Recently, students in the President’s Student Leadership Program (PSLP) have done both.

PSLP, running out of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute housed within the Asper School of Business—is a fully-funded, pan-provincial leadership program that selects up to 24 PSLP Fellows per year across all disciplines from Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions.

2025 saw the seventh cohort of students enter the program. After engaging in week-long leadership seminars and workshops, where they meet and have in-depth discussions with senior leaders across sectors and learn from subject-matter experts, the group breaks into teams of four. In consultation and then partnership with a community organization, each team designs a project that focuses on filling an identified need and making community impact.

“In each of the five projects this summer, students immersed themselves in a spirit of giving back, using their unique skills to find a community partner, design a project and contribute to community members,” said Suzanne Gagnon, Asper Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Research Programs and Director of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute.

“In addition, each group traversed complex issues that were often new to them, gaining valuable insights and honing a well-rounded set of tested leadership skill,” said Dr. Gagnon.

We detail each team’s story of community impact below.

ALLFOURONE: Stories Across Generations

Team ALLFOURONE created an “intergenerational bonding initiative,” forming meaningful connections between senior residents of a care home (reaching as high as age 103) and elementary school students (reaching as high as age 11).

They called it “Stories Across Generations.” Together, the team designed and facilitated an afternoon where students from Margaret Park School and Luther Personal Care Home could connect through activities like trivia, storytelling and conversation.

The team identified the need for this project when they observed that youth and seniors can both feel overlooked or misunderstood. As these sessions unfolded, Keji Preston (UM Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), a member of the team, said “you could truly feel the room fill with joy.”

“A simple question like ‘what was your favourite game as a child?’ could spark a conversation that had a student and a resident laughing like they were old friends” she said.

The team realized this was special—a true bridge where both generations felt seen and heard.

“This project was a powerful reminder of the value every person holds,” said Preston.

During her time with PSLP, she felt like she realized a fundamental truth about leadership. “It’s not about a title; it’s about the responsibility to identify a need and the courage to take the first step in addressing it.

“This program gave me the tools, the network, and the confidence to do that, and for that, I am immensely grateful.”

GOal Getterz: Weaving Dreams

GOal Getterz partnered with Rising Sun, an off-campus school program of Gordon Bell High School to provide a crafting workshop, that doubled as a seminar on seeing mental health through an Indigenous lens.

As the high school students crafted dreamcatchers, they also had an open dialogue, connecting with the youth about their journeys so far, their dreams, and how they can make a positive impact on their community.

In Indigenous culture, a dreamcatcher is a profound symbol of protection, consisting of a circle and a web. The web is woven to capture bad thoughts and nightmares, holding them until they dissipate with daylight.

One member of the team, Ashley Sinclair (UM Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), is a Knowledge Keeper, and led the discussions. Team member Nicole Herpai (UM Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health Sciences) said that with the easygoing environment of crafting, the students felt at ease, opening up and sharing personal stories.

After the workshop, the team created a manual for how to re-create their event. It includes an explanation of the importance of the workshop and how to do it in a good way while observing appropriate cultural practices. More than anything, it’s a spark—a spark to pay it forward to others, which is what great leaders do.

Team M.I.C.K. – “Soft skills” for University

No matter what subject you study at university, everyone who comes through becomes a true expert in one thing: how to survive university.

Team M.I.C.K. forged an alliance with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), to create an event where they could support Canadian newcomers with advice and “soft-skills” to get prepared for university.

Working with immigrants was something everyone in the group could relate to, as they each had either previous experience volunteering, or were a newcomer themselves.

Together with their deep collective knowledge of University, they hosted a preliminary event in August; the full event is planned for February 2026, when most will begin the application process.

During initial discussions with newcomers, group representative Kolby Wiebe (UM BSc in Chemistry) described a moment where they answered students’ questions about financial aid.

“When we saw the students realize that they may actually be able to afford going to university it was really cool,” Wiebe said. Once they understood it was a possibility, the group was flooded with eager questions.

Wiebe found PSLP to be a great opportunity to connect to the community in a way he wouldn’t have otherwise been able to.

“Getting outside the lab and interacting with motivated people across Winnipeg in all different positions really made me think about why I am doing the work I do and what impact it has,” he said.

Team M.A.C.C. – Supporting Newcomers on their Entrepreneurship Journey

If building a business is like building a house, how would you do it without a blueprint, or any way to source materials and equipment?

Entrepreneurship is hard. It’s even harder if you don’t know the local systems, resources, and tools in your toolbox.

Every member of team M.A.C.C. has connections to immigrant communities and identified this seemingly impossible task for newcomers who are aspiring entrepreneurs. Team representative Carolyn Wang (BComm [Hons.]) says they “thought it was important to give back since the resources available for newcomers helped us and our families.”

To help break the barrier, they connected experienced entrepreneurs and newcomers looking to start a business for virtual meetings where they could receive personalized advice.

They also created a guide—2025 Business Start-Up Guide for Manitoban Immigrants—which outlines the many resources available to entrepreneurs. It has gained impressive visibility on LinkedIn, expanding their audience and reaching an even larger community who can use and share the document all year round.

The Breakthrough Project – An Inspiration Fair for Indigenous Youth

Anthony Theriault’s (BComm [Hons.]) team was having a hard time coming up with a name, at first. They created a mission statement: “To build impact to contribute to daily life so people can live their best lives and flourish.” They decided on “The Breakthrough Project.”

Hence, their project became about breaking through: to Indigenous youth.

Partnering with Rossbrook House, an inner-city drop-in centre for youth, they created an event where youth and young Indigenous adults (guides) from a range of paths could share stories.

“Think of it as an inspiration fair” said Theriault.

While sharing a meal, guides and youth swapped stories. Afterwards, each member of The Breakthrough Project hosted a games table where they could personally connect with the youth.

“This was one of the best parts, getting to talk with the youth hands-on about their goals and passions” Theriault said. “We really wanted the youth to lead their own way, and that’s what happened!”

The interactivity of the event turned out to be its greatest strength. A teacher’s assistant told them “This was completely different from other external presentations. The youth got to explore their interests rather than being forced to listen.”

Everyone left the day feeling inspired, knowing they had created authentic connections with the youth. According to Theriault, rumour has it that this might just be the start of an annual tradition.

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The President’s Student Leadership Program, led by the James W. Burns Leadership Institute at the Asper School of Business is a fulfilling opportunity for students to develop a robust, real-world leadership toolkit. It is a transformative experience that builds valuable networks and skills for the next generation of changemakers. Applications to Cohort 8 of the PSLP opens on January 19, 2026. Click here to learn more about PSLP.

This year’s cohort comprises 20 service-driven PSLP Fellows selected for their exemplary leadership in community involvement and student affairs, and commitment to learning more to and leading in their future careers in any field. The new cohort represents 16 diverse disciplines and spans four levels of postsecondary study, coming from five Manitoba postsecondaries: The University of Manitoba, Red River College Polytechnic, University of Winnipeg, Université de Saint-Boniface, and Brandon University.

 “We are thrilled to work with our next cohort of PSLP fellows, bringing our total number of UM’s PSLP Fellows to 175 since the program launched in 2019,” said Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, Director of the Burns Leadership Institute and currently Acting Dean in the Asper School of Business.

PSLP encourages cross-disciplinary engagement, sharpens critical thinking skills, and nurtures curiosity as important leadership capabilities. “The program builds skills while immersing the fellows in our broader social and economic context to create well rounded ‘outward focused’ leaders who can help meet complex challenges,” said Dr. Gagnon.    

A highlight of the fellowship is the immersive Core Week, just completed for this new cohort. During this intensive period, participants meet with senior leaders from sectors central to the province’s social and economic fabric. Sessions cover a wide spectrum from pioneering approaches in public and not-for-profit collaboration, community development to ground-breaking initiatives in Indigenous leadership, economic growth, manufacturing, and healthcare. The in-depth discussions and the program’s workshops are designed to help each fellow develop a robust, real-world leadership toolkit. We are thankful to all those leaders who gave their time this week – Ash Modha, Connie Walker, Dana Rudy, Sara Stasiuk, Diane Roussin, Cody Mercer, Micheline St-Hilaire, and to our excellent workshop leaders.

Beyond its structured curriculum, the President’s Student Leadership Program is a transformative experience that aims to build lasting networks and nurture the next generation of changemakers. Through dialogue with seasoned professionals and hands-on learning in diverse settings, the fellows not only hone their leadership skills but also cultivate a vibrant community committed to making meaningful impact in Manitoba and beyond.

The University of Manitoba is grateful for the visionary endowment from Canada Life, IG Wealth Management and the Power Corporation of Canada, and the grant from the Province of Manitoba enabling the design and delivery of PSLP and the launch of the Burns Leadership institute.

Congratulations to PSLP Fellows in Cohort Seven!

1. Bunmi Adeyemi. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
2. Chinyere Ajufoh-Obi. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
3. Ahmed Al-Khaffaf. University of Manitoba, Master of Science in Physiology and Pathophysiology
4. McCauley Armishaw. Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Application Development and Delivery
5. Sanjana Grover. University of Manitoba, Doctor of Philosophy in Human Anatomy and Cell Science
6. Zizhang He. Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Application Development and Delivery
7. Nicole Herpai. University of Manitoba, Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health Sciences
8. Charis Ikiriko. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) Marketing and Business Analytics
9. Isran Migane. Bachelor of Business, double major in Finance and Economics
10. Diwan Oulai. University of Manitoba, Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies
11. Gabriel Perrie. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Accounting & Finance
12. Keji Preston. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Adv.)
13. Mira Safa. University of Manitoba, Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacoepidemiology
14. Ashley Sinclair. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies
15. Anthony Theriault. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Commerce (Hons)
16. Harshani Hewage. University of Manitoba, Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science
17. Carolyn Wang. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Accounting
18. Kolby Wiebe. University of Manitoba, BSc in Chemistry
19. Michelle Williams Joel. Brandon University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
20. Marlene Zarychta. Université de Saint-Boniface, Bachelor of Science

For more information about the President’s Student Leadership Program visit: https://umanitoba.ca/asper/programs-of-study/presidents-student-leadership-program

PSLP is an annual, cohort-based program that selects students across disciplines and backgrounds from UM as well as the other major Manitoba postsecondary institutions: University College of the North, the University of Winnipeg, Red River College Polytech, Université de Saint-Boniface, and Brandon University.

The program currently seeks the latest cohort of changemakers and innovators across disciplines and at any level of post-secondary study. Students with existing leadership impact and experience, formal or informal, are invited to apply by March 9, 2025.

Successful applicants join a cohort of peers to participate in a core week of workshops, site visits, and leader talks in June 2025. Participants then plan and complete a summer service leadership project in diverse teams, continue the program in the fall with two dedicated days of workshops, and participate in a field trip to northern Manitoba in winter 2026.

The program is supported by a network of senior leaders from different sectors who participate as one-on-one mentors to PSLP fellows for the year. Concluding each year with a graduation celebration, PSLP has seen many graduates go on to lead in their careers and communities in any field.

Applications for the seventh cohort of the President’s Student Leadership Program are now open. Learn more about this immersive and inclusive leadership opportunity today, and read more about the most recent community projects below.

Leadership shaped by community

This summer and fall, the sixth and current cohort of PSLP fellows worked with community organizations to advance initiatives including access to official ID for newcomers, engagement with Indigenous teachings for international students, a fundraising strategy for non-profits, and a food security information program for the elderly.

“The summer projects help build our PSLP fellows’ connection to their communities and leadership commitment, regardless of what profession or field they will go into,” said Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, Director of the Burns Leadership Institute and Associate Dean of Research at the Asper School of Business.

The sixth cohort of the program completed the following community projects:

Paint Your Teachings

Mackenzie Ferguson, Jory Thomas-Blanchard, Olamide Collins-Longe, and Alejandra Diabb Sanchez devised “Paint Your Teachings,” a paint night dedicated to the seven sacred Indigenous teachings. Hosted by the UM International Centre, the team conceived of and facilitated the event in partnership with Nancy Hamilton, a Knowledge Keeper.

Participants gathered to learn about Indigenous culture and beliefs while expressing their talents through art. After Hamilton guided them through the seven sacred teachings, participants were prompted to paint these teachings on rocks. As the workshop continued, they were encouraged to continue sharing their learning and the values that resonated most with them, bringing teachings to their communities.

Collins-Longe reflects on the impact of the project. “Our community project taught me the importance and power of communication and community, knowing when to step in and when to step back,” she said. Expanding on the impact of PSLP as a whole, Collins-Longe shares that the program “shifted my perspective on life and leadership.”

Identifying Boundaries

Oluwafemi Awopegba, Logan Basarowich, Madison Bonnefoy, and Kiera Butterfield’s project “Identifying Boundaries,” worked to lessen the barriers of obtaining identification for newcomers.

Working with community organizations NEEDS Inc, SEED Winnipeg, and the Me-Dian Credit Union, the group focused on the MPI Identification Card and the Social Insurance Number card. They determined that the most impact could be made by reducing financial and language barriers to accessing these important IDs.

In their project summary, the team writes, “by listening to the communities, we were able to reduce the gaps of access and help newcomers in Winnipeg with their pursuit of a happy life.”

Together, they created a step-by-step guide of how to obtain these forms of ID and translated these guides from English into Tigrinya, Arabic, and Ukrainian with support from the Ethiopian Society of Winnipeg, Islamic Social Services Association Inc, and Ukrainian community members.

KidSport Storybank

Laura Effinger, Craig Hillier, and Faye Vaquilar completed a project with KidSport Manitoba to help increase fundraising and marketing efforts. They created a Manitoba KidSport storybank to collect impactful stories and testimonials to inspire and engage the community in fundraising and marketing matierals.

The team developed a blueprint for listening generously and capturing KidSport family stories. To help build this competency and resource, they emphasized strengthening connections with KidSport members and staff through engaging events and staying flexible with both phone and in-person interviews with stakeholders and community members.

Rising Together through Story

Halem Hrizai, Noor Imran, Tobi Olanipekun, and Kezia Wong worked on a community project called “Rising Together through Story.” This storytelling workshop, in partnership with Newcomer Employment and Educational Development Services (NEEDS), aimed to help NEEDS students feel empowered to share their backgrounds, connect with their peers, and deepen their sense of belonging.

The workshop comprised two interactive, art-based activities that asked students to share the story of their name and reflect on what makes them feel at home. To ensure this workshop could be offered by others in the future, the group prepared a manual for NEEDS that outlines activity instructions and further recommendations for facilitators.

Mission Possible

Kelly Laybolt, Briana Oliver, Erin Sinclair, and Tooba Razi devised a community project that aims to address food insecurity among older adults (55+) in Manitoba. They partnered with Norwest Co-op Community Health and created a comprehensive, accessible resource pamphlet that lists local food programs and services.

Laybolt explains that despite the simplicity of the solution, the impact and learning were significant for this project. “It is important to listen to the needs of your target group. Had we approached our stakeholder with a completed plan and remained married to that idea, our leadership project would have been ineffective,” he says.

Through meaningful conversation and reflection, the team executed on a clear, targeted project to help centralize information about food resources to community members in need.

Fantastic Four Community Cookbook

Jenel James, Sahil Lekhi, Ayushi Pattharwala, and Ariel Wilcox worked together to create a cookbook that showcases a diverse collection of healthy, affordable, and simple recipes, all contributed by members of Manitoba’s immigrant communities. In addition to recipes, the cookbook provides practical resources for newcomers, including tips on navigating local food marketing, understanding nutritional labels, and making sustainable food choices.

The group is excited to continue this culinary work with a cooking class in collaboration with the Immigrant Centre that features contributors from the book.

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Housed at the Asper School of Business, the James W. Burns Leadership Institute at UM has been shaping the next generation of leaders through this flagship program since 2019. Learn more about PSLP, Manitoba’s premier postsecondary leadership program, today.

The PSLP welcomes students from all levels of postsecondary study and across disciplines. Participants, called PSLP Fellows, collaborate with each other, apply critical thinking and tap into their curiosity and passion to contribute solutions to complex leadership problems impacting Manitoba.  

The sixth cohort represents 22 different disciplines across four levels of postgraduate studies from the University of Manitoba, Red River College Polytechnic, University of Winnipeg, and University College of the North (Thompson).

Throughout the Core Week, PSLP Fellows meet leaders representing a number of sectors critical to Manitoba’s economic and social well being, from innovation in education and community development, to Indigenous leadership and economic growth, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and technology. Leaders discuss their most pressing challenges, opportunities and successes to help expand participants’ leadership toolkit and practice.

Along with an array of cutting-edge workshops, the Fellows learn from these inspiring senior leaders’ experience while building community and their capacity to lead in their careers in any field.

“These students have committed themselves to build on their already considerable leadership abilities through this collective learning experience over the coming nine months,” said Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, Canada Life Chair in Leadership Education at the Asper School of Business and program director. “They join more than 110 program alumni to date, and we are excited to see their future accomplishments in their careers and for our society.”

Congratulations to PSLP Cohort Six!

1. Oluwafemi Awopegba. University of Manitoba, PhD in Economics
2. Logan Basarowich. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Commerce, Honours (International Business)
3. Madison Bonnefoy. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts in Women & Gender Studies and Indigenous Studies
4. Kiera Butterfield. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies
5. Olamide Collins-Longe. Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Disability & Community Support
6. Alejandra Diabb Sanchez. University of Manitoba, Master of Natural Resources Management
7. Laura Effinger. University of Manitoba, Master of Business Administration
8. Mackenzie Ferguson. University of Manitoba, Master of Science in Agricultural and Food Sciences         
9. Craig Hillier. University of Manitoba, PhD in Applied Health Sciences
10. Halem Hrizai. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts in English
11. Noor Imran. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
12. Jenel James. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Health Sciences
13. Kelly Laybolt. University College of the North, Bachelor of Arts
14. Sahil Lekhi. University of Winnipeg, Bachelor of Business and Administration
15. Tobi Olanipekun. University of Manitoba, Master of Science in Physiology and Pathophysiology
16. Briana Oliver. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Human Resource Mgmt)
17. Ayushi Pattharwala. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Biosystems)
18. Tooba Razi. University of Manitoba, Medicine
19. Erin Sinclair. University of Manitoba, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
20. Jory Thomas. University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Environmental Design
21. Faye Vaquilar. Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Business Information Technology
22. Ariel Wilcox. University of Manitoba, Master of Nursing
23. Kezia Wong. University of Manitoba, Master of Arts in Psychology

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The James W. Burns Leadership Institute is housed at the Asper School of Business and was created through a visionary endowment to UM from Canada Life, IG Wealth Management, the Power Corporate of Canada as well as the Province of Manitoba.

For more information about the President’s Student Leadership Program visit: https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/management/leadership_institute/3434.html

“When I saw opportunities to make changes—to improve efficiencies or outcomes—I really enjoyed it. I quickly realized that I wanted to move into a managerial role because I saw the potential to bring broader change and make an impact. I was ready to work up that ladder, but within six months of working there, COVID hit.”

Suddenly, feeling even farther away from her family in Toronto amid lockdowns, Mehta realized that she needed a leap, not a ladder, to move forward. She began looking into MBA programs, seeking to develop her leadership skills closer to home.

This June, she graduates with an MBA from the Asper School of Business despite never before imagining this outcome for herself. She will take what she has learned to the RBC Leadership Development Program in July.

During her MBA, Mehta found her focus shifting from forensic science research to risk management in finance, a track she will continue to pursue with RBC.

“The way I define that shift is going from reactive to proactive work. With financial risk management, you’re trying to anticipate challenges, avoid crises, identify opportunities and plan for outcomes based on your analysis,” she explains.

Perhaps her knack for risk management began sooner than she thought, as Mehta bet big on the MBA. When she was admitted to the program, she was still in the final interview stage for a job in Winnipeg and even moved here before getting an offer, leaving full-time work to return to school. Taking the leap seems to have paid off, given her current path to leadership and her MBA experience (and, she did get that job after all).

A skilled risk management expert, Mehta knows that even the best analysis leaves variables and uncertainties. Fortunately, the unexpected opportunities she found at the Asper School of Business were pleasant surprises.

She describes joining business case competitions and student leadership at Asper thanks to colleagues who took a moment to tap her on the shoulder and make a recommendation. She graduated from the fifth cohort of the President’s Student Leadership Program (PSLP) this April thanks to one such recommendation.

“Each experience taught me so much and really revealed that value of staying curious, saying ‘yes’ to opportunities as they come and allowing myself to be inspired by people who have done it before. If not for those colleagues reaching out, I might not have had the confidence to go for it.”

Through PSLP, Mehta learned more about the business landscape of Manitoba, understanding its challenges while also being inspired by the diversity of leaders she engaged with.

“We met youth leaders, Indigenous leaders, female leaders—that was so inspiring for me because I come from a visible minority background. Seeing what they have achieved, what they are achieving and their resilience was inspiring.”

These moments of inspiration, whether from colleagues, leaders or mentors, set Mehta on new and unexpected paths each time, ultimately empowering her to complete the degree, to secure a promising career path and to refine her understanding of how organizations and communities themselves work.

“The most important thing I learned through the MBA was systems thinking, which is so significant because it provides you with an understanding of the interconnected nature of organizations, how one action impacts another,” she says.

This sentiment rings true even as Mehta plans her convocation celebrations. “I’ll celebrate with my family and my husband, as they have been the backbone through this process,” she says.

Whether her next step is a leap or a ladder, Mehta is proud to celebrate convocation, the small moves that make a big impact and the community of support behind every degree conferred.

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The Asper School of Business experience doesn’t end after graduation. From building your network and giving back, to coaching, mentoring and advising, learn more about getting involved at Asper as an alum here.

Twenty-two graduates received their certificates and joined the PSLP community of leaders making a difference in sectors from healthcare and technology to the arts, law and business. The event feted the now 113-strong contingent of PSLP alumni, and celebrated five years of immersive, interdisciplinary leadership education.

Unique in Canada, PSLP is the flagship program of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute, led by Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, Associate Dean and Canada Life Chair in Leadership Education at the Asper School of Business.

Each year, PSLP selects a cohort of students from across faculties, post-secondary institutions, interests and backgrounds to build their leadership potential. Participants have notable leadership experience already, serving in their communities, faculties, sports or elsewhere. The program is funded through a fellowship for participants, thanks to a visionary investment from Canada Life, IG Wealth Management and the Power Corporation of Canada, as well as the Province of Manitoba. Distinguished guests Paul Mahon [BComm(Hons)/86], President and Chief Executive Officer of Great-West Lifeco and of Canada Life and Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training attended this year’s event to celebrate its five years of success.

Advisory Board Member Charles Henaire [BComm(Hons)/88] attended the graduation and anniversary celebration and articulated the Advisory Board’s vision for the program.

“When PSLP was envisioned, the idea was to continue to develop future leaders from Manitoba who would go out into our communities and beyond, to make a positive impact in their chosen fields. The opportunities and challenges facing our society are complex, and there is a tremendous need for leaders to help shape our future,” said Henaire, Deputy CFO and Chief Accounting & Control Officer at Great-West Lifeco.

PSLP is delivering on its vision as the program boasts diverse and influential alumni across many sectors.

Kevin Boreskie

A first-year emergency medicine resident, PSLP alumni Kevin Boreskie is completing a PhD in Applied Health Sciences at UM. As he describes it, PSLP unites students and leaders, highlighting the immeasurable impact of diverse, but interdependent, leadership skills.

“Through PSLP, I saw how the community leaders we met with through the program had incredible skill sets that made them effective leaders, but that these skill sets weren’t necessarily the same. What they had in common was passion for addressing a problem,” he says.

PSLP taps into students’ own drive to solve problems and serve their communities. This passion transcends institutions and occupations, and PSLP invites students from across Manitoba to connect with a network of committed peers.

Amy Jackson

PSLP alumna Amy Jackson notes that learning from others allowed her to reflect on the value of her own unique point of view.

Jackson received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Indigenous Studies from UCN. “Participating in PSLP boosted my confidence in valuing my unique perspective as an Indigenous woman from northern Manitoba. It has also broadened my mindset by exposing me to various ways of thinking,” she notes.

PSLP is designed as an inclusive program, teaching participants that effective leadership positively impacts communities, and that valuing diversity is central to healthy communities and competent leadership.

Kathleen Murphy

Kathleen Murphy is graduating from RRC’s Business Administration program and holds a Post-Bacc in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music from UM. They explain how PSLP has improved their ability to lead in 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives like the Rainbow Harmony Project.

“PSLP has been instrumental in building my confidence, refining my public speaking and defining my values as a leader. I am passionate about leveraging my leadership education to build inclusive spaces, empower people to raise their voices and form meaningful connections in service to others,” they say.

Community initiatives are included in the program pedagogy, with students working in groups to complete a hands-on service leadership project.

Jude Obidiagha

A senior policy analyst with the Government of Manitoba, Jude Obidiagha completed PSLP while pursuing his master’s in applied economics at UW. Obidiagha worked with fellow students on an Indigenous Newcomer Workshop, designed to build relationships between different communities and raise awareness about Indigenous culture among newcomers in Winnipeg.

“Through this community project with fellow young leaders in my cohort, I developed the skill of working with other passionate peers while cultivating leadership skills like empathy, active listening and collaboration,” he says.

Mentorship is in PSLP’s DNA, as students learn from dedicated faculty, experienced business, government and non-profit leaders, and their own cohort.

Reanna Merasty

Reanna Merasty was pursuing her Master of Architecture at UM while in PSLP, and is now architectural intern with Number TEN architecture Group. She describes her biggest takeaway from PSLP. “What stuck with me was the value of collaborative leadership, where we are not leading on an “I” but with an “us.” Collaborative leadership means using the strengths of others to achieve a shared goal.”

PSLP redefines leadership, giving students the skills they need to lead and succeed while reaffirming that effective leadership is often more collaborative than individual, more collective than self-serving, more dynamic than stagnant.

The vision for PSLP began as a desire to build on the leadership ethos that the donors saw in Manitoba, and to create new knowledge, relationships and experiences that would stay with and guide the participants as they entered their careers. Director Gagnon expresses how the program has lived up to that vision.

”We are extremely proud of these five cohorts of PSLP fellows and the hard work and care they put into participating in this program. We have seen many flourish with new activities in the community new positions in their fields, in academic work, government and, in industry. With the sixth cohort soon to begin the program, we look forward to continuing to create strong collective capacity that will help them to tackle the tough problems and create opportunities for the future.”

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Housed at the Asper School of Business, at the University of Manitoba, the President’s Student Leadership Program selects a cohort of students from across faculties, post-secondary institutions, interests, backgrounds and regions of the province to build their leadership potential.

Visit the PSLP website for full program details.

Successful applicants will join a cohort of peers to participate in a core week of workshops, site visits and leader talks in June 2024. Participants then complete a summer service leadership project in interdisciplinary teams, continue the program in the fall and take a trip to northern Manitoba in winter 2025. The program concludes with a graduation celebration. Participants also have an opportunity for individual mentoring with a senior leader from the community.

Housed at the Asper School of Business, the James W. Burns Leadership Institute at UM has been shaping the next generation of leaders through this flagship program since 2019. Students learn from senior leaders in different sectors, from non-profit, business and government to healthcare and technology. Program workshops teach from multiple perspectives, discussing leadership purpose, collaboration, conflict resolution, dialogue and negotiation, while students learn from their peers, deepening their knowledge and broadening their reach as future leaders.

Cohort 5 Visits The Pas, Manitoba

This February, the students of cohort five travelled to The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) to learn from Indigenous and community leaders in the North. The students met with distinguished leaders including Edwin Jebb, UCN Chancellor and OCN Band Counselor; Maureen Brown Onekanew (Chief) of OCN; Minister Judy Mayer, Vice President Manitoba Métis Federation, The Pas Region; and Doug Lauvstad, President and Vice Chancellor of UCN.

An inspiring panel with community youth leaders rounded out the visit, along with cultural activities. Panel members shared their personal experiences, life stories and current goals. The panel comprised Ashley Moore, Chief Executive Officer at Kíwétin Environmental Consulting Ltd; Gloria Packo, 2023 Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival Fur Queen and entrepreneur; Savanna Henderson, OCN Councillor and entrepreneur; and Desarae Lambert, Executive Director at The Pas Community Renewal Corporation.

While in The Pas, PSLP was hosted by Dr. Dan Smith, Vice-President of Strategic Growth at UCN and Burns Leadership Institute Advisory Board member. The trip exemplifies PSLP’s pan-provincial mandate, exposing participants to experiences of leading, living, working, and bringing change in Manitoba.

Said Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, PSLP program professor and director of the Burns Leadership Institute,

“Being in their community and learning directly from these leaders was an incredible opportunity for our PSLP students. They see how leadership contributes to reconciliation and how, in detail, the actions of leaders at all levels are bringing lasting change. This knowledge is critical to the understanding and capacity of any emerging leader preparing to serve in Manitoba and beyond.”

PSLP participant and UM Master of Sociology student Mehraz Sarker comments on the impact of the program.

“This experience has significantly contributed to my personal growth, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding. We extend immense gratitude to our hosts, partners, and all the leaders involved for their amazing support in nurturing us as future leaders.”

Justin Hiebert, Diploma in Business Administration (Marketing) student at RRC, added, 

“Having the opportunity to go to The Pas and meet leaders of the community was an incredible and humbling experience. I was able to grow and really see a new perspective through a different lens that I normally do not see. This will allow me to strengthen my leadership abilities in my future.”

Apply Today

Visit the PSLP website for full program details, eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply. If you see yourself in the criteria for selection, we encourage your application!

PSLP cohort 5 catching the northern lights in The Pas.

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The Burns Leadership Institute was launched at UM in 2019, funded through a visionary investment by Power Corporation of Canada, Canada Life, IG Wealth Management and the Province of Manitoba.

The program provides students with training, connections and personal development, asking them to apply their insights and skills to projects that address social issues and make a positive, lasting impact in our communities. 

PSLP students connect with industry leaders who offer coaching and mentorship, and they receive training through a series of workshops. They work in multidisciplinary teams to find creative ways to have a leadership impact. In just a few short months, these teams go from concept to action: generating ideas, building partnerships and planning then carrying out community projects.

Lukas Neville, associate professor of organizational behaviour at the Asper School of Business and acting academic lead for PSLP, comments on the importance of these hands-on projects.

“There’s an element of leadership development that isn’t found in a classroom, a lecture, or a workshop alone,” says Neville. “It comes from the hands-on experience of building and carrying out initiatives and projects. These students met one another for the first time in May, and by the end of the summer were working closely in teams, putting their training into action and serving the community in deeply meaningful ways. It’s an amazing journey to see.” 

PSLP COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROJECTS 2023

Catalyst Collective

• Jennifer Breddam – University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies
• Kathleen Murphy – Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Business Administration
• Victor (Chun) Chau – Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Applied Computer Education
• Winnica Beltrano – University of Manitoba, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Catalyst Collective partnered with Aurora Family Therapy Centre to establish terms of reference for the Centre’s Elder-In-Residence (EIR) program that is being developed. This initiative is in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRCC) 94 Calls to Action, specifically Call 22, which urges health service providers to offer culturally informed care to Indigenous Peoples in collaboration with Indigenous Elders and healers.

Developed in consultation with Indigenous programming experts, Catalyst Collective has produced a uniquely inclusive program grounded in mino-pimatisiwin, the Indigenous approach to helping. This program takes a holistic approach, prioritizing respect for the experiences, cultures, languages and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. It is designed to provide service to any person seeking Elder In Residence (EIR) services at Aurora Family Therapy Centre and aims to establish a connection between Aurora Family Therapy and Winnipeg’s Indigenous communities through direct and meaningful consultation and collaboration.

Community Canvas

• Abigail Kawadza – University of Manitoba, Master of Nursing (Administration)
• Justin Hiebert – Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Business Administration (Marketing)
• Mudra Dave – University of Manitoba, Master of Science in Kinesiology
• Randi Roy – University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Microbiology Hons. Co-op

The key objective of Community Canvas was to build community by fostering intergenerational connections, using painting as a medium of addressing and expressing current social issues. The team chose to focus on making connections across generations by bringing together community-dwelling older adults and youth.

“We see great value in bringing people together from different generations to raise awareness on multiple social and environmental issues through painting,” says the team. This intergenerational endeavor provided a space for socialization and elevation of creative growth in community-dwelling older adults while fostering intergenerational connections through art.

New Transitions

• Amy Lloyd – University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science (General)
• Carolina Cespedes – University of Winnipeg, Master of Science in Applied Computer Science and Society
• Christopher Yendt – University of Manitoba, Doctor of Philosophy in Education
• Mark Rauhaus – University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
• Mehraz Sarker – University of Manitoba, Master of Arts in Sociology

The New Transitions team partnered with the New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families to offer supports to individuals living within the Supported Independent Living (SIL) program. The SIL program supports people with intellectual and physical disabilities to live independently based on their individual needs. This groundbreaking program took a critical step away from the institutionalization or service-centered approach and moved into a person-centered approach that prioritizes the person’s rights and empowerment.

New Transitions worked with New Directions to identify gaps in the transitional services provided and to pilot life-skills workshops. The pilot workshop taught relevant financial skills including how to budget, grocery shop, save income and set financial boundaries with loved ones.

SciFive

• Allison Balasko – University of Manitoba, Medicine (MD/PhD)
• Hiwot Jonk – University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Human Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics)
• Jesse Shen – University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Physics (Hons)
• Joao Carlos Fidencio da Silva – University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering
• Pelumi (Samuel) Akinola – University of Manitoba, Master of Science in Pharmacy

In collaboration with Siloam Mission, SciFive worked to raise awareness about the chronic shortage of adult undergarments and socks among unhoused individuals. The team recognized that these often-overlooked necessities play a crucial role in maintaining dignity and well-being among the unhoused. Through donation drives, they sought to address this shortage and provide essential items to community members. SciFive’s aim was to contribute to the integration of unhoused individuals within our Winnipeg community.

The first awareness and donation drive, held in partnership with Real Canadian Superstore (Winnipeg West) was a success. At the end of the drive, the team received approximately 250 pairs of underwear, 500 pairs of socks, and $365 in monetary donations. Building upon this success, the second donation drive saw an even greater outpouring of support, resulting in 530 pairs of underwear, 700 pairs of socks, and an impressive $1,836 in monetary donations, totaling $7,116 worth of donations.

Team iMPact

• Edwin Alarcon – Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Business Technology Management
• Michael Zarychta – University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
• Pinaz Mehta – University of Manitoba, Master of Business Administration
• Tasnim Ferdous – University of Manitoba, Master of Landscape Architecture

Team iMPact partnered with Harvest MB to enhance awareness and provide education to children and young adults on food insecurity. The project’s strategy involved creating educational tools designed for elementary students, as well as resources that encompass broader subjects such as constructing home and community gardens and addressing food insecurity. These resources were developed for Harvest MB as part of their extensive educational outreach efforts. With the support of Harvest MB, Team iMPact successfully presented the elementary-school-oriented presentation to a summer camp hosted by Sustainable South Osborne Community Cooperative.

The project’s core mission focused on creating awareness and facilitating the dissemination of resources to build capacity in starting home gardens, effective use of food banks and advocating for sustainable food practices, all aimed at mitigating the adverse consequences of food insecurity.

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The President’s Student Leadership Program is the flagship program of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute and unique-in-Canada immersive learning opportunity that brings together a cohort of students each year from across faculties, post-secondary institutions, interests, backgrounds and regions of the province to build their leadership potential.

Applications for the next cohort of the President’s Student Leadership Program will open on January 21, 2024, and close on March 3, 2024.

Selected participants in this immersive, fully-funded program will have many opportunities to develop their leadership skills and competencies. These students will directly engage with mentors and an exclusive network of leaders in the province. 

Since 2019, the James W. Burns Leadership Institute has been committed to shaping the next generation of leaders within and beyond the walls of UM. The program focuses on leadership challenges and issues in society today. Experiencing a breadth of contexts, from the non-profit sector and labour relations to justice and healthcare systems, PLSP participants learn the essence of what it means to be a leader in any career path.

Applications for the President’s Student Leadership Program are now open. The deadline to apply is February 19, 2023. Twenty-five students will be selected for the fifth cohort of the program, which begins  with the ‘core week’ in mid-June 2023. PSLP applications are open to eligible students from all major post-secondary institutions across Manitoba, with 70 percent drawn from UM.

Meet the following PSLP graduates of the fourth cohort (2022). These outstanding individuals are redefining what it means to be a leader today and in the future. 

Samuel Ogunsola, Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology and Pathophysiology 

Participating in the PSLP had a monumental impact on Samuel Ogunsola’s education. He explains how the program has advanced his skillset: “The PSLP provided me with a platform to learn from great leaders in Manitoba, which has helped me expand my professional network, understand the practical applications of leadership, and build lasting relationships.”

As Ogunsola finishes his PhD, he looks forward to applying his skills and PSLP experience to a leadership role in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company. For Ogunsola, being a leader  also means always learning from his community and using his abilities to create innovative solutions to problems affecting those around him.

The program helped him gain a greater appreciation for sustainable community-based projects, and he has since founded two organizations: Food and Genes Initiative and Impact Leaders Connect.

Erin White, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

“It is important to give back to the communities that have helped us get to where we are today,” says Erin White. The program has set her up to do so with a project true to her roots.  

One of White’s community-based projects centered on creating a clothing closet at a school in the area of the city she grew up in, from which community members could access winterwear. “Being able to supply children and their families in my community with warm clothing was an overwhelmingly rewarding experience,” she says.

Deidre Dewar, Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources and Indigenous Business Studies

Partnerships that Deidre Dewar has made with community leaders have been an invaluable part of her PSLP experience. With diversity at the forefront of successful leadership, Dewar’s experience connecting and exchanging ideas with others has allowed her to understand leadership in many ways.

“Our work

 taught me the value of cultural inclusivity in a community and acquainted me with different cultural customs,” says Dewar. It also encouraged her to set career and personal goals most important to her, which has helped her self-confidence grow as she takes the next steps in her future.  

Dewar will be joining the workforce while pursuing her master’s degree in business administration. With this career path “I want to pay it forward and use the knowledge I’ve learned in PSLP to help other women achieve their professional and academic goals,” she adds.

Applications for the President’s Student Leadership Program are now open and close on February 19, 2023. Apply today!

The Leader-in-Residence helps to foster connections between the Institute and private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, and serves as a link to the community through the recruitment of guest speakers and the promotion of student networking events. Set out in its Terms of Reference, the LIR serves as an ex-officio member of the Burns Leadership Institute Advisory Board. Ms. Taylor-Hughes will also work closely with the Alumni Association of the President’s Student Leadership Program (PSLP) on workshops and events, assisting alumni with continuous leadership development through community connections and engagement.  Ms. Taylor-Hughes has wide experience in executive leadership, consulting, organizational change including merger and acquisitions strategy, and project leadership. She is a transformational leadership advisor.  Keren holds the ICD.D (Institute of Corporate Directors) designation and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Shared Health (Manitoba), and on the ICD Manitoba Chapter Executive.

For the past 20+ years, Keren has played a key role in numerous organizations across Canada and the U.S. to successfully navigate and implement transformative initiatives at the highest levels, from small non-profits to publicly-traded companies undergoing large-scale M&As affecting thousands. She has leveraged her education — Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, and a Masters of Leadership from Trinity Western University paired with several Change Management certifications; to support her extensive career which spans many sectors including child welfare, healthcare, wealth management, and agribusiness to name a few. A seasoned mentor and leader, Keren has also been an active volunteer in many capacities with young adults, such as serving as a coach for JDC West, as a mentor in the Asper School of Business MBA program, and as a presenter on organizational leadership and change over three cohorts of the President’s Student Leadership Program. 

“Everything in my professional life is based on one key, foundational element that I learned early in my career: successful and sustainable change only comes after a shift in mindset – leading change that delivers value rooted in purpose, vision, and impact. I look forward to sharing my experience with students of the PLSP and for Burns Leadership Institute programming.” – Keren Taylor-Hughes

The Burns Leadership Institute at the University of Manitoba was created through a visionary endowment from the Power Corporation of Canada, Canada Life, and IG Wealth Management. It is located at the Asper School of Business and supports leadership education across faculties. For more information on the Institute and its programming, please visit: https://umanitoba.ca/asper/james-w-burns-leadership-institute

The President’s Student Leadership Program is a unique-in-Canada development opportunity that brings together a cohort of students each year from across disciplines, backgrounds and regions of the province. Applications for the 2023-24 cohort will be open on January 15, 2023. For more information about the PSLP, please visit: https://umanitoba.ca/asper/programs-of-study/presidents-student-leadership-program