Raina Abesteh helps students overcome barriers
Raina Abesteh
Global Management ’15
Business Administration (MBA) ’22
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Simcoe County District School Board
Raina Abesteh is keen to see others find their purpose through the life-changing power of an education. Fueled by her wonderful experiences as a student — and later, a staff member — at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Raina wanted to give back to the community she was a part of for so many years.
After earning her MBA in 2022, Raina started to put into place a new award to support Black, Indigenous and racialized undergraduate students at the Ted Rogers School of Management. Just last month, the two inaugural recipients of the Raina Abesteh Award award were told they would be receiving financial support for the 2024-25 academic year.
“I met with one of my award winners and was moved by her determination and resilience, despite the challenges that she has encountered,” said Raina. “I understand how vital having support can be, and the Raina Abesteh Award is my way of helping students overcome barriers to reaching their goals.”
The Raina Abesteh Award is matched by funds from the President’s Awards to Champion Equity (PACE), which helps to double the impact of Raina’s gift.
“I understand how vital having support can be, and the Raina Abesteh Award is my way of helping students overcome barriers to reaching their goals.”
“I always knew there was something I wanted to do to give back to the community that welcomed me for so many years and that really kind of kick-started my career,” said Raina, who worked at TMU for seven years as a Department Administrator and Program Manager.
Raina now works at the Simcoe County District School Board, where she is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, revising policies and developing training programs to ensure employment equity at 116 schools and learning centres. She credits her deep commitment to the education sector from the friends, professors and colleagues that made her time at TMU so especially meaningful.
“All of those memories have made me who I am today. I wanted my name to be a part of the TMU legacy. It’s a big accomplishment for me and I’m very proud, in a more formal way, to be a part of the team community as well.”
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