Latest news with #UniversityofOxfordSaïdBusinessSchool
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘This Is What Happens When Women Read': New Oxford MBA Scholarship Champions Liberation Through Education
A new University of Oxford Saïd Business School will pay full MBA tuition to one woman per year who is looking to overcome economic or personal barriers through education. Courtesy photo The change for Julianna Glasse came in church. After 33 years in a conservative Christian denomination, Glasse says she stumbled into philosophy and literature after meeting a gay couple who challenged everything she'd been taught. She couldn't imagine telling her own daughter that they may be somehow separate from God for who they love, or that her proximity to God was somehow tied to her proximity to a husband. She started reading, and she started questioning. That day in church, Glasse spoke up in favor of both women's and LGBTQ+ rights. A man pointed at her and delivered a line that would pave the runway for the rest of her life. 'Well,' he said, 'this is what happens when women read.' Glasse says she left the church that day. The former Christian pop singer lost her marriage, a book deal, and a career she'd built up over years. But she gained a calling: To liberate oppressed women around the world through education, literature, and community. In March, she launched This Is What Happens When Women Read, a nonprofit rooted this mission. Today (May 19), she announced with University of Oxford for women pursuing a full-time MBA. The scholarship will cover full tuition for a woman looking to overcome economic or personal barriers through education while providing mentorship and community. 'We are not just opening doors to academic opportunity, we are igniting a movement where women can reclaim their narratives, challenge systemic barriers, and shape their own futures,' Glasse says. Julianna Glasse The scholarship will fund one woman per year over the next five years. Each scholar will also select 10 other women to form a personal cohort, creating a network of 55 ambassadors for by the end of the program, Glasse tells Poets&Quants. Scholars will build their own public voices through writing, speaking, and feminist events. Each will also serve as an ambassador for global nonprofit in their home countries, helping to grow a global community of women advocating for autonomy. Glasse chose to partner with Oxford Saïd for a couple of reasons, including its commitment to international and female representation in business education. Saïd's was the , enrolling a 2023-2024 cohort that was 51% women. It was just the third major business school in the world to meet the milestone. The 2025 MBA cohort includes 348 students from 59 nationalities, 48% of whom are women. 'We need women in business. We need women running things. We need women using their creative spirits and being entrepreneurs, and climbing the ranks,' Glasse says. Glasse also chose Oxford after completing the B-school's Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, a one-month executive course that draws professionals from around the world. For the class, she wrote a case study Glasse focused on how internal oppression – shame, fear, psychological manipulation, and isolation – keeps women in place, particularly within religious systems. During her presentation, a classmate from Saudi Arabia, who usually never spoke in class, raised her hand to share how the story resonated with her. Then another woman from the Maldives spoke. Then Morocco. Then China. Then Japan. They moved the discussion to a bar after class because so many women had more to say. 'We were all sharing our stories of liberation with one another,' Glasse says. 'Without a doubt, access to education, access to literature, access to books is so, so fundamental to a woman's liberation.' Though she released seven music projects and published three books, Glasse had no formal business training before Oxford. She sees business education in particular as a powerful tool for women's liberation. The MBA, as a degree, trains candidates not just on the fundamentals of business, but to reflect on themselves. It teaches them to build something, whether it be their own venture or a fulfilling career. Soumitra Dutta, dean of the University of Oxford Saïd Business School 'The spirit of business, to me, as an entrepreneur myself, is one of creativity,' she says. 'And I do not think that a woman can liberate herself without being a creative individual.' Soumitra Dutta, the Peter Moores Dean of Oxford Saïd, praised Glasse's vision and partnership. 'We are incredibly grateful to Julianna for her generous gift. Like all of us at Oxford Saïd, she recognises the importance of supporting the next generation of female leaders from across the world in their education and personal development,' he says. 'Her work with This is What Happens When Women Read sets out her stall as a world-leading advocate for women and girls and we are incredibly proud to have partnered with her to propel one student's ambitions to enroll on our prestigious MBA programme.' The scholarship is open to any international applicant to Oxford Saïd's MBA who has overcome serious barriers to education. The first scholar for Fall 2025 has been selected and will be announced later this year. Glasse will travel to Oxford to meet the recipient, host a cohort event, and begin building the new ambassador network. She hopes to eventually expand the scholarship to other universities worldwide. Glasse is also developing a self-guided curriculum for her nonprofit with a clinical psychologist from UC Berkeley. The curriculum addresses how women can reconstruct meaning after leaving high-control systems, blending philosophy, psychology, meditation, case study, and poetry. It will be made available as a book, video series, and potentially an academic course. In 2026, she will release her memoir, also titled This Is What Happens When Women Read, which will be followed by a global book tour designed to create physical gathering spaces for women's stories and healing. Isolation is one of the greatest inhibitors to a woman's liberation, she says. Women stay in oppressive systems because they don't know where to go for help. 'We know what happens when women read: We challenge systems of oppression. We can see systems of oppression. We can put names and words to the systems of oppression,' Glass says. 'And then we go back to school, we apply for that job, we demand that raise, and we run for office.' Learn more about the scholarship . DON'T MISS: OXFORD SAÏD LAUNCHES CYBER CRISIS ELECTIVE AS HIGH STREET RETAILERS REEL FROM ATTACKS AND MEET OXFORD SAÏD'S INAUGURAL CLASS OF FUTURE LEADER SCHOLARS The post 'This Is What Happens When Women Read': New Oxford MBA Scholarship Champions Liberation Through Education appeared first on Poets&Quants.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet Oxford Saïd's Inaugural Class Of Future Leader Scholars
The inaugural class of Future Leader Scholars at University of Oxford Saïd Business School, Courtesy photo Growing up in Cameroon in Central Africa, Laurinda Tchouanga saw first-hand the unequal impacts of climate change. Many African countries are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of a warming planet, despite being among the lowest contributors of global emissions. 'This reality drives me to build expertise at the intersection of business and sustainability, so I can contribute to solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also support economic resilience in regions that need it most,' says Tchouanga, a Class of 2025 MBA candidate at University of Oxford . She wanted an MBA to leverage her engineering background into driving change at the intersection of business and sustainability. She chose Saïd for its focus on sustainability and global impact, its close ties to Africa, and its diverse and engaged community. 'These three elements made it the perfect fit for me to build the skills and network I need to make a real impact,' she tells Poets&Quants. Tchouanga is one of 29 inaugural recipients of Oxford Saïd's Future Leaders Scholarship, an award made possible by a record-breaking donation from the school's founding benefactor, Wafic Saïd. The £10 million gift from Wafic Saïd and the Saïd Foundation is the business school's largest single donation in its history. Worth up to £40,000, the scholarship will be awarded to up to 50 Saïd MBAs per year. This fall, the school welcomed the first cohort of 29 scholars, half of whom are women. They come from 15 countries, including Ghana, Singapore, Vietnam, and several across the United Kingdom and Europe. They arrive with standout accomplishments across a range of industries and are already making their mark during their first term. The Future Leaders Scholarship aspires to elevate the school's international reputation by supporting students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and global impact. 'The primary focus of my philanthropy is investing in talent through Higher Education. I am interested in its huge power to transform the life opportunities of individual students; and through them, as its agents of change, organisations, businesses and societies, finding solutions to the world's problems,' . He is founder of Saïd Holdings Limited, a privately-held international investment company. He is also the founding benefactor of Saïd Business School as well as founder and Chairman of the Saïd Foundation, a charity serving children and talented young people from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. This year's scholars represent sectors ranging from energy to journalism to social enterprise. Julia Schnelting, a former McKinsey consultant and first-generation college student from Germany, is using her MBA to sharpen her leadership and financial skills before returning to consulting and ultimately transitioning into industry leadership. Jose F. C. Hong, an environmentalist from Singapore and former journalist, hopes to manage global food supply chains in a way that protects the planet. Nathaniel (Unathi) Harding has more than seven years of experience in social impact strategy and operations. As an Oxford Black Leaders Scholar, he will focus on launching Spark: The Global Flourishing Foundations Course – an education startup focused on key social impact goals such as the UN SDGs. 'While most of the leaders I've worked with are clear about the problems they want to solve in the world, few have articulated a clear vision for a world we desire,' he tells P&Q. Below and on the following pages, we profile four of Oxford Saïd's exceptional Future Leaders Scholars. Learn more about the scholarship MBA class year: 2025 Hometown/ Home Country: Essen, Germany Julia Schnelting, MBA '25 I grew up in Germany with my sister, surrounded by a supportive family that always encouraged my curiosity and ambitions. Growing up in a family of technical professionals, I developed a natural interest in engineering and technology. I was the first in my family to earn a university degree, focusing on both engineering and business, as I found the intersection of these fields fascinating. I did competitive rowing for many years and spent two years rowing at a U.S. university. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and CrossFit. With my background in industrial engineering, holding both a bachelor's and master's degree in Sales Engineering and Product Management, I began my career in product management at a German mining plant manufacturer, before transitioning to consulting. I joined McKinsey & Company, where I focused on technology and energy-heavy industries across diverse global markets. I hope to improve my managerial skills, which will help me become a more confident team leader and effective thought partner for clients. These skills are crucial for successful leadership in an industrial company later in my career. My current role requires a combination of technical and basic managerial skills, but I recognize that my colleagues in leadership positions have deeper managerial knowledge. Many of them gained this expertise through an MBA, which is why I decided to pursue one myself. Additionally, I aim to gain a stronger understanding of corporate finance, financial markets, and related topics, which are essential for making informed business decisions. I also hope to further develop my personality, gaining greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence to lead more effectively and connect better with teams. I have chosen the Oxford Saïd MBA for its unique one-year format, which offers an intensive, fast-paced learning experience that aligns with my goal of quickly acquiring the skills needed for leadership in my field. The program's combination of excellent academics and exposure to a diverse, international cohort also impressed me. Additionally, being part of the wider Oxford University system seemed like a unique possibility for my as it provides access to a rich network of resources, expertise, and thought leadership extending beyond the MBA program itself. The hallmark of my experience so far has been the Leadership Development Weekend, which allowed me to gain valuable insights into my leadership style and how to strengthen my approach. It provided an immersive environment where I could reflect on my strengths, receive constructive feedback, and connect with peers, ultimately refining my leadership skills in preparation for the challenges ahead The most valuable aspect of my experience has been the insights gained from diverse research areas and professors, which have expanded my perspective, even within similar fields. I've also gained a great deal from extracurricular activities like the Generational Success Workshop Series and Distinguished Speaker Seminars, where I connected with thought leaders and peers. Ultimately, learning from the vast experiences of my fellow students has provided invaluable practical knowledge, shaping my approach to problem-solving and leadership. The scholarship provides me with additional financial freedom to focus entirely on my MBA experience, allowing me to engage fully with the learning opportunities. This recognition of my professional achievements and accomplishments prior to the MBA is both humbling and motivating. It increased my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the program and to excel in my future career. After completing my MBA, I aspire to take on first-team leadership roles in consulting, with the goal of eventually becoming a partner. In the long term, I aim to transition into leadership positions in industry, where I can leverage my technical background and consulting experience to make strategic decisions and foster successful change. In the next term of my program, I'm looking forward to taking more elective courses in finance, as they've been helpful and have provided great learning opportunities. I'm also excited to compete at MBATs with my cohort and to participate in more interesting extracurricular workshops as well as speaker events. Another great event will be Summer Eights in which I will participate with my college team. And last but not least, I am hoping to get to enjoy Oxford in some warmer weather. I'm considering to pursuing a PhD in a related field right after the MBA. Then, I plan to return to McKinsey & Company as a Senior Associate, where I will focus on sustainability issues in technology-heavy and energy-intensive industries. NEXT PAGE: Nathaniel (Unathi) Harding MBA class year/ specialization: 2025, Social Entrepreneurship Hometown/ Home Country: San Francisco, California, USA Nathanial Harding, MBA '25 I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, a predominantly Asian, middle-to-upper-class area just outside Los Angeles, California. I mention race because, although my father is African-American and my mother is White, most of my friends growing up were Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. I spent most of my time with my babysitter and her family, who were from Saudi Arabia, and most people on the street assumed I was Latino due to the color of my skin. I thus learned early how unique different cultures can be, yet also saw how, regardless of one's background, people are people — and we all share the same human emotions and a desire for ourselves and our loved ones to flourish. With these insights in mind, I attended Davidson College where I designed and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Education & Community Studies before beginning my career as an international education and exchange program leader. While I loved traveling the world, I grew eager to shift from talking about human rights challenges in various countries to instead address them more directly. I thus moved to San Francisco, where I served as a Strategy Consultant & Leadership Coach supporting nonprofits/NGOs and philanthropists advancing equity and justice in the U.S. and globally. After co-authoring research on How Philanthropy Can Support Systems-Change Leaders, I spent several years designing and facilitating national initiatives to transform the U.S. education and philanthropy systems toward equity. Now, as an Oxford Black Leaders Scholar at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, I'm pursuing my MBA with a focus on launching Spark: The Global Flourishing Foundations Course, a hybrid, intergenerational education program supporting young adults and Learning & Development professionals to (1) teach participants key global goals (e.g., the UN SDGs, human flourishing, Inner Development Goals, ESG), (2) help them apply these insights in their daily lives for individual and collective flourishing, and (3) support them after the program in enhancing their schools' & companies' talent development systems to align them with global impact goals. I have seven-plus years supporting social impact strategy and operations, including as a(n): International Education & Exchange Program Leader Strategy Consultant Leadership Coach Senior Manager of Systems Change Initiatives Nonprofit Board Member While most of the leaders I've worked with are clear about the problem(s) they want to solve in the world, few have articulated a clear vision for a world we desire. With that in mind, I am pursuing my MBA to harness my talent, time, and treasure toward co-creating future companies, networks, and initiatives that align our personal purposes with shared, global goals — and doing so alongside classmates, faculty, and staff from around the world. While I am particularly excited to launch Spark (described above) through my coursework, I also aim to align diverse individuals with shared purpose through my service as the Clubs & Oxford Business Networks Officer on the Saïd Student Council, Co-Chair of Oxford's Social Impact Business Network, and Co-Founder of Oxford's new Global Social Impact Club. I chose Oxford Saïd's MBA for three reasons: (1) its internationally diverse students and faculty, (2) its commitment to 'impact from within,' and (3) its strength in social entrepreneurship education. After years leading national initiatives in the U.S., I felt strongly that learning with and from people from other countries and cultures would be critical for refining my understanding of and effectiveness in the world, particularly given my interest in aligning personal purposes with globally shared goals. Saïd Business School's expressed commitment to 'impact' thus fit naturally with my interests, as I seek to leverage the tools of business to contribute toward a world where all people and planet Earth flourish. Finally, given Oxford Saïd's legacy of leadership in research, teaching, and co-curricular support for social entrepreneurship, particularly its partnerships with the Skoll Centre, I felt confident that the Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School was a natural next step for my journey. What has been the hallmark of the experience so far? This is TOUGH. Every day in Oxford feels different in a way that's beautiful and hard to describe. At its best, my experience has been marked by moments of unquestionable 'flow' — where I feel, without doubt, that I am exactly where I'm meant to be, doing exactly what I'm meant to do. Examples include when I was called to the stage to give a speech after my appointment as the Clubs & Business Networks Officer on the Saïd Student Council for the 2024-25 academic year was announced, and I came up, with no remarks prepared, and spoke openly from the heart about my excitement to not only learn together in class but also practice, play, and grow together through our relationships and projects — and how, to me, that's what Clubs & Networks are all about. That was a special moment. The most valuable aspect of my Oxford MBA experience has simply been the space to do my soul's work. I spend a great deal of my days and nights here running — running to class, running to meetings, running to guest lectures, running to college exchanges — and writing — essays for class, emails for events, media pieces like these. My Oxford MBA experience has included an enormous amount of work — the only logical response for how we, as the early graduates of the 'anxious generation,' can respond to a world drastically off track from achieving the goals the previous generations had set forth (i.e., the Sustainable Development Goals, et al.). To be clear, though: I'm not complaining. I'm grateful, and I enjoy the purposeful devotion of my time and energy. Knowing that I give my full effort to optimizing my contributions toward a world we all desire enables me to enjoy the process without reservations. Being surrounded by people striving for excellence at all hours of the day — in libraries, cafés, or wherever — has helped me find a sense of belonging and common purpose amidst Oxford's myriad sub-communities, which I've found can provide both comfort and inspiration day-to-day. I wouldn't have been able to pursue an MBA without the Oxford Black Leaders Scholarship. The scholarship, to me, means I have both the ability and responsibility to leverage the MBA to the fullest extent possible. While that might sound intense, a lot of 'fully leveraging' the experience means being as present as possible for it. In an ever-changing world, and especially in a place like Oxford where opportunities abound, focusing our attention on what matters most can be challenging. As an Oxford Black Leaders Scholar, I enjoy the gift and challenge of honouring a lineage of Black ancestors who have championed values of courage, love, and resilience — tending to the well-being of ourselves and our communities while staying resolute in the effort toward a world where all people, regardless of their backgrounds or identities, flourish. After the MBA, we'll continue to expand Spark! My aspiration is for Spark to support a broader movement to expand and fulfil humanity's commitment to achieve global goals. A 2025 article reported that, 'According to the latest data available, from 8% (in the UK) to 12% (in the United States) of the general population indicate they heard or read about the Sustainable Development Goals and declare (or pretend) to know what the SDGs are.' If we're serious about achieving a world where all people flourish, then everyone has a role to play. Spark intends to bridge the gap from the general population seeing the achievement of global goals as the United Nations' job to instead cultivating a society of worldwide shared responsibility, where we each understand and offer our contributions toward fulfilling a shared vision for a world where all people and planet Earth flourish. Electives!! We are just finishing the core MBA curriculum, which means next term I'll have the opportunity to dive deeper into the areas of social entrepreneurship that most excite me: classes like The Entrepreneurship Project, Strategy for Impact, Doing Business in Africa, and Governance and Ethics — to name a few! I worked with a Life Coach prior to the MBA to identify and define my seven core values, which provided essential guidance as I navigated applying to the MBA and have continued to guide my experience during the program so far. I highly recommend taking the time to identify, define, and strengthen your core values. NEXT PAGE: Laurinda Tchouanga MBA class year: 2025 Hometown/ Home Country: Douala, Cameroon / Montreal, Canada Laurinda Tchouanga, MBA '25 I was born and raised in Douala, Cameroon, and moved to Montreal, Canada in 2016 to study Industrial Engineering . I've always loved math, physics, and problem-solving, which made engineering a natural fit. After graduating, I went into strategy consulting because I wanted to have an impact across various organizations, be exposed to a wide range of challenges, and work on complex problems. Along the way, I developed a deep interest in sustainability, particularly in how businesses and industries can transition to more sustainable models. Coming from Cameroon, I've seen firsthand how the impact of climate change isn't equally distributed—despite contributing the least to global emissions, many African nations are among the most vulnerable to its effects. This reality drives me to build expertise at the intersection of business and sustainability, so I can contribute to solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also support economic resilience in regions that need it most. Before my MBA, I worked as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company, specializing in large-scale transformation programs across the manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries. My work focused on helping clients drive operational excellence, navigate organizational change, and develop strategies for decarbonization. Supporting companies in their journey to reduce emissions and transition to more sustainable practices reinforced my passion for sustainability and business impact. Prior to consulting, I gained experience in the manufacturing, telecommunications, and aerospace industries, working on various strategic and operational projects. Beyond my client work, I was actively involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives—both at McKinsey and in my community—mentoring young students, helping them explore career opportunities, and advocating for greater representation of women and Black professionals in consulting and engineering. I pursued an MBA to develop the skills needed to drive meaningful change at the intersection of business and sustainability. With an engineering background, I wanted to strengthen my business acumen and deepen my understanding of how businesses navigate complex challenges, particularly in transitioning to more sustainable models. The MBA also allows me to reflect on my career's next chapter and explore new ways I can make an impact. It's been an opportunity to broaden my horizons, challenge my own perspectives, and grow both personally and professionally in a dynamic and global environment. I chose Oxford Saïd's MBA for three key reasons: A focus on sustainability and global impact: Oxford's commitment to addressing global challenges through business aligns perfectly with my own aspirations. The school's strong focus on sustainability and responsible leadership provides a unique environment to explore how businesses can lead in the transition to more sustainable models. I wanted to be in a place that emphasizes both purpose and impact, helping me grow as a leader who can drive meaningful change. Connection to Africa: Oxford's deep engagement with Africa, especially through initiatives like the Oxford Africa Business Alliance, was a major draw for me. I am passionate about finding solutions to Africa's unique challenges, and the opportunity to engage with like-minded leaders tackling the continent's economic development and sustainability issues is a powerful aspect of the program. A diverse and engaged community: With 50+ nationalities represented in the student body, the diversity in the Oxford MBA adds incredible value to the learning experience. Beyond the MBA, being part of the broader Oxford community gives me the opportunity to connect with students from all over the university, broadening my perspectives in ways that go beyond the classroom. What has really stood out for me so far is the incredible diversity and intellectual curiosity of my classmates. Every conversation—whether it's in class, over lunch, or at social events—makes me rethink my own perspectives and broadens my understanding of global challenges. Beyond the MBA, I've had the chance to connect with students from across the university, whether it's at the Oxford Union, during College Formal Dinners, or in other settings, which has been a great way to exchange ideas and learn from people with such different experiences. On top of all that, soaking in Oxford's history and traditions adds a special depth to the whole experience. What has been most valuable to me so far is the opportunity to leverage the depth of expertise across Oxford to deepen my understanding of complex concepts and then bring that knowledge back into a business context through the MBA program. For example, I've had the chance to join the School of Climate, a broader Oxford program, to further my understanding of climate change and its entire ecosystem. This has allowed me to grasp the bigger picture of the challenges we face, and then, through courses at Saïd, learn how to translate that knowledge into actionable business strategies as a future leader. This integration of learning across disciplines is something that truly sets Oxford apart for me. The Oxford Saïd: Black Leaders Scholarship holds significant value to me, both personally and in terms of my journey toward this MBA. With the percentage of Black students in the Oxford MBA program still relatively low, representation is something I deeply value. It's not simply about diversity for its own sake—it's about the power of different perspectives in solving complex challenges. In a time when DEI efforts are being questioned, it's essential to remember that bringing a variety of voices into decision-making spaces leads to better, more innovative solutions for organizations, and for the world in general. Scholarships like this are helping to push that message forward, creating opportunities for more underrepresented leaders to take their place at the table and shape the future with their unique experiences and insights. After the MBA, I want to continue driving impact at the intersection of strategy, operations and sustainability. My focus will be on helping organizations navigate sustainability challenges—particularly in energy transition and decarbonization—by developing strategies that drive both business success and long-term impact. Beyond my professional path, I will remain an advocate for DEI and an engaged Saïd alum, working to expand access to opportunities—whether by continuing to support young immigrants in their career journeys, increasing representation of women and Black candidates in industries like consulting and/or engineering, or contributing to changing the narrative about Africa and its potential. Next term, I'm excited to dive into several impactful opportunities. I look forward to engaging in entrepreneurship project courses that will allow me to work on real-world ventures, as well as potentially completing an internship to gain hands-on experience in my area of interest. One of the biggest highlights will be heading to Cape Town for the Doing Business in Africa course, getting an on-the-ground perspective of the continent's business landscape. On campus, I'm looking forward to bringing the Oxford Africa Business Forum to life as Co-Director and to continue driving conversations on sustainability as the events director for the Sustainability OBN, creating more spaces for my cohort to engage with relevant topics. Post-MBA, I want to continue helping organizations devise successful strategies that integrate sustainability challenges, particularly in energy transition and decarbonization. Beyond that, I plan to continue using my platform as an active Saïd alum and a dedicated advocate for DEI—supporting young immigrants in exploring career opportunities, promoting more women and Black candidates in engineering, and/or consulting, and contributing to shifting the narrative about the African continent. For me, it's about using my experience and platform to create more opportunities for others while driving meaningful change in the industries I care about. NEXT PAGE: Jose F. C. Hong Jose F.C. Hong, MBA '25 I've been an environmentalist since I was a kid. I grew up on the tropical equatorial island of Singapore and spent many happy days at the beach exploring the colorful marine wildlife at low tide. Yet in addition to being in one of the world's richest areas of biodiversity, Singapore is an intensely developed city-state. The resources needed to support the comfortable and secure life I enjoyed jarred with the environmental destruction I knew was happening in many parts of the world. I wanted to overcome this tension and find a way for humans and nature to co-exist and thrive together. This drove me to pursue a career in sustainability. I love language and view communication as an art form, so journalism very easily appealed to me. I won a journalism scholarship to study at University College London, and after attaining my bachelor's degree, I worked as a science and environment journalist for Singapore's national newspapers. Eventually, I desired to go more directly into sustainability and so moved to Switzerland to work for the director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is the world's largest nature conservation network. During my six years at IUCN, I grew fascinated by the role of the private sector as a partner in environmental sustainability. It became clear to me that the worlds of business and environmentalism can and must collaborate to secure a thriving future for the whole planet. I wanted a program that could nurture my desire to build a better future. Oxford Saïd's MBA ticked all the boxes. The students and alumni I spoke with during my outreach were purpose-driven, the program was geared towards impact, and the MBA sat within the larger setting of a world-class university. Lastly, the program would allow me to re-enter the workforce after one year. Being trusted by my cohort to co-chair the student-led business network for environmental sustainability, and to also co-chair the student pride club. My identity as an environmentalist and as a gay man are central to who I am, and it is amazing to receive the support of my peers and the institution to advance the missions of equality and conservation. Enjoying the brilliance of Oxford. The University of Oxford leads the world in many respects, and I deeply cherish being able to engage with amazing minds from a dizzying array of disciplines, while immersing myself in centuries of history and culture. What does the Oxford Saïd: Future Leaders' Scholarship mean to you personally and to your ability to pursue an MBA? It is an honor to be recognized as a future leader, and I want to live up to the responsibility of this scholarship. Receiving this funding also lifted a huge weight off my shoulders when deciding to pursue Oxford Saïd's MBA. Combined with the Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship I received, the Oxford Saïd: Future Leaders' Scholarship meant I could complete this degree without any financial burden. I aspire to lead as an environmentalist who brings the worlds of business and sustainability together. While doing so, I also aim to be a leader who creates a welcoming workplace for all, regardless of sexuality, gender, ethnicity, and culture. Cementing the bonds I've forged. I've already made so many rewarding friendships both within and beyond the MBA, and with the short time I have left in the program, I want to ensure that the community I've built lasts for many years to come. Ideally, a role managing supply chains for a global food company. I would love to find operational efficiencies, drive productivity, and ensure profitability, while also ensuring that the food that travels huge distances from the farm to your dinnerplate does not harm the environment along the way. DON'T MISS: PHD PROJECT CEO: 'DESPITE LOSING 1/5 OF OUR SCHOOL SUPPORT, WE'RE NOT BACKING DOWN' AND MEET THE 2025 CLIMATECAP FELLOWS: MOTIVATED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE The post Meet Oxford Saïd's Inaugural Class Of Future Leader Scholars appeared first on Poets&Quants.
