Inaugural recipients of Kenvue Award for BIPOC Students selected

Five BIPOC Ted Rogers School of Management students will receive financial support for their education thanks to a new award from a major consumer healthcare company. 

Kenvue (external link, opens in new window) , the makers of iconic brands including Neutrogena® and Tylenol®, established the Kenvue Award for BIPOC students at the Ted Rogers School last year through a generous pledge of $100,000. The award recognizes the academic excellence and diversity of the student body, supporting undergraduate students in the Business Management program who self-identify as Black, Indigenous or a member of a racialized group.

Students Helena Ashenafi, Korine Edwards, Ritika Masand, Marisol Rivera and Husnaa Zamarai were selected as the inaugural recipients of the Kenvue Award, and each received $10,000 to support their education.

“Kenvue’s award will contribute to cultivating an inclusive learning environment that supports the next generation of leaders,” says Cynthia Holmes, Dean, Ted Rogers School. “The financial needs of our students are one of the school's key priorities, and I am grateful that Kenvue selected our school as a place to establish this award.”

Representatives from Kenvue Canada – Robert Sopov, Vice President, Customer Sales and Development, and Parm Sandhu, Customer Strategy Team Lead – visited the Ted Rogers School in July to meet the new award recipients.

“It was great to personally meet with representatives from Kenvue to learn more about their work and thank them for creating this award,” says Zamarai. “Often, students don’t get to have that face-to-face time with external donors, where they can create a more meaningful relationship, so this was appreciated.”

Ashenafi was also thankful for receiving the Kenvue Award and having the opportunity to meet members of the organization. “Kenvue's generous award has played a crucial role in supporting my education as a BIPOC student, providing the financial resources needed to pursue my dreams,” she says.

“Kenvue’s visit to our campus was incredibly inspiring. I received invaluable advice and motivation from hearing about Rob’s and Parm's journeys,” Ashenafi adds. “Their support has not only made a tangible difference in my life, but also empowered me to strive for excellence and leadership in my field.”

In addition to the monetary value of the award, Kenvue offers the award recipients quarterly connections with a senior leader at the organization, providing them with mentorship opportunities.

"At Kenvue, we're passionate about putting people first and we're proud to be able to support the next generation of talent with this award," says Sopov. "Congratulations to this year's recipients."

Eligible students can apply for the Kenvue Award for BIPOC Students via AwardSpring (external link)  beginning August 26, 2024.