SOCIETAL IMPACT STRATEGIC PLAN | TEACHING AND LEARNING STUDENT

GRIT Week 2025: MBA students drive real-world impact

March 12, 2025 ·

Contributed by: Angelica Babiera, Communications Officer

For five intense days, Full-Time MBA students stepped out of the classroom and into the real world, putting their strategic thinking to the test during Generating Resilient Integrative Thinkers (GRIT) Week. This immersive experience challenged students to tackle complex issues faced by local non-profits and charities, applying their MBA learnings in high-pressure, real-time problem-solving scenarios.

Through interactive problem-solving exercises, students explored innovative ideas, learned from setbacks and honed their ability to navigate uncertainty—critical skills for their future careers. In partnership with the DeGroote School of Business, nine organizations were at the heart of this initiative, including the Alzheimer Society, BLK Owned, Dare To Be Youth, Friends of the Aviary, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, Kemp Care Network, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, Steel City Athletic Club (STAC) Hamilton and Wellwood. Together, student teams worked diligently to develop meaningful, real-world solutions that will have a lasting impact.

The week provided students with an opportunity to not only apply their business knowledge but also reflect on the broader impact of their work. Harman Kaur Batra, who worked with Kemp Care Network, shared how GRIT Week shifted their perspective:

“This experience reshaped how I approach problem-solving. It wasn’t just about applying frameworks or theories, it was about real people, real challenges and real impact.”

“Seeing how Kemp Care supports families in some of their most vulnerable moments made me realize how small changes can create lasting differences,” says Batra. “It reinforced my belief in empathetic leadership and the importance of using business skills to drive meaningful change. It also allowed me to see how non-profits as a career channel can support the bigger fulfillment needs as explained in Maslow’s theories as well. Something bigger than myself.”

Collaboration was a key theme throughout the week, as students worked together to develop meaningful solutions. Florence Tanor, who worked with Wellwood, emphasized the power of teamwork:

“I learned a great deal from my teammates, and it was inspiring to see everyone contribute their strengths, build trust and support each other throughout this project.”

Beyond providing solutions to non-profits, GRIT Week also reinforced the connection between classroom learning and practical application. “GRIT enables students to bridge the gap between theory and practice, reinforcing the concepts learned in class. We are honoured to have contributed and hope that our work last week will empower them to further champion their organization through our video,” says Tanor.

The impact of GRIT Week extended beyond the students—it was also a valuable experience for the non-profit partners. John Cullen, from the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton and Halton, shared his thoughts on the collaboration:

“GRIT Week was a fantastic time to spend strategizing with students and for them to get to know our organization, so we could become community ambassadors and share more about what we do in our community. The students were challenged.

“They also brought some great questions to the table for us to consider, as well as working together to overcome some of those difficulties. The presentations were fantastic; the videos were informative and impactful, which really pulled at the heartstrings of some of the impact that these organizations have in our community.”

Students also gained valuable firsthand experience in the challenges of running a non-profit. Ashleigh Montague, co-founder and executive director, and Gugulethu Mpofu, community manager of BLK Owned, shared their insights on collaborating with the students:

“One of the things that I think they’ll take away from working with non-profit organizations and community is how hard it is to do everything, especially with organizations like ours as it is a newer one. You are basically doing everything; you are the marketing department; finance department, human resources, community connectors and the boss. You have a small team working together to execute on a big mission.”

They also highlighted the common misconception that non-profits are financially unstable or offer limited career growth, emphasizing that their true value lies in the impact they create. Montague and Mpofu stressed the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs in southwestern Ontario, who often lack access to resources and knowledge, and hoped that students would come away with a deeper appreciation for the vital role non-profits play in communities.

As for Shannon Tobin, the founder and CEO of Dare To Be Youth, GRIT Week helped expand collaboration between these organizations and students.

“I think for us, what GRIT Week has done is expand our minds and the desire to bring forth what our organization needs and find ways in which these students can support in the future. So, the week that we spent with this team, I don’t feel it’s the end.”

“Now, there are other opportunities that we can explore together and find ways that supports the charity and the students at the same time, so that we can walk this path of learning and growing together.”

The week concluded with a celebration event, recognizing the dedication and hard work of all participants. Wellwood and BLK Owned each received a $2,500 grand prize in recognition of the student teams’ work. In addition, BLK Owned won the Studiosity Viewer’s Choice Award, receiving an extra $1,000 as determined by community vote.

GRIT Week not only tested students’ problem-solving and leadership skills but also strengthened their commitment to social impact. By working alongside non-profits, they gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how business knowledge can drive meaningful change. As the students move forward in their careers, the lessons learned from GRIT Week will continue to inspire and shape their approach to leadership, collaboration and innovation.

Learn about the GRIT Week community partners

Alzheimer Society

Mission: The Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton is the local community agency dedicated to supporting families living with dementia. We are part of a network of Alzheimer Societies operating across Ontario offering a variety of services in our region.

BLK OWNED

Mission: BLK OWNED is dedicated to advocating, educating, and marketing for the success of Southwestern Ontario’s vibrant Black Business community. Through strategic initiatives and programming as well as community engagement, we aim to foster growth, visibility, and economic empowerment while reducing systemic barriers experienced by the Black business community.

Dare to Be Youth

Mission: The Dare to be Youth Charity (DTBY) is a movement dedicated to empowering high school students and young people (14-24) in the Halton/Hamilton region, and beyond. It’s a platform to unlock their potential and empower them to make their mark and achieve the life they genuinely want to live. Our Mission is inspiring 14-24 year olds to build life skills and develop healthy community connections.

Friends of the Aviary

Mission: To maintain a vibrant, healthy aviary exhibit, planned and managed in a practical fashion by volunteers, which will attract, educate and delight visitors, and be a source of pride for the City of Hamilton. To use the Aviary and its birds as an educational tool to improve awareness of nature to the general public.

Habitat for Humanity Hamilton

Mission: We bring communities together to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Kemp Care Network

Mission: To care for every individual and their loved ones with dignity, compassion and attention to their physical, social and psychological well-being during times of serious, life-limiting illness and loss. We lead, collaborate and drive meaningful improvements to palliative care services with partners across our community.