Episode 64. Sustainability, Community, and Sustainable Happiness with Jennifer de Vera-King, Dawson College

What if sustainability wasn’t just about packaging, sourcing, and supply chains, but also about creating healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces?We sit down with Jennifer de Vera of Dawson College, whom we first met at CHFA Vancouver, for a fresh conversation on what it means to take a more human-centered approach to sustainability.Jenn shares her journey from entrepreneur to sustainability leader. After 16 years founding and operating Ethan’s Playground, a successful pre-school in Montreal, she now helps drive Dawson​'s Office of Sustainability movement, supporting volunteers, nurturing campus gardens, and helping build community across all levels of education.We also explore Jenn’s upcoming speaking engagement at the CHFA Regulatory Forum (May 26 & 27, 2026), where she’ll challenge attendees to think beyond the usual sustainability conversation.Her session reframes sustainability through an institutional and systems lens, bringing sustainable practices into the workplace to support happiness, health, and productivity.Jenn also explains what it means to be a Sustainable Happiness Facilitator, where she finds inspiration in this work, and how collaborating with students has helped shape stronger programs and deeper community connection.It’s part sustainability rethink, part community-building story, and part invitation to imagine systems that help people thrive.Links:Dawson College, Office of Sustainability: https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/sustainable/about-us/meet-our-team/CHFA Regulatory Forum, May 26 & 27, 2026: https://chfa.ca/event/2026-chfa-ottawa-regulatory-forum/