Leading the RC community into a better tomorrow

“Success is anytime I leave a place better than how I found it, both in my professional and personal life,” said Jasmine. “There’s always an opportunity to drive positive impact if you actively look for opportunities to do so.”

Jasmine’s work within the Rotman Commerce community over the past four years reflects this value. Her many leadership roles created much needed change by supporting historically underrepresented groups within the U of T community and amplifying their voices in important decision-making processes.

Jasmine carried out some of these changes as co-President of Black Rotman Commerce (BRC) and the Black Career Conference (BCC). In these roles, she led initiatives dedicated to supporting the Black community at Rotman Commerce and around campus.

“To address the negative effects of the pandemic that were disproportionately felt by the Black community, I co-founded the BCC Pitch Competition & Scholarships,” said Jasmine. “Alongside my co-President, I led our team to fundraise over $50,000, from which four Black-owned businesses and several students have already benefitted.”

Jasmine’s commitment to bettering her environment is shown further in her work leading others to develop creative problem-solving skills as co-Captain for the Rotman Commerce Competition Team (RCCT). She delivered an intensive training program for a team of 30+ students to build research, analysis, and ideation skills. Jasmine’s team went on to place in the top 3 at the John Molson Undergraduate Case Competition, the world’s largest international undergraduate competition, an accomplishment that required continuous team and self-reflection. “As Captain, leading our team through this process was especially gratifying, as we unlocked personal growth in addition to our learning.”

Alongside her involvement in student groups, Jasmine was a voice for her peers as the undergraduate student representative on the Advisory Committee searching for a new Dean of the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. Here, she worked with faculty to set criteria, conduct interviews, and recommend a candidate to lead the Rotman School into the future.

Her time at Rotman Commerce was a source of opportunities for personal growth. “It’s important to define these experiences on your own terms,” said Jasmine. “Don’t automatically take the most expected path. Invest time in self-reflection to determine your motivators, values, and how you can fulfill them while chasing your goals.”

Jasmine also notes the importance of valuing the people in your life. “This lesson especially resonated with me during the pandemic,” she said. “I learn an incredible amount from the people I surround myself with – my teams, friends, mentors and family. This makes me a better person, and also serves as a source of my motivation and happiness.” She adds a reminder to “nurture your relationships, reach out, and actively spread kindness.”

After graduation, Jasmine will join McKinsey & Company’s Toronto office as a Business Analyst.

Note: this article is a part of our series featuring graduating students leading up to Convocation.

June 22, 2021