The elevation of Black excellence at the Ted Rogers School of Management

In 2020, Mohammad Badawy (Hospitality & Tourism Management ‘23) and a group of students at the Ted Rogers School of Management came together to establish the Black Business Students' Association (external link)  (BBSA). Their mission was clear: to empower, educate, and elevate the Black student community at TRSM, breaking down systemic barriers and forging pathways to success. In only a few years, they are now the largest network of Black students at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Badawy's journey mirrors the diverse experiences students bring to TRSM. Hailing from Kenya but having immigrated to Canada from Saudi Arabia in 2018, Badawy found TRSM to be a welcoming space amidst the challenges of adapting to a new country and university life. Badawy however, could not ignore a crucial gap - the lack of representation and support for Black students. 

Badawy was not alone in this observation. “It's important to students to see people who look like them working in the careers they aspire to be in. The reality is, most Black students don't have exposure to Black professionals because there are so few of us,” says Carter Grant. “BBSA is helping bridge that gap between students and professionals and I hope that opens up more pathways for Black students at TRSM,” Grant (Human Resources ‘17) adds. 

"Being a Black student, I noticed the need for more catered services at TRSM to support equity-seeking groups. I wanted to ensure that Black students here benefited from the same experiences as everyone else," adds Badawy. This realization ignited the spark that led to the birth of BBSA. 

In the same year as BBSA’s initiation, the university released the  (PDF file) Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report. This report identified systemic barriers, leading to the formation of the Black Student Advisory Committee (BSAC), which included BBSA. Their contributions shaped the subsequent  (PDF file) Review of Recommendations Report, addressing complex responses to anti-Black racism on campus. In response, TRSM took decisive action by establishing the TRSM Anti-Black Racism Awareness Committee and the TRSM Anti-Black Racism Awareness Bursary, removing barriers for the next generation of Black Canadian Business Leaders. 

While the bursary addresses financial barriers, BBSA is looking to do more. By equipping Black students with the fundamental skills and opportunities to change the landscape of the corporate world. The BBSA's focus on connecting its members with companies that value diversity is a key element of its impact. “My greatest and biggest accomplishment was our career fair in February of 2023, we were able to invite around 15 companies with nine of them being corporate sponsors… and showed businesses for the first time that they’re here to network with Black-identified students specifically,” says Badawy. 

As a former undergraduate student and current president of the school’s Black Business Graduate Students Association, Mike Regis (Entrepreneurship ‘18) recognizes the platform that BBSA gives Black students at the school, “The BBSA plays a crucial role in amplifying Black voices, a mission that aligns seamlessly with the values of TRSM,” says Regis. 

The BBSA has extended its impact beyond traditional career fairs, organizing innovative initiatives such as a basketball tournament and a shark tank style competition. While the basketball tournament focused on camaraderie and physical well-being, the shark tank event provided a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to industry experts, where the winning pitch received a monetary award from RBC. The wide range of events is integral to BBSA’s mission, “I focused on the community aspect because it's important, especially from a university student standpoint, to have a good balance between professional development and also having fun getting together in a stress-free environment,” explains Badway.

Current BBSA Co-Presidents Aeshah Ahmed and Hermela Taye echo this sentiment “We're creating such a good community of students that once we graduate, I know everyone will be eager to give back. And we're excited to see the legacy being passed through and seeing next year's team and the years after that,” says Taye.

Badawy’s vision for BBSA goes beyond the present, aiming to establish a lasting legacy that resonates with future generations of students. As BBSA strives to shape a better future, it concurrently offers Ted Rogers Alumni a chance to reflect with pride, acknowledging their silent but impactful contributions to the school’s growth. “Representation matters, and seeing people who look like you with successful careers and fulfilling lives is inspiring and motivating,” says Alexandra Lincoln (Business Technology Management ‘19), “I am thankful the BBSA creates and encourages these opportunities.”

The emphasis on alumni support and continuity highlights the association's commitment to providing ongoing support and opportunities for its members. This is what Edmund Sofo (Economics & Management Science ‘23), one of BBSA’s founders envisioned for Black students, “I know that alumni grounded in these core ideals of community and mentorship will yield countless opportunities for generations of Black youth,” says Sofo. 

“I see the BBSA being a cornerstone group within the Ted Rogers School of Management. I see it being able to have years of alumni who have been connected and felt supported by this group to the point where they've seen the success of their careers by attending or engaging with the BBSA. The environment at TRSM is always to pay it forward, so constantly coming back and supporting students makes TRSM very different than other schools,” says Badawy.

The Ted Rogers School of Management prioritizes creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. In line with its commitment to empower Black business students, the Business Career Hub, with the support of BBSA, is launching a mentorship program for Black alumni and students. Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, and its impact on underrepresented students is profound. To contribute to this initiative and support the growth of Black students at TRSM, alumni are encouraged to complete our Mentorship Program Interest Form below. Your involvement will make a significant difference.