5 graduates recognized for innovative thinking and inclusive impact: 2025 Director’s Award for Innovation and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

Innovation  

The Director’s Award for Innovation recognizes students who have demonstrated creativity through launching initiatives, solving problems, or improving systems. These students are not afraid to challenge convention, take bold actions, and leave lasting impacts through their ideas.  

This year’s three recipients of the Director’s Award for Innovation brought a bold, creative approach to their time at Rotman Commerce. Through their innovative ideas, they used their voice to solve problems and push boundaries, sparking new possibilities for those who follow. Congratulations to the 2025 Innovation Award recipients:  

For Hasan Raza, innovation was never about doing it alone. It was about building alongside others. He launched Mockt, a venture aimed at supporting students in career preparation through a peer-to-peer mock interview platform. Hasan’s journey was fuelled by the encouragement of his peers, faculty, and the broader RC community. Their openness to experimentation gave him the confidence to take bold steps and bring his ideas to life.  

What mattered the most to Hasan was making a meaningful contribution to how students grow and navigate their careers. In turn, he found a like-minded support system and a collaborative spirit that made the work all the more rewarding.  

Edouard Larouche’s Rotman Commerce experience was shaped by those around him—upper-years who led by example and created space for others to grow. Edouard helped bring the Rotman Commerce Student Fund (RCSF) to life—an initiative that combines innovation with mentorship. For him, the most rewarding aspect wasn’t just launching the fund but watching others find their voice. 

RC provided the ideal environment for Edouard to develop a relentless work ethic and gain a deeper understanding of his strengths and areas for growth. Looking ahead, he’s excited to carry those lessons forward and reconnect with the relationships that shaped his journey—both professionally and personally.  

In his second year, Emiel ten Doeschot teamed up with his classmates to bring a bold idea to life: a student-run investment fund that would give RC students real-world investing experience. With support from faculty, staff, and peers, that idea grew into what is now the Rotman Commerce Student Fund (RCSF).  

For Emiel, the most rewarding aspect was working alongside students who challenged themselves and each other to grow and improve. The experience served as a powerful reminder of the impact that comes from creating space for others to thrive.  

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The Director’s Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion recognizes students who were dedicated to advancing EDI within Rotman Commerce. These recipients fostered a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment at RC.  

Creating meaningful change begins with inclusion, and the graduates honoured with this award have made that their mission. Through advocacy and community-building, these students worked to make Rotman Commerce a place where students can feel seen, heard, and valued. Congratulations to the 2025 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award recipients:  

For Rachel Ma, her journey at Rotman Commerce did not begin smooth sailing. Facing financial hardship, self-doubt, and limited exposure to business, she was unsure of her place—but certainly determined to find it. Through the Rotman Commerce Liquid Assets Dragon Boat Team (RCLADBT) and the Rotman Commerce Competition Team (RCCT), she discovered her voice and found her purpose. 

Rachel led efforts to remove financial barriers in sports, secured sponsorships, and helped reintroduce a women’s boat to the RCLADBT team. At RCCT, she pioneered a community-facing resource development initiative to make training resources available to all U of T students, reaching 250 in the first weekend. Inspired by the mentors who uplifted her, Rachel focused on creating space for others to succeed. 

Through her years with Rotman Commerce Women in Business (RCWIB)—from Finance Intern to Director of Corporate Relations, Minji Kwak helped secure external sponsorships that enabled inclusive programming and empowered female-identifying students to pursue professional growth. She also worked to promote equity while mentoring future leaders and building meaningful friendships. 

Minji’s commitment to inclusion extended beyond RCWIB; as an Assistant Peer Mentor in the First-Year Learning Community (FLC), she fostered a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds, offering guidance and support through their university transition.  

By Cammyn Lim (BCom ’26) | July 7, 2025