By Soni Laseau, Quality Assurance and Sustainability Supervisor, 2024 SFI Annual Conference Youth Delegate
I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and currently serve as Quality Assurance and Sustainability Supervisor at a consumer products company. In this role, I manage the SFI Chain of Custody Certification for our sites, ensuring that our processes align with SFI’s standards. When my supervisor told me about the SFI Youth Delegate program, I was thrilled for the opportunity to further lean into my passion for sustainability, learn more about what efforts are being made to improve forestry, and connect with leaders across these fields.
Attending the 2024 SFI Annual Conference as a youth delegate was a highly beneficial experience. One of my favorite parts was meeting other young professionals in similar roles and being able to learn from each other’s professional successes and challenges. It felt refreshing to connect with peers who understood the distinct hurdles our generation faces in landing sustainability roles. We had the chance to talk about the problems we encountered and share solutions—conversations that felt both energizing and reassuring. It was bigger than just networking; it was about building a community of like-minded individuals determined to make a difference.
The SFI career readiness boot camp, held at the beginning of the conference, was another standout experience for my professional development. The SFI team made sure we were prepared to get the most out of the networking opportunities. The thought of giving an elevator pitch didn’t feel natural at first, but by the time I’d spoken with dozens of people at the conference, I realized I’d done it countless times! By becoming confident in my short pitch, I became much more comfortable highlighting my skills and contributions. Dominic Weeks, SFI’s Career Readiness Manager, was incredibly supportive, offering valuable advice about engaging with others.
The clarity I gained through the SFI Youth Delegate program has been invaluable. As a result, I’ve found myself re-invigorated with my career path and focusing on what I truly want to pursue within the sustainable forestry field. Looking to the future, I’m excited to continue growing professionally and expanding my knowledge of sustainable product solutions. The discussions I had at the conference only deepened my interest in this area, and I’m eager to explore it further.
If I could offer one piece of advice to future delegates, it would be to arrive early on the first day of the conference. I am grateful for the connections I made with my peers and wish I had even more time to network! The SFI Youth Delegate program is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career and connect with people who share your passion for sustainability. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a vibrant, supportive community dedicated to making a positive impact.
The 2025 SFI Annual Conference is May 20-23 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Interested in supporting the next generation of sustainability leaders? Learn how you can sponsor students and young professionals to attend the conference.
