libro’s commitment to nurturing future talent like Kenya Miller and so many others reflects their purpose-led approach to business and their dedication to reinvesting in the communities they serve, and their commitment to helping people achieve financial well-being. Together, the Faculty of Environment and Libro Credit Union share a commitment to developing job-ready graduates who are equipped to succeed after graduation and make a meaningful difference in the world.
“Through this partnership, we’re supporting students, fostering their curiosity and leadership, now and into the future,” says Libro Credit Union President and CEO, Shawn Good. “We’re strengthening the leaders of tomorrow, which in turn supports economic growth and contributes to the vitality of our communities.”
With Libro’s renewed support, we are deepening experiential learning opportunities that help students think differently, act with purpose and collaborate to address society’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. We’re excited to continue building this partnership and empower the next generation of changemakers leading positive impact for people and the planet.
