Trailblazing Leadership: Rebecca Eyob Impact on TMU’s Community

As an aspiring young business leader, Rebecca is currently a second-year Marketing Management student at TMU and is actively involved within the TMU community, particularly taking a leadership role in the Black Business Students' Association (BBSA).

The BBSA’s mission is to connect their members with other companies and provide network opportunities and relationships through various events. 

Rebbecca has a more leadership role within this association, acting as a Growth and Development (G&D) Associate for the 2023-24 academic year. She plays a crucial role in shaping memorable experiences, and in her position, she has helped plan and execute events such as street markets, art exhibitions, and cultural shows to help foster this community.

She joined the team after meeting Mohammad Badawy, the co-founder of BBSA, at a business event in her first semester at TMU. “He's told me so much about BBSA, and I attended so many of their events last year, to the point where I realized that this was a community that I wanted to be part of -- and so that's exactly what I did,” she reflects. 

“My absolute favourite part of BBSA is my team; we've bonded so quickly over the span of the past six months, to the point where I just feel like that's my family,” she adds.

Her newfound community not only helps her foster and make connections with other established and aspiring professionals, but she has also established a new community. 

Beyond her commitment to creating strong connections within the Black community, Rebecca extends an invite for BBSA events to all members of the TMU community emphasizing her strong desire to build connections with her peers of all backgrounds.

“Although our events are made with the intent to support and uplift Black people, we are very inclusive  and encouraging to anybody and everybody participating,” she says, adding, “Leading into Black History Month now, we are definitely striving to host events that not only reflects on the history of our ancestors, but celebrates Black life now more than ever!”

Becca’s influence extends outside the BBSA. Working as a Speaker’s Associate for Rise Entertainment Collective (REC) Toronto, she reaches out to potential clients to participate in their events, playing a pivotal role as a creative catalyst for brand evolution. 

“My favourite part of REC Toronto is the ability to shine light on small businesses. A majority of the businesses I've reached out to, I still keep up with to this day,” she adds. 

REC Toronto plans several events throughout the semester including their annual end-of-year conference featuring a star-studded panel and on campus markets, which you have probably seen on the first floor of the SLC.

"We love to give spotlight to aspiring small businesses that we think have a lot of potential to make it big in Toronto – so we provide them with a platform to support and give them exposure," she adds.

Rebecca’s dedication to opening up doors for young entrepreneurs not only exemplifies her strong leadership qualities but also her dedication to fostering growth within the community.

Within TMU Recreation, Becca’s leadership skills are exemplified through her position as an Event Booking Assistant where she is responsible for planning and organizing a diverse range of events.

Many of the events within TMU Recreation owe their success to Rebecca's contributions; without her efforts, they wouldn't be possible. Reflecting on her involvement, she mentions, "I recently assisted in planning and executing a Career Fair in the Kerr Hall Gymnasium. I've also been involved in organizing volleyball tournaments, student group dance practices, yoga nights, class exercises using the pool, and many more."

Rebecca's attention to detail and exceptional communication skills have been crucial in creating memorable experiences for the TMU community. Beyond professional capabilities, Becca's vibrant personality truly sets her apart.

With her heavy involvement within the TMU community it truly takes commitment to succeed. She credits her sister, Gellila as her biggest inspiration and motivation to staying involved and committed to becoming a better leader. 

“I've witnessed her struggles firsthand, feeling the overwhelming confusion of what her future is expected to look like in a post-university world. But as I've witnessed her struggle, I've witnessed her flourish firsthand, as well, utilizing her leadership skills to obtain a position she excels at. She's been my role model from day one, and I hope that one day I will be able to flourish as a leader as well as she does,” she adds.

Rebecca Eyob is a powerful example of young Black leadership, promoting diversity, empowerment, and community engagement. Her contributions go beyond Recreation, inspiring an inclusive campus culture.