Sian Cuffy Young: A Trailblazing Eco-Leader Revolutionizing Waste Management
"At the time of the course, I was working at the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL) and was a new environmental projects officer," Sian reminisces. "I was nominated to participate in the programme by my then-boss and mentor, Mr. Alban C. Scott.
Sian Cuffy Young – Arrival in Israel and Graduation day at Galilee International Management Institute
Reflecting on that time, Mr. Scott recollects, "Sian did not even want to attend the programme because she couldn't understand why she needed to travel so far to pursue environmental management and she didn’t think she was ready. Little did she know that taking that leap of faith would prove to be the best decision, at precisely the perfect moment in her career”.
The course at Galilee Institute provided Sian with a multitude of memorable experiences, shaping her perspective on environmental issues in ways she never anticipated. "To be honest, I loved the tourist tours each Sunday like to the Dead Sea, where we got to experience what Israel has to offer, as well as the study tours, like the one we made to the water treatment plant," Sian shares. "I also enjoyed having communal meals in the Kibbutz".
Sian’s career path
Resilience and creativity emerged as the cornerstones of Sian's career path in environmental management, courtesy of the course. "Learning how to manage our resources in a more efficient way made so much sense to me," she explains.
Since completing the course, Sian has achieved numerous milestones, but none as significant as starting her own social enterprise, Siel Environmental Services Ltd, in 2015.
Her commitment to waste education and innovation has earned her accolades such as the “Best Waste Education Company in the Caribbean” in 2019, the “Lawrence Placide Services Go Global Award” in 2020, “Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year 2022”, “Gestalt Woman Leader of the Year 2022” and finalist of the prestigious Entrepreneurship World Cup 2022 for Trinidad and Tobago.
Additionally, Sian was selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the ChangeNOW Summit in Paris, France in May 2023, and became a programme partner for the first-ever Waste Management Accelerator in her home country.
Sian's involvement in notable projects and initiatives has further cemented her status as an eco-leader. "I am particularly proud of publishing my children's book in 2020, called 'Ky's Magical Adventures - Where the Garbage Goes', which teaches children aged 7-10 all about what happens to the things they throw away," she exclaims.
Obstacles along the way
Unfortunately, Sian's path was not without its challenges. As a woman of colour in a predominantly male-dominated field, she faced the struggle of not always being taken seriously and encountered difficulties in accessing finance. However, her perseverance and determination have begun to bear fruit, and she remains grateful for the support she has received along the way.
Passion forms the bedrock of Sian's work in environmental management, where education takes centre stage. "I love that my entire business is founded on EDUCATION and transforming the way you think and act towards waste".
Sian proudly declares, "Waste is SEXY after all!"
Sian looks ahead
Looking toward the future, Sian envisions the fight against climate change as an ongoing battle that requires eco-leaders to lead by example and inspire action.
Her advice to budding environmental managers
For those considering a career in environmental management or aspiring to become eco-leaders like herself, Sian offers invaluable advice:
"Passion is a must and a great place to begin because when it gets tough, it's your WHY that keeps you going".
In conclusion, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Sian for her valuable contributions to this article. Her inspiring journey and unwavering dedication to environmental management serve as a beacon of inspiration for others.
We are proud of Sian’s achievements and hope that her path will be filled with continued success and fulfilment in her important and amazing endeavours.
