Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Stories

In our Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Series, we shine a spotlight on the transformative power of embracing diverse perspectives. Listen to the stories of change-makers, advocates, and individuals championing equality, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating diversity.

"Fitting in as an International Student"

Asad Salman (external link) , a second-year international student, majoring in Economics and Management Science, shares his experience of coming to Canada, transferring universities, finding academic success and fitting in as an international student. Asad came to Toronto from Dubai and started his post-secondary life at another university before transferring to the Ted Rogers School of Management after his first-year. Asad got involved with Fit for Business as soon as he arrived at TRSM, and he shares his experiences as a TedPack Leader and his roles in other student groups around TRSM. Asad opens up about his struggle adjusting to life in Toronto all by himself, the pressure of following in his older brother's footsteps, and his eventual acceptance into the Business Management Program at the Ted Rogers School.

"From Saudi Arabia to Toronto"

Mohammad (Mo) Badawy (external link) , a fifth-year Hospitality and Tourism Management student, shares his experience coming into the Ted Rogers School of Management as an international student and immediately getting involved in many student groups. Mo got involved early on in his first year, which lead him to hold leadership roles on the Ted Rogers Students’ Society, Ted Rogers Outreach Program, and Global Management Students Association, and then in his upper years gained work as experience as a Business Development Coordinator at the Business Career Hub and became the President of the Black Business Students Association (BBSA) for two years in a row, expanding his passion to help TRSM students. Mo speaks about why he chose TMU and how he transitioned to the city of Toronto. Crediting the connections he made throughout his time in university, he explains how he grew and lists the defining moments that shaped him to become who he is now.

Please note: This episode was recorded prior to Ryerson University's official name change to Toronto Metropolitan University.

"TRSS Launches EDI Well-being Space"

In this week’s My Story in 30 special episode, we’re thrilled to have Husnaa Zamarai and Sheru Yousafzai from the EDI committee of TRSS sharing with us their recent achievement at CABS for the best EDI initiative for students as they launched the first ever EDI Well-being Space in TRSM.

TRSS has been the voice for many generations of undergraduates TRSM students. Over the past year, students have expressed the need to have a multi-faith room in the TRSM building in addition to the one we have at the university located in the Student Campus Center (SCC).

Oftentimes, staff and faculty members would encounter students praying in the stairwells or in classrooms because they didn't have a dedicated spaces in the building nor wanted to be late for classes. As students advocate for students, the EDI committee conducted a sommunity survey in the Fall semsester, researched and visited different standards for a multi-faith space and worked closely with faculty members to bring the EDI Well-being Space project to students.

Thanks to their hard work, in late February, students now have access to the EDI Well-being Space right here in the Ted Rogers School of Management located on the 7th floor, room TRS 1-045. This space is open to those of all faiths/spiritualities or none at all, to pray, meditate, reflect, bereave or find quite. It is provided to help in managing life, spirituality, health, studies and wellbeing.

"BBSA: Creating A Legacy For The Black Students Community"

In this week’s My Story in 30 special episode, we’re thrilled to have Mohammad Badawy & Nya Martin-Hemming, BBSA Co-Presidents, sharing their recent achievement at Canadian Association of Business Students (CABS) for the most outstanding subsidiary club.

BBSA was founded in 2020 and comprises motivated black student leaders who want to create a space for the community to become future change-makers through organizing events and initiatives around community engagement, professional development, and academic excellence. Mo and Nya have contributed significantly to reviving the group and leading BBSA to achieve the prestigious award at CABS. A passion for empowering other black students and increasing visible representation was part of the driving force for them to try out different things and leverage the resources available to create a legacy that will last for years to come.

"Finding Confidence as an International Student"

Jasmann Singh Narang (external link) , an international student pursuing Marketing talks about his experience connecting with people in events and the real world. He goes on to give advice on how international students can get themselves out there and build long lasting connections. Jasmann was part of the Top 10 % in his first year and discusses how that recognition and FFB events helped him gain the confidence to go out and speak to people. He talks about his interest as a story teller and how he was able to translate his passions into his career path. Jasmann's story provides students insignt into how students can get involved in their first years and begin to start their professional career.