By Emily Sakai
Hi there! I’m Emily, a public health student from the University of Waterloo doing a co-op placement at Cathexis. My interests lie in health equity, accessibility, and promoting well-being. It has been really exciting for me to be able to work with an organization whose interests align with my own (both academic and personal). Especially one that has made so many concrete commitments towards a better world.
Cathexis has been a certified B Corp since 2019. While I had heard a little about B Corporations before, this is my first time working for one. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like!
Certified B Corporations aim to create a positive environment for their employees. As a co-op student employed by Cathexis, I’m encouraged to share my ideas, ask questions, and am given responsibilities that challenge me in the best way. I find being surrounded by such a supportive environment inspires me to think critically and not be afraid to make mistakes.
A big part of this atmosphere comes from the company’s support for continuous learning. Continuous learning is a huge part of the work we do for clients and also for the our organization. I have learned about what it means to be a B Corp and the significance of that commitment through workshops, training sessions, and conversations with the team. We are all working towards a deeper understanding of how businesses can be a force for good.
One of the B Corp impact areas focuses on benefit to customers, and I’ve learned that it involves providing a service that not only meets our clients’ needs but also contributes to the greater good. As a student observing how things are done here at Cathexis, it’s clear that our commitment to clients goes way beyond a transaction. We actively involve them in creating solutions that are practical and useful to their organization. From incorporating clients’ insights during projects and gathering feedback after projects end, clients’ voices are valued and integral to how we work.
The B Corp movement has strong ties to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aim to create a more equitable and sustainable world. This means that the work we do has a real impact on our community. Whether it’s helping local organizations or starting sustainable practices within Cathexis, every experience feels like a step toward a more equitable future. The University of Waterloo has also made commitments to the SDGs through their sustainability strategy and as a host for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada. Throughout my co-op placements, I’ve been encouraged to think about these goals and how the organizations I work for are contributing to them. It’s been inspiring to see how so many people are coming together to make a difference.
Looking ahead in my role at Cathexis, I’m excited to keep supporting these initiatives and experiencing more chances to learn, grow, and make a real impact!
