Never Give Up: How Azaan Azher is Leading and Inspiring Others

Before starting the DeGroote MBA Co-op program, Azaan Azher was already giving back as a student mentor in the Peel District School Board. There, he helped organize panels with other hard-of-hearing individuals, some of which were university students, some working and others recently out of high school. These panels gave younger students a chance to learn about real experiences with accommodation, school and life beyond the classroom. For Azher, the role was just as valuable: it opened the door to leadership opportunities and allowed him to share his own experiences.

Azher’s story began early. Born deaf, he received a cochlear implant as a child after his family moved to Canada when he was a baby. Since then, he has relied on tools like an FM system (an assistive device to help reduce background noises) in class to stay connected. At first, asking professors and classmates to face him when speaking felt repetitive and even uncomfortable. But over time, it gave him the confidence to advocate for himself and taught him the value of patience, resilience and clear communication.

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