Kate Whalen

By bringing together McMaster University and the broader community of Hamilton, Kate Whalen has facilitated the implementation of more than 80 sustainability initiatives in less than 4 years. In her role as the university’s Senior Manager, University Sustainability and Director, Sustainable Future Program, Kate’s achievements including working with staff and students to develop a sustainable procurement policy for McMaster, providing opportunities for over 180 students to engage in for-credit, experiential sustainability-related learning; and working with faculty, students, staff and members of the community to develop and implement McMaster’s first interdisciplinary course focused specifically on sustainability. Her leadership in adding a co-op practical element to sustainability education has benefited both students and the community.