Ted Rogers MBA hosts successful Reimagining Women in Leadership event
Students from five MBA programs in Canada came together to exchange ideas on socially impactful business matters and explore themes centred around women in leadership at the 6th annual Reimagining Women in Leadership (RWIL) event, Ted Rogers MBA’s flagship conference and case competition.
The event, which took place from March 6 to 7, 2026 at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Student Learning Centre (conference) and the Ted Rogers School of Management (competition), was co-organized by the student-run Ted Rogers MBA Women in Leadership Association (external link) (WiLA) in partnership with the Ted Rogers School’s Graduate Programs team, and tied to International Women’s Day (March 8). This year’s theme was “The Business of Culture: Women Driving Creativity, Innovation and Impact.”
The two-day event gave MBA students from programs in Winnipeg, Hamilton, Montreal and Toronto the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers, participate in workshops, network with peers and industry leaders, and compete in a case challenge.
“The Reimagining Women in Leadership Conference & MBA Case Competition highlights the very best of our MBA program – student leadership, industry engagement and a commitment to meaningful impact,” says Ted Rogers MBA Program Director Dr. Laleh Samarbakhsh. “The care and intention behind this event are evident, and we are proud to see it continue to grow as a platform for important conversations and real-world learning.”
"RWIL reflects the bold spirit of the Ted Rogers MBA — where students not only strengthen their business acumen through academics, but also develop leadership and executive skills by creating well-curated professional experiences," says Tyra Dorsey, VP of Strategy, Innovation & Marketing, WiLA. "It’s an opportunity to ask deeper questions, innovate and highlight the incredible talent within the TMU MBA community."
Conference
The conference on the first day kicked off with a keynote presentation by Melanie Au, Head, Strategy Management & Modernization Office, CIBC, about “Driving Business Impact Through Leadership.” It was followed by engaging panel discussions on leading high-performing organizations, building the modern brand and creating lasting leadership.
The event also included a Fireside Chat with Ted Rogers MBA alumnus Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director & CEO, DMZ & DMZ Ventures, discussing innovation, access and the future of entrepreneurship (moderated by MBA Alumni Association President Lindsay Ellis), and a special address by multi-award-winning social entrepreneur Hanen Nanaa.
Rounding out the day was a closing keynote presentation by Shannon Talbot, Facilitator & Leadership Speaker, on “The Next Chapter of Leadership: Power, Vulnerability & Accountability.”
“This conference reflects the spirit of the Ted Rogers MBA: leaders who think boldly, act collaboratively and build institutions that create opportunity for others,” says WiLA President Olesia Demediuk. “As WiLA President, it was inspiring to lead an extraordinary team and reaffirm my belief that when future leaders come together with purpose, we don’t just discuss change, we begin to build it.”
Case competition
On the second day of the event, teams from MBA programs at Asper School of Business, DeGroote School of Business (three teams), HEC Montreal, International Business University (two teams) and the Ted Rogers School took part in a case challenge. The case was released two weeks prior to the event, and each team had 20 minutes to present their solution to industry judges, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. The Ted Rogers Leadership Centre (TRLC) partnered on this year’s case.
"The Ted Rogers Leadership Centre is delighted to continue its partnership with the MBA program for this important event,” Chris MacDonald, Director, TRLC. “The Leadership Program has a long history of running case competitions at both the graduate and undergraduate level, because we firmly believe that these competitions are a valuable way for students at all levels to build confidence, hone their presentation skills and practice leadership."
The case, authored by Gail Cook-Johnson (Senior Fellow, TRLC), focused on Kareena, who faces the complex decision of whether to take over her family business, Sharma Windows and Doors. She must weigh personal ambitions, career development and family expectations while navigating intricate family dynamics, corporate governance challenges and cultural pressures. The case challenged students to explore how Kareena’s decision will impact her growth as a leader and the broader stakeholders involved.
Winning teams
DeGroote School of Business finished in first place at the event, followed by International Business University in second and the Ted Rogers School in third (made up of Ted Rogers MBA students Alessia Pugliese, Larena Gomes, Sara Khalil-Bayley and Henrietta Botei).
The first place prize was $2,000, the second place team took home $1,500, and the third place team received $500. In addition to the cash prizes, Ted Rogers School supporter Zabeen Hirji (speaker at the 2025 RWIL event and sponsor of the MBA Responsible Leadership Challenge), will make a $1,000 donation to a charity of choice on behalf of each of the top three teams.
"RWIL reflects the kind of leadership development we need more of: interactive learning that builds the human capabilities needed to navigate complexity and lead well in a changing world,” says Hirji. “I’m proud to support this case competition – and the charitable contribution alongside it – because it links learning and leadership to community impact and to building inclusive prosperity."
WiLA and the Ted Rogers MBA program is extremely grateful for Hirji’s generosity as well as all of the sponsors for the event: Gold Sponsors ($5,000) CIBC and Willowdale Asset Management & Empire Homes, Silver Sponsors ($2,500) Co-operators and SGGG Fund Services Inc., and Bronze Sponsor ($1,000) Mississaugua Golf & Country Club.
“CIBC is proud to partner with the Ted Rogers School of Management in support of the Reimagining Women in Leadership Conference & MBA Case Competition,” says Akil Bishop, SVP, Operations – Retail Banking, CIBC, MBA Advisory Council member and case competition judge. “We’re inspired to connect with TMU’s talented MBA cohort and to invest in the futures and ambitions of Canada’s emerging women leaders.”