“Carry on bravely!” An adage often said by the late Dr. L. O. Bradley, a well-regarded leader in hospital administration and the healthcare industry, could very well be the rallying cry for Master of Health Industry Administration (MHIA) students and future healthcare leaders Hiba Mohiuddin (MHIA ‘24) and Diego Bernal (MHIA ‘24).
Hiba and Diego are the inaugural recipients of the Dr. L. O. Bradley Leadership Entrance Award, established by the Bradley Family in 2023 through a $250,000 gift to honour their father. Embodying the hallmarks of the award – outstanding leadership potential, innovative thinking and community involvement – Hiba and Diego are both determined to advance their careers while pursuing their passions. For them, the impact of the award goes beyond the monetary benefits. It motivates them to strive for excellence in their chosen fields and give back to the community as purpose-driven healthcare leaders and innovators.
For Diego, the award is a testament to the Bradley Family’s belief in people who are committed to working hard in championing the wellbeing of others. “I have worked in the Healthcare industry for the last five years at a Therapy Center for children aged 0 to 15. This is the industry I would love to focus on. After five years, I felt I needed to advance in my career. Thanks to this scholarship, I will be able to grow in my professional career and find a job in a company that matches my personal values.”
For Hiba, who is passionate about optimization and accessibility in healthcare, the award represents the belief and commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of excellence. “I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to be the first recipient of the Dr. L O Bradley Scholarship. It empowers me to carry on Dr. Bradley’s legacy to always aim higher and pursue my passions.”
To find out more about establishing awards to help foster future business leaders, please contact Catherine Hardman at chardman@schulich.yorku.ca.
Amazon is not just an online retail giant; it’s a revolutionary force reshaping the landscape of global commerce and technology. And at the helm of this force in Asia is Schulich School of Business graduate, Jasper Cheung, MBA ’90, the President of Amazon Japan G.K.
During his latest trip to Canada, Cheung visited our campus, bringing a wave of inspiration and giving us the chance to inquire and gain insight into his journey to success.
“My time at Schulich was transformative, providing me with the skills and perspectives necessary to navigate the complexities of the business world,” Cheung remarked. “It’s an honour to return and share my journey with the next generation of leaders.”
A Journey of Growth and Transformation
Reflecting on his time at Schulich, Cheung highlighted the importance of a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
“The Schulich School of Business has always been a melting pot of cultures and ideas,” Cheung said. “The exposure to different perspectives and the opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the world were invaluable experiences that shaped my approach to business.”
Cheung’s rise to prominence in the business world is a story of perseverance and vision. After graduating from Schulich, he embarked on a career path that saw him take on various roles in the corporate world, each one building on the skills and knowledge he acquired during his time at school.
Jasper Cheung, talking about leadership and innovation.
Leadership and Innovation
Cheung’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in the principles he learned at Schulich. He emphasized the importance of strategic thinking and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
“At Amazon, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s what allows us to stay ahead in a competitive market.”
Exploring Education in Canada
Cheung’s visit provided an opportunity for him to explore the campus and reconnect with the academic environment that shaped his career. The visit allowed him to interact with faculty and staff members and gain insights into the programs and resources available to our Schulich students.
“The campus is impressive and has changed a lot since I was a student. The faculty and staff members I met were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive,” Cheung remarked.
When asked why he chose Schulich and Canada for his business education, Cheung explained, “Canada represents a thriving economy closely linked to the U.S. market. I was particularly drawn to the innovative approaches in business management and the strategic use of technology prevalent here. These factors formed an appealing combination, and Schulich’s reputation aligned perfectly with my career aspirations.”
Jasper Cheung, sharing insights and advice for future business leaders.
MBA in Technology Leadership:
One thing Cheung is particularly proud of is his involvement in supporting the construction and design of the Tech MBA program at Schulich. “This was a great example of how I was able to use my expertise and connection with the school to create something valuable. It allowed me to combine my knowledge with curiosity to support the development of an amazing program that I think many future technology-focused business leaders will see as a great academic solution” Cheung explained.
Practical Advice for Success
Drawing from his own journey and leadership insights, Cheung offered timeless advice for students and professionals alike.
“Let your passion guide your career choices and goals. Embrace self-expression, be authentic and confident in expressing your interests and ideas. Cultivate curiosity, challenge assumptions, and seek diverse perspectives. And make continuous learning a priority to stay ahead in your career.”
A Lasting Impact
Cheung’s visit to the Schulich School of Business was more than just a homecoming; it was a celebration of the enduring impact of a quality education and a testament to the power of perseverance and vision.
“Jasper Cheung is a remarkable example of what our graduates can achieve,” said Dr. Detlev Zwick, Dean of the Schulich School of Business and Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy. “His commitment to innovation and ethical leadership is inspiring, and his willingness to share his experiences with our students, staff and alumni network is invaluable.”
Alumni Excellence
Jasper Cheung’s success story is one of many that highlight the exceptional achievements of Schulich alumni worldwide. The Schulich Global Alumni Network is a testament to the strength and reach of our community, as graduates like Cheung continue to make a significant impact across industries and borders.
“Our global alumni network is an invaluable asset,” said Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement & Alumni Engagement. “It’s through this community that we see the true power of a Schulich education—our alumni are leading change and driving innovation worldwide, and their continued engagement strengthens the entire Schulich ecosystem.”
For the Schulich community, Cheung’s visit reinforced the importance of fostering a supportive and innovative environment that prepares students for success in a globalized world.
Cheung with Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement & Alumni Engagement.
Join the Schulich Global Alumni Network
Alumni of the Schulich School of Business are part of a dynamic and diverse community of business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Our Schulich Global Alumni Network connects over 35,000 alumni across 90 countries, offering valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaboration.
Explore the scope of our global community and connect with our Chapter Ambassadors to stay engaged with the latest events, initiatives, and engagement opportunities in your region. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, reconnect with fellow Schulich alumni or pay it forward to your alma mater, the Schulich Global Alumni Network is here to support your continued success.
Dr. Abi Sriharan, Scientific Director for Schulich’s Krembil Centre for Health Management and Leadership, in collaboration with our industry partners, Sunnybrook Health Centre and SickKids Hospital, have successfully secured funding for two groundbreaking projects under the “Strengthening the Health Workforce for System Transformation” program. The first project focuses on cancer workforce optimization in five provinces, in partnership with Sunnybrook Health Centre. The second project centers on leadership training for pediatric healthcare managers to improve children’s health, in collaboration with SickKids Hospital. Both projects promise to make significant contributions to the Canadian healthcare system.
“Cancer has a huge and growing impact on the Canadian population and healthcare system, with nearly half of Canadians expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime,” said Sriharan.
“Additionally, Canada ranked 30th out of 38 peer countries in the UNICEF Innocenti Report Card on overall child well-being, despite having the 15th largest economy. We believe well-functioning health professionals are the cornerstone of effective healthcare systems. We hope these projects reduce burnout rates, improve job satisfaction, and enhance work-life balance for healthcare providers. For patients, we aim to improve access to care, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services.”
Innovative Partnership with Sunnybrook: Optimizing Cancer Care Workforce through Tailored Health Human Resources Strategies
The first project in partnership with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is a 3-phase, 12-month program consisting of four key components: (1) structured education sessions; (2) a centre-specific workforce optimization project; (3) monthly coaching; and (4) a virtual Community of Practice. The approach capitalizes on the inherent strengths of cancer centers in quality improvement, and is centred on fostering the capacity to diagnose, design, and implement context-specific workforce optimization strategies. This is a departure from the conventional, one-size-fits-all, top-down intervention paradigm prevalent in healthcare.
SickKids Partnership Launches Simulation-Based Coaching to Boost Pediatric Health Workforce Retention and Wellbeing
The second project in partnership with The Hospital for Sick Children introduces a simulation-based coaching leadership intervention to tackle the pressing challenges of pediatric health workforce retention and wellbeing in Canada. This initiative aims to bolster the sustainability of the pediatric health workforce by understanding the unique experiences of pediatric providers and adapting a managerial coaching intervention accordingly. The project will implement and evaluate CLIMB (Coaching Leaders to Improve Management and Well-Being), an evidence-based leadership intervention designed to combat burnout, and promote a resilient, equitable, diverse, and inclusive pediatric health workforce. The insights generated from this research will equip decision-makers with the necessary evidence to evidence the pediatric healthcare workforce crisis and enhance the healthcare system’s capacity to improve the health and wellbeing of children and youth.
“What excites us most about these projects is the chance to collaborate closely with healthcare organizations to make real changes,” said Sriharan. “These projects aim to tackle these workforce challenges by improving organizational functions, working conditions, and overall performance through strategic partnerships. They build on the Krembil Centre for Healthcare Management’s commitment to strengthening healthcare through leadership and management.”
Click here to learn more about the “Strengthening the Health Workforce for System Transformation” program.
Amanda Martinez (IMBA ‘99), “one of the great new voices in Spanish language Latin music” (World Music Central), recently released her highly anticipated new album, Recuerdo.
Produced by her long-time guitarist Kevin Laliberté and co-produced by her husband, bassist Drew Birston, Recuerdo is a daring departure that incorporates elements of world fusion, Cuban rhythms, and an injection of English pop that is her most adventurous album to date. It is dedicated to the memory of her late father Gustavo who taught her to savour each day, to appreciate nature and to just go for it and live life to the fullest.
“Recuerdo is a journey and my reflections of seeing my childhood and carefree times when all I had to focus on was playing and enjoying,” said Martinez. “I guess I was longing for that time of no responsibilities when I wrote some of the material when I wasn’t in a healthy headspace but wanting to force myself to keep going and writing words that would bring me hope.”
Martinez has sold out Ottawa’s National Arts Centre and Toronto’s Koerner Hall and Winter Garden Theatres. She has performed internationally including the Dubai International Jazz Festival (with Jesse Cook), at 2010’s FIFA World Cup Festivities in South Africa and the Pan-American Games in Guadalajara, and at New York City’s highly esteemed Blue Note Jazz Club.
Martinez credits her Schulich IMBA for helping her to look at her business with a critical eye -she still does a SWOT analysis of who she is in the industry and to build on her strengths and add people to her team whose strengths compliment her own.
“I feel so grateful for the friendships that I made during my time at Schulich,” she says. “My 601 final project group teammates are still some of my closest friends who come to support my shows and who I rely on to bounce off ideas. It helps that they are not in the business so I can get outside advice and ideas. I also remember my professors well who were caring, and their practical advice and feedback gave me encouragement. I feel like the Schulich Community and alumni association have been very supportive to me over the years and remember feeling honoured to perform for Schulich’s 50th.”
For current Schulich students who have an artistic flair, Martinez has the following advice: “You have an asset with your business to find ways to make your artistic endeavours sustainable, realizing that no dream is too big. However, it may require the day-to-day work that many of us shy away from. Never underestimate yourself; your creative skills bring fresh perspectives to organizations. I recently heard a quote that I love: it’s not our individual skills that help us excel but our unique combinations. It also greatly helps if you enjoy what you do, as then it never feels like work!”
Martinez is currently working on a new series called “Ingredients for a Good Life” where she will be interviewing people about the things – or rituals – they actively do in their life to bring them joy, whether that is taking time for an afternoon tea or watching the morning sunrise. Also an actor, Martinez has two movies coming out – a lead role in “Legend of Cloudy Falls” and “The Deceitful Son”.
Schulich recently delivered its 4th Annual Supply Chain Research Forum, “Supply Chain Challenges: Practical Insights from Emerging Academic Research.” The two-day forum was presented in partnership between the George Weston Ltd. Centre for Sustainable Supply Chains (Schulich School of Business – York University) and the Ivey Business School, Western University. The event took place from June 1 – 2, 2024, at the Ivey Business School in London, Ontario.
The research forum was attended by a diverse group of academic researchers from post-secondary institutions across Canada as well as invited industry guests. The annual forum brings together researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to engage in emerging research related to supply chain management, including exploring major challenges related to the sustainability of supply chains, digital transformation, mitigating supply disruptions, and the need for greater social inclusion.
“This year’s forum in partnership with our colleagues at the Ivey Business School presented us with the opportunity to engage in emerging research central to the competitiveness of Canada’s supply chains,” said David Johnston, Research Chair and Director, George Weston Ltd. Centre for Sustainable Supply Chains. “Thank you to Gal Raz (Associate Professor, Ivey Business School) and all of the faculty and staff from the Ivey Business School for making this year’s forum a great success.”
Moving forward, the Research Forum will continue to expand its reach across Canada with the 5th annual forum to be hosted in partnership with HEC Montréal in June 2025, in Montreal, Quebec.
For full event details on the 2024 Research Forum, please see this page.View photos from the 2024 Supply Chain Research Forum >
For information related to Supply Chain Management education at Schulich, visit our Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) program page.
MREI candidates 2024, Kevin Balkaran, Bianca Gornik and Darren Adamah received first place recently at Developers’ Den XIV. The second place team included Gaurav Dhaliwal and Mahdi Bashash, and the third place team consisted of Sonal Bagga, Eric Pong and Jose Velasquez.
This year’s competition featured students from Schulich’s Real Assets Area (MBA & MREI) as well as students from Concordia University, competing against each other to solve a challenging, real-world real estate problem. They applied skills and knowledge learnt from Schulich’s world class Real Estate and Infrastructure program.
“The Schulich Real Property Alumni Association (SRPAA) tasked us with reimagining QuadReal and RBC’s Dorval Crossing East site in Oakville,” said Adamah. “As a team, we proposed the strategic renovation of 55% of the existing retail area, while delivering mixed-used residential developments across 1.7M buildable SF, anchored by a retail food market and 37k SF of POPS.”
The Developers’ Den Alumni Organizing Committee included Anubhav Sharma (MREI ’20), Christian Petersen (MBA ’13), Mohammad Zeidi (MREI ‘21), Severina Lutaj (MBA ’22), and Aaron Herschoff (MBA ’09).
“It was wonderful to see the creativity and professionalism from this year’s competitors – they impressed the judges and the real estate community,” said Sharma.
This year’s sponsors included: Parkbridge; QuadReal Property Group; Altus Group; Arkfield Capital; The Carlyle Group; DevronMontcrest Asset Management; DreamHarbour Equity; SmartCentres REIT; Starlight Investments; Canderel Group; Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd; BA Consulting Group Ltd.; Forum Asset ManagementCampus Suites; and RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust.
Developers’ Den is presented by Schulich’s Real Assets Area and the Schulich Real Property Alumni Association.
The Schulich community gathered recently for an engaging alumni forum – CONNECT ‘2024: Navigating in a Dynamic World. The full day event included interactive panel discussions, professional development workshops and networking opportunities.
“CONNECT ’24 was a highly successful alumni engagement event that provided numerous networking opportunities and brought together 280 participants from the Schulich community,” said Dean Detlev Zwick. “The alumni forum explored some of the big issues and challenges confronting business today, while also looking at some of the exciting new opportunities that are emerging in a dynamic world of change.”
The event kicked off with a fireside chat featuring Dean Zwick and Eva and Allen Lau, founders of Wattpad, one of Canada’s most successful tech companies. Now entrepreneurial investors, co-leading Two Small Fish, the Laus shared perspectives on technology innovation, funding, and the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian entrepreneurs.
Throughout the day, attendees were able to participate in the Coach’s Corner where nine coaches offered 1:1 professional coaching sessions. New this year, Facilitated Networking sessions were held in the Marketplace for attendees that wanted to meet with like-minded individuals to discuss Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, Consulting and Management as well as one general networking session.
A special closing fireside chat that provided an economic outlook featured Aaron Bennett, Chief Investment Officer, University Pension Plan (UPP) and was moderated by Joseph Ogilvie, Director, Real Assets Leadership Institute.
Schulich thanks Pam Laycock (MBA ’89) and Roshni Wijayasinha (MBA ’09), this year’s Co-Chairs as well as the 44 speakers/moderators, most of whom were Schulich alumni.
“Building on this momentum, CONNECT ’24 reaffirmed our commitment to creating a more vibrant and engaged global alumni community,” said Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “The widespread participation of alumni, including their attendance at pre-event Reunions, highlighted the Schulich Annual Alumni Forum’s role as a key platform for networking, reconnecting with the School, and exploring alumni benefits.”
As a young UK immigrant looking to expand his skills while running a marketing consultancy, Alan Middleton was intrigued by the idea of pursuing an MBA at the Schulich School of Business – then known as the Faculty of Administrative Studies.
“It was clear to me that Schulich was the place to be, and Dean Emeritus Horváth saw what was coming in management education.” This realization led Alan Middleton to begin what would eventually turn into decades of engagement as a student, alumnus, instructor and administrator at the Schulich School of Business.
Completing his MBA in Marketing in 1977 was everything he expected and more as he moved onto new challenges in his career. Following his MBA, Alan had a successful career in marketing in Canada and Japan before doing his PhD and starting his academic career. In 1997, he also completed his PhD at Schulich.
In 1991, Middleton received a call from his alma mater to lead the Executive Education portfolio – a challenge he couldn’t resist. Over his 19-year tenure as a highly regarded Schulich faculty member, he became an inspiration to our community and played an important role in enhancing Schulich’s reputation both nationally and internationally.
Today, as Dean Zwick leads Schulich into a renewed era of innovation and growth, Middleton wants to ensure students have the same advantages he had. He worries about the cost of education and seeks to ensure that a lack of finances never becomes an obstacle to skill development throughout one’s career. He believes in the transformational power of education and its ability to launch successful careers.
While in his 50s, Middleton began contemplating how he might support the causes that matter most to him – and one of those was education. “I’m leaving a bequest to the Schulich School of Business since it was important to me. Education is one of the major areas I’ve selected for bequest gifts when I’m gone.”
“A legacy gift is not just a donation – it’s a timeless investment in the future of our School and our students,” says Dean Detlev Zwick. “It helps fuel program expansion, nurture innovation, and empower our students. Middleton’s inspirational leadership and vision is helping ensure that Schulich provides the same sort of life-changing opportunities that it did when he was a student.”
To join Alan Middleton as a legacy donor or to learn more about how you can include Schulich in your estate plans, contact Ana Santos, Advancement Officer, Major Gifts at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca or visit our Legacy Giving website to learn more.
Schulich announced the dedication of a Graduate Study lounge to esteemed alumnus, Bill Graham (MBA ’86). In a special naming ceremony held on April 22 at the school’s Rob and Cheryl McEwen Graduate Study & Research Building, the lounge was officially renamed the Bill Graham MBA ’86 Global Alumni Network Graduate Study Lounge in Graham’s honour.
Situated on the second floor of the McEwen Building, this newly named space serves as a lasting tribute to Graham’s exceptional leadership and service to the Schulich community. For over two decades, Graham was instrumental in fostering strong relationships within the Schulich Global Alumni Network, often visiting alumni across the globe, while also serving as a proud ambassador of the school.
“The dedication of the Bill Graham MBA ’86 Global Alumni Network Graduate Study Lounge is a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual whose leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on our Schulich alumni community,” remarked Dean Detlev Zwick.
Throughout his illustrious career, Graham’s dedication to Schulich and York University has been exemplary. Serving as President of the Schulich Global Alumni Network from 2001 to 2021, and as a valued member of the Dean’s Advisory Council and Executive-in-Residence, Bill played a pivotal role in shaping the School’s global reputation for excellence.
Graham’s outstanding service has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Schulich Alumni Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2013 and the York University Bryden Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2016. His unwavering support for the Schulich Annual Fund since 1986 demonstrates his commitment to giving back to his alma mater.
At the naming ceremony, heartfelt speeches were delivered by Dean Detlev Zwick, as well as by close friends Skip Sigel, Lorna Wright, and current Global Alumni President, Pam Laycock (MBA ’89). The event also featured remarks from Ronak Singhvee (MBA ’25), the inaugural recipient of the Bill Graham MBA ’86 Global Leadership Award, who expressed his gratitude to the scholarship donors for their generous contributions, many of whom were present in the room. Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, was the emcee of this special occasion.
To learn more about Bill Graham’s remarkable journey, visit the Bill Graham Award Page.
KPMG and the KPMG Foundation continue to generously support the Schulich School of Business. Their latest pledge constitutes a new investment that will benefit up to 75 students over the next five years who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need.
“At KPMG, we foster a ‘learn for a lifetime’ culture by encouraging and supporting academic excellence and empowering students to reach their fullest potential,” said Jaanam Desai, CPA Manager – Talent Attraction. “We take great pride in our continued support for the Schulich School of Business and its students. Our dedication stems from a mutual belief in the transformative power of education, and the opportunities to break down barriers to ensure equitable access for all. We are proud of our ongoing partnership and look forward to the ocean of more opportunities.”
A special event was held at KPMG’s offices in Vaughan on April 4th to celebrate and acknowledge the partnership with KPMG and recognize the recipients of the following 2023-2024 KPMG awards:
KPMG Award for Black and Indigenous Students – disbursed to those who have been admitted or are currently registered in the Schulich BBA/iBBA program. The successful candidate must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. Applicants are required to complete the Schulich Bursary Application/SFP and self-identify as Black or Indigenous.
KPMG Undergraduate Accounting Scholarship – granted to third year BBA/iBBA students specializing in accounting.
KPMG Accounting Scholarship – awarded to students admitted to or currently registered in the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program.
“Schulich is grateful for the generous support provided by KPMG to establish a significant number of new scholarships,” said Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick. “The KPMG scholarships will remove barriers to accessing education for Black and Indigenous students while providing crucial resources for students pursuing careers in accounting and students specializing in Entrepreneurial and Family Business Studies at Schulich.”
The awards are already making an impact on current Schulich students.
“Receiving this scholarship is a pivotal moment in my academic journey, symbolizing both a recognition of my past efforts and an inspiring vote of confidence in my future potential,” said Dua Qadir (BBA Candidate ’25), KPMG Undergraduate Accounting Recipient. “It is incredibly humbling to know that an esteemed organization like KPMG believes in my abilities and is willing to invest in my education and dreams.”
To learn more about the establishment of scholarships and awards at Schulich, please contact Catherine Hardman at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca.
