Recent alumna of the GreenHouse social impact incubator at St. Paul’s University College, Beth Eden (BES'20) has been recognized by Corporate Knights magazine as one of 30 young leaders under 30 making a difference in sustainability issues in Canada.
Over the past 11 years Eden has immersed herself in several efforts related to sustainability, social entrepreneurship, environmental and youth engagement-related projects internationally and in Canada. As a graduate of UWaterloo’s environment and business program, much of her work has involved advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which guide global action on the urgent environmental, political and economic challenges facing the planet.
“It means a lot to me to be recognized by Corporate Knights, particularly as I’m graduating,” said Eden. “I do this work out of passion and I think being in sustainable development really does make a difference. It’s important for me to be a thought leader and create change.”
As a student, Eden participated in a GreenHouse SVENT course which focuses on social innovation and entrepreneurship and continues to receive mentorship from GreenHouse director Tania Del Matto as she continues to build her career.
“The SVENT course and the GreenHouse team has been so great for helping me reinvigorate my entrepreneurial mindset,” said Eden. “They have really given me the confidence I need to launch my own venture and I could not be more excited for this next chapter in my life.”
Eden, who has been living with her sister in Yellowknife during the COVID-19 pandemic, has also been working on supporting a documentary film by fellow classmate Carter Kirilenko called In Your Palm. After this project, the two aim to work on creating a second film focused on the arctic regions of Canada and climate change’s impacts on mental health.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve had this passion for the environment and solving problems in very innovative ways,” said Eden. “It’s important to recognize how different types of media can build awareness and support meaningful change.”
Most notably, Eden’s leadership has included work as the National President of World Merit Canada, a finalist for World Merit’s Global Ambassador Competition and Action Plan Executor for SDG 13 – Climate Action. She was also the winner of the ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Social Enterprise’ award for the Solutions for the Planet competition, and even presented at the Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom. More recently she sat on the Sustainability Advisory Committee for the City of Waterloo and currently works as the Sustainability Communications Officer for Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative.
Eden is very excited about working on and having the ability to pursue her passion projects. We can’t wait to see how these projects develop and wish her continued success in social entrepreneurship!