Sustainability in Marketing
In this AIM event, we outlined the emerging trend of sustainability and corporate responsibility within marketing in the form of a safe space discussion with 2 guest speakers. The event started off with an AIM member presenting a brief introduction of the sustainability concept and how the marketing industry is expected to align with it. Then, our two guest speakers shared about their unique journey regarding sustainability and the event is open for discussion on current trends of sustainability, problems of greenwashing, case examples on deceiving, as well as good sustainability initiatives by corporations. The event ended with the discussion on How young marketers should do to contribute to the sustainability progress.
Our guest speakers:
Bonnie Simpson
Dr. Bonnie Simpson is a consumer psychologist – aiming to make the world a little bit better of a place through researching why consumers act as we do. She is interested in how and why consumers engage in prosocial actions such as sustainable behaviours, charitable giving, and purchasing that supports social good. She finds inspiration in everyday actions – like why say no to a $2 donation at the grocery checkout when you can afford to give? Her teaching often focuses in these areas – she loves to introduce students to marketing concepts that focus not only on corporate business functions but also how marketing shapes and is shaped by non-profits, sustainability, and the consumer’s daily life.Bonnie is Associate Professor, DAN Department of Management and Organizational Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. She holds a PhD from the University of Calgary, Master in Human Kinetics from University of Windsor, and Bachelor in Sport Management from Brock University – you read that correct – a winding road to a consumer psychologist that also included working at a number of ski resorts and golf courses in a variety of roles including sales and marketing. Bonnie has studied and taught in countries around the world – such as Canada, Finland, and the Netherlands – and loves how an international classroom brings new perspectives into collaborative applied learning. Her research is published in top journals in the consumer behaviour field such as Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing, and Journal of Marketing Research.
Samuel Agostini-Sarabia
Samuel Agostini-Sarabia is a 5th year Urban Studies major student also enrolled in the Certificate in Sustainability Studies at the University of Calgary. Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Sam is a new Canadian who immigrated along with his family in 2013. The University of Calgary has provided Sam with many unique opportunities for academic and professional development, including his previous role as a Co-op Engagement Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability, where he was tasked with developing sustainability-related engagement initiatives tailored to students and related to the planning, development and operations of the University, among other responsibilities. Sam is now undergoing his final year as an undergraduate student with high aspirations to work in the social purpose sector to employ his skills and knowledge in sustainability, geography and urbanism.
