Skip to main content
McMaster University
DeGroote School of Business
McMaster University
Search

DSB Main Website Search

McMaster Menu
DeGroote Menu
  • Home
  • Programs
  • About
    • About DeGroote
    • Our Leadership
    • Dean’s Corner
    • Our Faculty & Research  
    • McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery
    • Strategic Plan 
    • Annual Report 
  • Events
  • Students
    • Student Resources
    • Student Clubs
    • Submit a Student Bulletin
    • Submit your Event
  • Alumni
    • Alumni Resources
    • Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award 
    • DeGroote Alumni Social Impact Award
  • Staff
  • Give
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • DeGroote Directory
Search McMaster Menu
  • Home
  • Programs
  • About
    About DeGrooteOur LeadershipDean’s CornerOur Faculty & Research  McLean Centre for Collaborative DiscoveryStrategic Plan Annual Report 
  • Events
  • Students
    Student ResourcesStudent ClubsSubmit a Student BulletinSubmit your Event
  • Alumni
    Alumni ResourcesWayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award DeGroote Alumni Social Impact Award
  • Staff
  • Give
  • Contact
    Contact UsDeGroote Directory

ALUMNI   RESEARCH   STAFF   STRATEGIC PLAN | ENGAGING COMMUNITIES   STRATEGIC PLAN | INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE   STUDENT  

Inspire Inclusion: DeGroote Community Share Their Thoughts for Women’s History Month

April 2, 2024 ·

Contributed by: DeGroote School of Business

Share

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Mail Copy Link
Six DeGroote female students smiling and posing in front of the Edwards Arch at McMaster Main Campus.

To celebrate Women’s History Month 2024, we asked DeGroote students, faculty, alumni and staff to share their thoughts on inclusion, leadership, advice for their younger selves and how to support other women. Thank you to all our community members who participated.

The theme for IWD this year was “Inspire Inclusion” how does this translate to your daily life?

“Inclusion is woven into my daily actions. I actively seek diverse perspectives, ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and champion an environment where every individual feels valued. It’s about fostering a culture where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is the norm.”

–Uma Gopinath, Chartered Director, The Directors College, Gil Bennett Gold Standard Award Recipient

“I make an effort to amplify the voices of women, especially those who are marginalized or underrepresented. I give credit where it is due and ensure that women’s contributions are recognized and valued. Take the time to listen to other women’s experiences and perspectives, especially those who have different lived experiences than my own.”

–Indrani Butany, BSc (’96), MBA (’00), Wayne C Fox Alumni Award (‘23)

 

What advice do you have for women seeking to pursue a leadership role?:

“Connect with allies and others who share your commitment to leadership and personal growth. A supportive network can provide valuable advice, support, and opportunities for collaboration on initiatives aimed at enhancing your leadership journey and creating positive impact.”

–Maryam Ghasemaghaei, Professor of Information Systems

“Embrace the challenges you face; they build your resilience. Pursue your passions with fire, and most importantly, collaboration is key to unlocking potential.”

–Shweta Sapra, MBA ’23

“My advice for emerging women leaders is don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Consistently show up, raise your hand, ask questions, and lean in at the table! Your contributions are valuable. Take up your space!”

–Bita Pejam, MBA Candidate

 

Which women inspire you and why?

“A woman who inspires me is Yanique Brandford, founder of Help a Girl Out Charity. She inspires me because we share a Jamaican heritage and come from similar backgrounds. She started her own charity to solve an issue her community was facing (period poverty) and took matters into her own hands. Her dedication and passion for her cause are part of what inspired me to pursue student leadership and activism for women and the black community.”

–Keionna Cousins, Commerce student

“My mom inspires me tremendously because of how hardworking, strong, and compassionate she is. She left everything behind in Colombia to come to an unfamiliar country like Canada to provide my brother and me with a better life. Her sacrifices have encouraged me to excel in my academics and take advantage of all the amazing opportunities this country has to offer!”

–Zoe Zarmiento-Nieto, Commerce student

 

What advice would you give to your ten-year-old self?

“I would tell my 10-year-old-self to be more fearless, to take on the difficult challenges and to take or tread the uncommon path. It’s a tough age, especially for kids today – they have so much more access to technology, information and so many more choices. They need to be equipped to think through decisions and make the right choices. Not easy, but definitely something that needs to be discussed early in life,”

–Alaina Tennison, Commerce ’96

“I would tell her that she is going to get knocked down, but each time makes her stronger. Use those situations as growth opportunities.”

–Lindsay Humeniuk, Integrated Business and Humanities student

“Believe in yourself and set big goals. People may doubt you, but with hard work and dedication you can get to where you want to be!”

–Jessica Benskyh, MBA Candidate

“I would emphasize the importance of resilience, determination, and self-belief in the face of adversity. I would tell her that challenges and setbacks are not indicators of failure but opportunities for growth and personal development. I would encourage her to embrace her inner strength, to never give up, and to always believe in herself no matter what obstacles may come her way.”

–Nicole Rakowski, PhD Candidate, Health Policy and Management

“Embrace your quietness as a strength, not a weakness. Although it feels like a barrier right now, it’s a superpower waiting to be unleashed. Being shy doesn’t mean you lack confidence or worth. It means you have a immense amount of thoughtfulness and empathy within you. So, my advice to younger me would be to cherish these qualities.”

–Makayla Stickler, Commerce student

 

What are your favorite ways to support other women in your life?

“My favourite way to support other women in my life is talking about our goals and working together to achieve them! I also enjoy volunteering with organizations such as CAGIS to inspire the next generation of women in STEM.”

–Julee Minniti, MBA Candidate

“Always showing up and supporting what women around me are passionate about. Whether this is physically being there or checking in with a text or call, showing support for something that other women are passionate about goes a long way in building confidence and a supportive community. You also get the chance to learn from others!”

–Nicole Alves-Sala, Commerce student

Tags:   BCOM DEGROOTE STRATEGIC PLAN ENGAGING COMMUNITIES EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS IBH INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE MBA PHD RESEARCH TDC THE DIRECTORS COLLEGE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Related Stories

Triplets take on campus life together this fall
September 5, 2025 · STUDENT

Triplets take on campus life together this fall

From research to impact: DeGroote undergraduate student research day  
August 20, 2025 · RESEARCH · STRATEGIC PLAN | RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP · STUDENT

From research to impact: DeGroote undergraduate student research day  

Bringing faith, finance and inclusion to governance
August 14, 2025 · ALUMNI · STRATEGIC PLAN | INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

Bringing faith, finance and inclusion to governance

Breaking financial barriers: New learning hub explores solutions to address financial exclusion
July 25, 2025 · MCCD · SOCIETAL IMPACT · STRATEGIC PLAN | ENGAGING COMMUNITIES

Breaking financial barriers: New learning hub explores solutions to address financial exclusion

GRIT Week 2025: The DeGroote Impact Film Festival
July 25, 2025 · SOCIETAL IMPACT · STRATEGIC PLAN | TEACHING AND LEARNING · STUDENT

GRIT Week 2025: The DeGroote Impact Film Festival

A mother-daughter moment at graduation
July 21, 2025 · ALUMNI

A mother-daughter moment at graduation

Whelen Fellowship connects grad students with McMaster startups to drive real-world impact
June 27, 2025 · ALUMNI · DEVELOPMENT

Whelen Fellowship connects grad students with McMaster startups to drive real-world impact

Leading with joy, bold authenticity and compassionate leadership 
June 23, 2025 · ALUMNI · STRATEGIC PLAN | INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE · STUDENT CLUB

Leading with joy, bold authenticity and compassionate leadership 

Finding my way: A reflection on growth, leadership and community 
June 19, 2025 · STRATEGIC PLAN | TEACHING AND LEARNING · STUDENT

Finding my way: A reflection on growth, leadership and community 

From scrubs to strategy: My journey through nursing and the DeGroote MBA 
June 18, 2025 · STRATEGIC PLAN | TEACHING AND LEARNING · STUDENT

From scrubs to strategy: My journey through nursing and the DeGroote MBA 

Pursuing doctorates together: A story of academic partnership 
June 18, 2025 · INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Pursuing doctorates together: A story of academic partnership 

Taking action towards sustainability: DeGroote Greensuits restore campus biodiversity 
May 22, 2025 · STUDENT · STRATEGIC PLAN | ENGAGING COMMUNITIES

Taking action towards sustainability: DeGroote Greensuits restore campus biodiversity 

‘In the city’s talent pipeline, students play a really critical role’
May 7, 2025 · STUDENT · STRATEGIC PLAN | INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

‘In the city’s talent pipeline, students play a really critical role’

Breaking the cycle of ultra-poverty, one village at a time
April 29, 2025 · ALUMNI · STRATEGIC PLAN | INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE · SOCIETAL IMPACT

Breaking the cycle of ultra-poverty, one village at a time

Lonely no more: A new app is redefining friendship for Gen Z
April 3, 2025 · SOCIETAL IMPACT · STUDENT · STRATEGIC PLAN | ENGAGING COMMUNITIES

Lonely no more: A new app is redefining friendship for Gen Z

DeGroote School of Business DeGroote School of Business Logo
DeGroote Instagram logo DeGroote Linkedin logo DeGroote Facebook logo DeGroote YouTube Logo DeGroote TikTok Logo
DeGroote Menu

  • Programs
  • About DeGroote
  • Events
  • Student Resources
  • Staff Resources
  • Alumni Resources
  • Give
  • DeGroote Directory
  • Contact Us
  • Faculty & Research  
Hamilton Campus

DeGroote School of Business
McMaster University

1280 Main Street West

Hamilton, Ontario
L8S 4M4
Burlington Campus

DeGroote School of Business
Ron Joyce Centre

4350 South Service Road

Burlington, Ontario
L7L 5R8
AACSB Logo

McMaster University is committed to providing websites that are accessible to the widest possible audience.  

If you require any content on this website in an alternate format, please contact dsbweb@mcmaster.ca and we will respond promptly.

DeGroote Online Privacy Policy

McMaster Brighter World Logo McMaster University - Brighter World Logo
Contact McMaster McMaster Terms & Conditions McMaster Privacy Policy
Secret Link