BAKOS, Kathryn: B.Sc. (Hons)

Currently, I am Director, Climate Finance and Science for the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation – University of Waterloo. I assess the impact of climate change on specific industry sectors and the broader capital markets, while developing guidance to help investment professionals to integrate climate change and extreme weather risk into forward-looking portfolio analysis to minimize associated risk. By extension, my research will influence companies to adapt to climate change in an effort to minimize risk/exposure. That is a key reason for becoming a CAFA member, as I would like to expand my knowledge of the agricultural sector and see how I can help in regards to impacts due to climate change.

I hold a Honours B.Sc in Biological Science, University of Toronto, specializing in Environmental Science and a candidate for the Master of Environment and Business program at the University of Waterloo. Throughout my previous roles, I worked with an affiliate of Raymond James Financial, developing a strong understanding of financial principles and practices. While obtaining the Canadian Securities Course certification, I initiated and developed a framework for integrating Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) factors into investment portfolios. I also led business analysis, and development of advisory and client platforms, across Canada and the United States. I have also spent several years with the Insurance Industry in Canada. I speak frequently to professional audiences, and I am also a guest lecturer to graduate students at various universities as well as a certified Scuba diver.

– Director, Climate Finance and Science for the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation – University of Waterloo.

– assess the impact of climate change on specific industry sectors and the broader capital markets

– develop guidance to help investment professionals to integrate climate change and extreme weather risk into forward-looking portfolio analysis to minimize associated risk

– Candidate for the Master of Environment and Business program – University of Waterloo

– Honours Bachelor of Science, Major Biology, Minor Environmental Science – University of Toronto

– Canadian Securities Course

– Scuba Diving Certifications

As a graduate of the University of Toronto who received an Honours Bachelor Degree of Science with a Major in Biology, Minor in Environmental Science and Literature, I have acquired a strong understanding of environmental principles with hands-on fieldwork experience. In addition to extensive fieldwork in Ontario, I gained a strong understanding of New Brunswick conservation issues and government policies. Through my research at the Huntsman Marine Centre in New Brunswick, I placed strong emphasis on the environmental assessment of coastal regions with correlations drawn between the economic impact of invasive species, environmental degradation and climate change. I believe that this work will be highly relevant for the Master of Environment and Business program.

My employment and volunteer experience has prepared me to adapt to new situations and quickly assimilate specialized knowledge effectively. Over 10 years, my expertise has been acquired from a variety of roles and industries. Recently, I have translated my knowledge of Environmental Science into the introductory research of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) funds and developed investment criteria to inform internal portfolio managers and Boards of Directors. With the emerging interest in Sustainable Finance, this is very relevant to the positioning of this graduate program. Furthermore, I utilize problem-solving and priority-setting to demonstrate judgement when dealing with complex and sensitive issues, such as managing high net worth individual’s portfolio requirements. As my attached resume demonstrates, responsibilities vary from administrative tasks to project management roles where I use team dynamics to maximize efforts. Exceptional organizational skills are displayed in practicing time management in order to meet competing and modified deadlines, while maintaining high standards for service delivery and an emphasis on conciseness and efficiency. My optimistic and enthusiastic approach allows me to provide leadership in assisting staff, while fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, contributing to the development of business opportunities that successfully increased asset growth by $50+ million.

According to my supervisors, colleagues and professors, my communication, leadership and analytical skills are some of my strongest assets. I am professional, courteous and comfortable when interacting with people in many situations, developing strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of cultural sensitivity. My volunteer experience includes interacting directly with indigenous communities, specifically in Kenya, Africa, and gaining a diverse understanding of their worldviews and knowledge-based systems. I believe these experiences have helped me develop a balance between communicating successfully within a team while remaining decisive and demonstrating strong leadership qualities.

My past and current experiences are key reasons for becoming a CAFA member, as I would like to expand my knowledge of the agricultural sector and see how I can help in regards to impacts due to climate change.