Dream. Learn. Succeed.
The Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship was established in 2008 as the Distinguished Business Leaders Scholarship to honour the recipients of the Distinguished Business Leader Award. As the business award evolved into the Inspiring Business Leader Award, the scholarship was also renamed the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship in 2023.
The Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship recognizes hard work and commitment of today's business students aspiring to be tomorrow’s business leaders. It is offered annually to undergraduate students in the Haskayne School of Business entering third, fourth, or fifth year and is based on academic merit and personal statement on the topic of ethical leadership.
The scholarship is funded by the proceeds from the award gala ticket sales and sponsorships as well as generous donations from supporters of the Inspiring Business Leader Award.
Meet the 2023 Recipients of the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship
Nathaniel D'Orazio, Bachelor of Commerce (Business)
I am truly honoured to be a recipient of the Distinguished Business Leaders Scholarship. I am extremely grateful to all the generous donors whose support has made this incredible opportunity possible. This scholarship has helped support my studies in ways that extend far beyond the financial aspect. As a business student, this award has allowed me to explore my interests beyond my initial focus and discover a passion for computer science and technology that I might not have otherwise. I have been able to spend time broadening my perspectives and pursuing my curiosities, leading me toward a new path that challenges my creative approaches and is right for me. Thanks in no small part to this scholarship, I am now pursuing degrees in both business and computer science, to become a business leader in modern technology. The increased time afforded by this scholarship has also allowed me to learn and develop my skills and network through my experience as a part of the University of Calgary Solar Car team. I am incredibly thankful for the doors this scholarship has opened as well as the opportunities it has allowed me to pursue. It has truly been a catalyst for my academic and professional growth.
Jasdeep Grewal, Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
I’m Jasdeep Grewal, a third-year finance student at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary. Fueled by a passion for innovation in finance and entrepreneurship, my journey combines academic and professional experiences, from the RBC Fast Pitch Competition to customer service roles, honing multitasking, problem-solving, and communication skills. With aspirations to merge finance with entrepreneurial ventures, including opening my own personal training gym and contributions to agriculture and energy sectors, I aim to leverage my financial acumen and leadership experiences to make a meaningful impact on the world. Beyond academics, I'm an avid basketball player, passionate about exploring new countries, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and embracing nature through hiking and photography.
I'm honored to receive the Inspiring Business Leaders Award and deeply grateful to the donors. This recognition not only validates my hard work but also encourages me to strive for excellence. The award inspires me to pursue my goals of merging finance and entrepreneurship. Your support reassures me that I'm on the right path and motivates me to push boundaries. Thank you for believing in my potential and for shaping future leaders.
Ethan Marjoram, Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
I am immensely grateful to be a recipient of the Inspiring Business Leader Scholarship. I am a student majoring in finance in my final year of Commerce at Haskayne. My studies have been enriched by my involvement in various extracurricular activities, including serving as Co-President of the Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS), the largest student organization at Haskayne. I have had the privilege of assisting numerous students who are a part of the Haskayne community.
Receiving the Inspiring Business Leader Scholarship has been transformative, not just financially but also in terms of personal growth. It has inspired me to pursue my academic and career goals with greater determination due to relief from financial burdens, making me more confident in my abilities as a leader of CUS. Your belief in me, as demonstrated through this scholarship, has reinforced my commitment to continue my journey to law school.
Your contributions make a profound difference in the lives of students like me, empowering us to achieve our dreams and become the leaders of tomorrow. I am committed to using the knowledge and skills I have gained because of this scholarship to positively impact my community and support future students in their academic and career journeys. Please accept my sincere gratitude for this award.
Leonne Wambu, Bachelor of Commerce (Business)
I am incredibly honoured to be a recipient of this award. I pursued my undergraduate studies in commerce, dedicating my time to learning business while fostering vibrant and inclusive spaces. My engagement in community leadership and mentorship, notably through The City of Calgary’s Mayor’s Youth Council and the University of Calgary’s African Caribbean Students’ Association, stood testament to my commitment to uplifting under-represented communities. The generosity of our donors not only served to alleviate my financial burdens but served as a recognition and an incentive to continue down the path of community service and academic excellence that I have carved with the guidance of those before me. After graduation, I started my career as an associate consultant at a management consulting firm in Toronto, where I aspire to drive impactful business solutions and foster corporate inclusivity. Thank you for investing in individuals like me who are eager to lead and foster growth in Calgary and beyond. I am inspired to not just fulfil, but to surpass the expectations that come with these honours, and to give back to the community that has given so much to me.
Miral Zantout, Bachelor of Commerce (Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources)
It is an absolute honour to be chosen for the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship. I am currently a fourth-year student majoring in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources and am thoroughly enjoying my education and the exposure that I am receiving into the intricacies of HR. I try and get involved with student organizations as much as possible and have been in a leadership position at the Haskayne Commerce Undergraduate Society and currently am the President of the Human Resources Students' Association while also joining Team Haskayne for the JDC West Case Competition. Upon graduation, I hope to become involved in the consulting industry or engage in business partnership/advisory to help organizations and clients work through obstacles they may face. I am extremely grateful for all your support as this award has helped me dedicate more time towards my education to help me get the most out of my time in my undergraduate degree.