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Scholarship spotlight: Award recipient inspired to advance women in business

Dec 2, 2024

For MBA student Sarah Shen, receiving scholarships didn’t just support her own journey toward success, it also motivated her to empower others to do the same.

Shen, an MBA ’25 candidate, says receiving the David Leighton MBA Leadership Award and the 2025 Forté Fellowship – both for students demonstrating exceptional leadership – was a “vote of confidence” in her abilities and inspired her to run for, and succeed in becoming, Co-President of Ivey’s Women in Management Club.

“My mission is to continue empowering women in business and pay forward the opportunities that I’ve been given,” she said.

In the video above, Shen discusses how both awards have supported her on her Ivey journey and what’s next.

The David Leighton MBA Leadership Award was established by Ralph M. Barford, LLD '87, through The Ralph M. Barford Foundation in honour of Ivey Professor Emeritus David Leighton, O.C.; a well-known leader in the development of education, business, and the arts in Canada; and is awarded annually to recognize students for community leadership. And the prestigious Forté Fellowship is for women who represent and embody impressive leadership and diversity, and are committed to advancing women in business.

To learn more about Ivey’s MBA awards and scholarships, visit the Scholarships and Awards Directory.