Rotman Commerce Wellness helps students find balance
At Rotman Commerce, where conversations often revolve around case competitions, recruiting deadlines, and interview prep, a vital movement is taking shape. Rotman Commerce Wellness is championing a culture of balance and well-being, from coffee shop study sessions to open conversations about mental health.
Empowering students to prioritize well-being
Rotman Commerce Wellness (RCW) was founded on a simple realization: academic achievement and career advancement begin with a strong foundation of mental and physical health. RCW’s founders envisioned a safe space where students can step back from the grind and connect with like-minded peers, ultimately developing habits that support personal well-being and professional success.
Mikaela Krisnawan, Co-Founder, RC Wellness (BCom ‘27)“Over time, our goal is to establish a supportive network where students can find balance, develop healthy habits, and carry those lessons with them long after graduation.”
Balancing rigorous coursework with career development, Rotman Commerce students often find themselves under pressure. The competitive pace can make it challenging to prioritize well-being without feeling as though valuable time is being taken away from their goals. Recognizing this, RCW’s events like Sip & Study allow students to be productive and connect with peers, while also taking time to unwind.
Yirui Tao, Co-Founder, RC Wellness (BCom ‘27)“We had students come tell us that they felt they had one of their most productive study sessions of the week, that they met many new friends, and are really looking forward to future RCW events.”
Leading with empathy
For the team behind RCW, leading the group has been as much a journey of self-discovery as it has been about supporting others. Building a community centred around well-being has taught them that leadership is more than just planning events—it’s about actively listening, empathizing, and creating an environment where students feel seen and supported.
In a fast-paced program that can sometimes feel overwhelming, being part of RCW is a constant reminder for its leaders to practice what they promote: taking time to rest and showing up for themselves as they do for others. Each event, conversation, and feedback received from students has reaffirmed why this work matters and how small acts of care can make a lasting impact within the RC community.
Irene Kim, Co-Founder, RC Wellness (BCom ‘27)“Helping to build a community that normalizes conversations about balance and self-care showed us that leadership involves modelling healthy habits and encouraging others to do the same.”
What’s next for Rotman Commerce Wellness?
RCW continues to expand its impact through new and returning initiatives that bring students together. Recently, the team partnered with IAM Yoga Pilates to host an Active Hour Mat Pilates session. They will also be hosting a keynote event on happiness in the workplace, featuring Professor Adam Stoehr, exploring how well-being and professional fulfilment go hand-in-hand. RCW’s Sip & Study will also continue throughout the year, bringing students together to collaborate, recharge, and support one another during busy academic periods.
RCW’s message to students is simple: “Your well-being matters just as much as your grades or career goals.” Balance is not a luxury—but rather, a necessity for sustainable success. By creating opportunities for connection and open conversation, RCW is helping shape a culture where taking care of yourself, and each other, is seen as a mark of strength.
“We truly believe that community makes all the difference; it’s the backbone of everything we do… When students support one another, it creates a space where people feel understood, encouraged, and reminded that they are not alone.”
Mikaela Krisnawan, Co-Founder, RC Wellness (BCom ‘27)
By Cammyn Lim (BCom ’26) | October 30, 2025
