A Big Welcome to new Sustainable Orillia member, Jacobi Clarke!
Jacobi Clarke recently agreed to join the Goods and Services Sector of Sustainable Orillia as a co-chair with Audrey Bayens. We wanted you to meet her, and what better way to do so than through her own words. Here she is.
“I’m 27 years old and I have a 2-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog named Bellatrix who has been my little (90lb) angel the past couple of years and has more personality than you can imagine. I love to bake and hike with Bella—and I might be the biggest Harry Potter nerd you’ll ever meet (hence my dog’s name).
“I graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours degree in Geography focusing on Environmental Studies and a certificate in Environmental Citizenship. Some of my favourite subjects were Sustainability & Food Security, Urban and Rural Geography and surprisingly (to me) Environmental Philosophy.
“One of the best experiences of my university years was participating in an Agro-ecology course. A group of us travelled to rural Cuba for a month to learn how they overcame agricultural struggles brought on by the U.S. embargo. As a result of the embargo, they had to focus on a much more holistic and sustainable approach to their farming. The positive differences they saw in the quality of soil, crop yield and surrounding flora and fauna were amazing. It was a happy outcome born out of necessity. I loved being part of this amazing trip.
“After university, I travelled to Ireland, Belize, and Portugal, and spent 9 months in Australia. I have always loved travelling, animals and the environment. My parents raised my siblings and me as vegetarians—for animal rights and environmental reasons—and those ideals have stuck with me throughout my life. My parents are the reason I love and respect the environment and why I am so passionate about sustainability.
“I really want to contribute to positive change, and I think Sustainable Orillia is the perfect opportunity to do that. I love the passion and goals behind this group, and I am absolutely delighted to be part of the team!”
Welcome, Jacobi—and welcome to Bella, too, whom we expect to meet soon.
