Shenali Madhanaroopan

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SHENALI MADHANAROOPAN

After my first year of university, I made the scary but bold decision to switch my major from Life Sciences to Environmental Sciences. At the time, I had no idea how to make a career out of studying the environment. What I knew to be true is that I felt deeply connected to this Earth, and I felt an inherent need to learn how to protect it. That one decision changed the whole course of my life, and proudly, for the better. I fell in love with learning again. Studying the environment made me feel deep anguish, anxiety, urgency, care, passion, and hope. Studying Environmental Science is where I learned that approximately one-quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions are from food and agriculture. This fact alone lured me into the world of food systems and \'sustainable agriculture\'. We make a food-related decision at least three times a day. So, we have at least three opportunities everyday, to make better decisions. One that considers where our food comes from, who produces it, and how it\'s produced. After completing my undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences at Queen\'s University, I completed my Masters of Environmental Studies in Sustainability Management at the University of Waterloo. Using the framework and tool of Life Cycle Assessment, I studied the environmental performance of organic field crops produced in Canada. I was launched into the small but mighty world of Organic - from NGOs, and scientific researchers, to the latest science, organic farmers across the country, and organic brands. Today, I am proudly the Impact Analyst at Riverside Natural Foods, home of the organic snack brand, MadeGood. I manage Riverside\'s environmental data, but my day-to-day extends far beyond numbers and granola bars. I am challenged with quantifying our impact today so that we can learn how to be better tomorrow. I have the pleasure of engaging with our vendor partners, farmers, and stakeholders across the value chain to strategize how we can co-create meaningful and long-term impact projects. From story-telling and public speaking, to new and impactful partnerships, it\'s never a dull day. I\'m deeply challenged by how much we don\'t know, but I\'m equally empowered to chase after answers. I\'m filled with gratitude to be on the forefront of climate action during such uncertain times. How do you make a career out of studying the environment? Boldly and courageously, with curiosity, patience and humility.