SEDV Student Profile: “We owe the future more than survival”

For Nazifa Rahman, sustainability is not just a professional interest, it is a responsibility shaped by history, community and future generations. 

“We carry our ancestors’ resilience and generations of prayers,” she said. “We owe the future more than survival.” 

Rahman, was recently recognized among Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30 by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation. She is completing the Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) graduate program at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy while working in sustainable procurement consulting. 

“I wanted to work in something that had an impact, something that talked about sustainable consumption and meaningful change, and the SEDV program provided that”. 

“The program has been really good at giving me the foundational knowledge you don’t always learn day to day,” Rahman said. “It helps bridge the professional requirements with academic backing.” 

A defining strength of the program, she added, is its emphasis on systems thinking. 

“It gives you a systems-thinking mindset on how policy, engineering and commercial realities all work together,” she said. “That holistic perspective has been the biggest learning point.” 

As the sustainable energy sector evolves, Rahman expects diversification and continued momentum despite political cycles. 

“It may move slowly at times, but it will keep moving forward,” she said. “We need diversified energy that is equitable and affordable for all.” 

Rahman believes graduates from her cohort will help drive that progress across industries. 

Recognition through the Top 30 Under 30 award, she said, affirmed years of work balancing graduate studies, a full-time career and community initiatives. 

“It’s a nice boost of confidence,” she said. “All parts of my life were highlighted.” 

Beyond the classroom, Rahman serves as SEDV student president, helping connect classmates with industry leaders and professional opportunities.  

“It’s these opportunities the School of Public Policy provides that allow us to meet great people and understand where Alberta’s energy sector is going.”