Leading with purpose: 2025 Director’s Award for Leadership  

True leadership is demonstrated through action, influence, and the ability to bring people together. At Rotman Commerce, the Director’s Award for Leadership celebrates students who have gone beyond expectations to inspire change, build community, and lead with integrity. 

This year, six exceptional graduates have earned this honour, each leaving a lasting impact through their dedication, vision, and commitment to making Rotman Commerce a better place for everyone. From launching new programs to building inclusive communities, these students represent what it means to lead at RC. Congratulations to the 2025 Leadership Award recipients:  

From her early days as an intern with Rotman Commerce Students in Sports (RCSS) to her presidency, Ella Jones has been a driving force in making sports business more inclusive and accessible. She led initiatives such as Puppy Yoga and Pilates to create welcoming entry points, particularly for women. Her leadership extended across campus, including mentoring through Orientation and Upper Year Connect, supporting student athletes with Blues in Commerce, and participating in the Rotman Commerce Liquid Assets Dragon Boat Team (RCLADBT). 

A standout memory in her journey was representing a Canadian startup at the Electronica Trade Mission in Munich, showcasing her global outlook.  

Cristina Koga began her RC journey before classes even started, joining in on Orientation events from Japan. As an international student, she pushed herself to get involved—and it paid off. She became President of Rotman Commerce Toastmasters (RCT), transforming her fear of public speaking into a platform for helping others find their voice. 

As a Senior Peer Mentor in the First-Year Learning Community (FLC), Cristina combined energy and creativity with mentorship, introducing new sessions like “Personal Branding & Reflection.” Whether it is reviving RCT’s “Speakeasy” or simply welcoming new students at the Clubs Fair, Cristina led with care, intention, and a genuine desire to help others feel seen.  

During her time at Rotman Commerce, Namita Pise worked to create spaces where every student felt they belonged and had the power to evoke positive change. As Vice President of the Rotman Commerce Students’ Association (RCSA), she helped shape student initiatives and engagement behind the scenes, with an unwavering focus on community.  

Namita led with humility and purpose, driven by a conviction that leadership is about learning from others and uplifting them. Ultimately, she leaves RC with a renewed sense of purpose to continue learning, growing, and leading. 

Serving as President of the Rotman Commerce Students’ Association (RCSA), Luca DiPietro’s leadership focused on community-building and advocacy. He spearheaded efforts to improve academic transparency by encouraging professors to disclose class performance metrics. Luca also co-launched the RC Roundtable, fostering collaboration among student club leaders. 

Luca’s leadership was shaped early on by his feelings of imposter syndrome. Through his other roles as a Teaching Assistant, Residence Don, and mentor, he supported others in finding the same confidence and community that once uplifted him.  

Lana Halime’s leadership journey with the Rotman Commerce Accounting Society (RCAS) began when she joined as a committee member, eager to contribute and learn. A year later, she grew into a confident and impactful leader, eventually becoming Vice President. She helped drive consistently high event turnout, led with a focus on student feedback, and mentored new members through RCAS’s mentorship program.  

Lana also supported the broader RC Community by volunteering for Admissions and Career Services events and facilitating the Women’s Leadership Symposium panels. Her leadership journey is a powerful reflection of personal growth, from initially being hesitant to speak up to confidently creating a space for others to be heard.  

For Iqra Sadiq, the three C’s: Compassion, Commitment, and Courage, have always been at the core of her leadership. She carried these principles through every role, from Marketing Director at Rotman Commerce FinTech Association (RC FinTech) to Assistant Peer Mentor for the First-Year Learning Community (FLC).  

Whether it be coordinating events, creating excitement about the RC Houses, or simply offering encouragement to students before an exam as a Teaching Assistant, Iqra led with care. She was also a Campus Ambassador for KPMG and contributed to revamping the RC Houses trophy tradition. For Iqra, leadership focused on turning small moments into meaningful impact, showing that even quiet acts of service have the power to transform a community.  

By Cammyn Lim (BCom ’26) | July 10, 2025