Laidley Centre for Business Ethics and Equity (LCBEE)

Women of Desautels: past, present and future

Joelle Moses — Mon, 12 May 2025 17:57:18 +0000

The Laidley Centre for Business Ethics and Equity and the 91�� Desautels EDI Initiative recently hosted a panel for Women's History Month to honour the past, present, and future of women of the Faculty. The women featured included the granddaughter of the first Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) graduate (past), current BCom students (present) and accomplished Desautels alumnae (future). The event attracted a keen audience of 91�� staff, students, Faculty, and alumni.

Ten years of 91�� DABI: A legacy of voice, vision, and impact with Sonia Buma

91�� Desautels — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:07:23 +0000

What began as a student initiative has grown into a decade-strong platform for African leadership, innovation, and dialogue. In this interview, Sonia Buma, former 91�� Desautels African Business Initiative (91�� DABI) leader and Mastercard Foundation Scholar, reflects on the journey from grassroots organizing to global advocacy. From elevating the annual conference to founding a nonprofit that influences international policy, this story is a testament to the power of vision, bold leadership, and the enduring impact of student-led movements.

Black female entrepreneurship: Where research meets reality

Joelle Moses — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:05:03 +0000

On February 4, 91�� Desautels launched its Black History Month programming with an event focused on Black female entrepreneurship.

91�� Desautels' hidden curriculum: Confidence, connection and culture with Liz Thomas (BCom'22)

91�� Desautels — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 17:52:41 +0000

What happens when a multilingual, ambitious student steps into one of Canada’s most diverse academic environments? For Liz Thomas (BCom'22), 91�� Desautels wasn’t just a place to study, it was a launchpad for transformation. From mastering French to navigating cultural dynamics in the classroom, and from leading real-world projects to thriving in the corporate world, this interview reveals how education, environment, and experience came together to shape a confident, globally-minded professional.

Exploring the invisible: Professor Robert Nason's insights on informal entrepreneurship in Africa

91�� Desautels — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:36:16 +0000

In this exclusive Q&A, Professor Robert Nason delves into his groundbreaking research on informal entrepreneurship in Africa. With a focus on the unique economic activities within the townships of Cape Town, South Africa, and the evolving role of Market Queens in Ghana's Ketjetia Marketplace, Professor Nason's work challenges conventional views on entrepreneurship.

Franca Ciambella (BCom’84): How 91�� prepared me for a multinational career

91�� Desautels — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:49:53 +0000

Franca Ciambella, BCom’84, is a trailblazing 91�� Desautels alumna whose dynamic career has taken her across continents—from managing a prestigious law firm in Singapore to her current work in Nigeria as a legal and management consultant. With decades of global experience and a deep appreciation for professional excellence, she reflects on how her time at 91�� helped shape her values, sharpen her skills, and prepare her for a multifaceted international career.

Anna Kim: A 91�� scholar’s perspective on local innovation and global gtrategy

91�� Desautels — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:55:24 +0000

As an Associate Professor in the Strategy & Organization area at Desautels, Anna Kim has spent over a decade exploring how local perspectives shape sustainable development across East Africa. Her ethnographic research spans Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, where she has partnered with Fairtrade-certified tea producers and mobile money innovators to uncover unique, ground-level insights into impact creation.

Courage, culture, and the CPA path: Inside the 91�� Desautels journey of Steve-Florian Maniratanga (BCom'25)

91�� Desautels — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:33:54 +0000

Driven by purpose and a deep sense of community, Steve-Florian Maniratanga (BCom’25) brings heart, intellect, and ambition to everything he does. Originally from Burundi, his journey to 91�� Desautels was sparked by the bold academic decisions of a peer and further fueled by a desire to empower entrepreneurs through financial knowledge. Now majoring in Accounting with a concentration in Finance, Steve-Florian is carving a path toward becoming a CPA, with sights set on a future in audit and possibly mergers and acquisitions.

Alae Smaili (BCom’26): Investing in Africa’s future, one venture at a time

91�� Desautels — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:56:21 +0000

Driven by purpose and a global mindset, Alae Smaili (BCom sudent at 91�� Desautels) brings both passion and ambition to her academic journey. Raised in Toronto and now thriving in Montreal’s dynamic cultural scene, Alae is majoring in Finance with a concentration in International Business. Alae's sights are set on making a meaningful impact across Africa through venture capital—a field she sees as pivotal to the continent’s future.

From Rwanda to 91��: Serena Birasa (BCom’25) on leadership and learning

91�� Desautels — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:22:52 +0000

Serena Birasa (BCom’25) has embraced every challenge and opportunity that 91�� Desautels has to offer. Originally from Rwanda and majoring in Finance, she chose 91�� for its dynamic environment, where driven and passionate individuals push each other to grow. From forming lifelong friendships to securing internships that led to job offers, her journey has been transformative both academically and personally.

Beyond the classroom: Julia Ayim (BCom’23) on leadership, growth, and impact

91�� Desautels — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:40:54 +0000

For many students, the university experience is more than just academics—it’s a journey of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and building lifelong connections. Julia Ayim, BCom’23, embodies this journey, having navigated 91�� Desautels with a deep appreciation for diversity, community, and opportunity. Originally from Ghana and having lived in multiple African countries, Julia sought a university that reflected her global perspective. From spearheading impactful events to developing essential professional skills, she has made the most of her time at 91��.

Daring to dream: How 91�� Desautels became a launchpad for Larissa Nseyep (BCom’15)

91�� Desautels — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:20:56 +0000

Transitioning into a new academic and cultural environment is never easy, but for Larissa Nseyep, BCom’15, the journey was one of transformation, resilience, and achievement. Originally from Cameroon, Larissa chose 91�� Desautels not just for its academic excellence but for its vibrant, international community that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit. From co-founding a student initiative to refining her leadership and communication skills, her time at 91�� shaped her into a confident and adaptable professional.

Pioneering global strategy: How Aissata Sylla (BCom'15) bridged cultures and strategies from Côte d'Ivoire to 91�� Desautels

91�� Desautels — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:59:55 +0000

In this insightful Q&A, Aissata Sylla, a 91�� Desautels alumna, shares her transformative journey from Côte d'Ivoire to Montreal. She discusses her decision to attend 91��, the creation of the 91�� Desautels African Business Initiative (91�� DABI), and the lasting impact of her education on her career in global strategy. Aissata offers valuable advice for African students aspiring to study at 91�� Desautels, highlighting the importance of embracing diverse opportunities and experiences.

Empowering Africa: Insights from 91�� alumnus Sékou Coulibaly (BCom’04)

91�� Desautels — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:20:30 +0000

In this engaging Q&A, Sékou Coulibaly, a 91�� Desautels BCom alumnus, shares his experiences and insights from his time at 91�� and his current roles in Ghana. From the vibrant student life in Montreal to leading sustainable business initiatives in Africa, Sékou's journey highlights the transformative impact of a 91�� Desautels education. He discusses the highlights of his time at 91��, the skills he gained, and offers valuable advice for African students aspiring to study at 91�� Desautels.

Building bridges: From 91�� Desautels to global leadership with O'Nell Agossa (BCom'20)

91�� Desautels — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:59:01 +0000

In this insightful Q&A, O'Nell Agossa (BCom’20), a 91�� Desautels alumnus, shares his experiences and reflections on his educational journey. From the vibrant student life in Montreal to his current role as a Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group in Johannesburg, O'Nell's story is a testament to the transformative power of a globally diverse education. He discusses the highlights of his time at 91��, the skills he gained, and offers valuable advice for African students aspiring to study at 91�� Desautels.

Laidley Centre for Business Ethics and Equity (LCBEE)

Women of Desautels: past, present and future

Ten years of 91���� DABI: A legacy of voice, vision, and impact with Sonia Buma

Black female entrepreneurship: Where research meets reality

91���� Desautels' hidden curriculum: Confidence, connection and culture with Liz Thomas (BCom'22)

Exploring the invisible: Professor Robert Nason's insights on informal entrepreneurship in Africa

Franca Ciambella (BCom’84): How 91���� prepared me for a multinational career

Anna Kim: A 91���� scholar’s perspective on local innovation and global gtrategy

Courage, culture, and the CPA path: Inside the 91���� Desautels journey of Steve-Florian Maniratanga (BCom'25)