Celebrating Changemakers: Nick Corradino’s Legacy of 2SLGBTQI+ Visibility and Community
“I graduated from the iBBA program in 2015, and I only wish the Nick back then could meet the Nick today. Finding authenticity took time—coming out in 2017 at the age of 24—and even after that, it took me a while to find my chosen family and mentors. Now, ten years after graduation, and years into my career, I’m comfortable being my authentic self, 100% of the time,” shares Schulich alumnus and former UBS President Nick Corradino (iBBA ’15), reflecting on his journey of self-acceptance.
For Corradino, visibility matters. Being someone Schulich students can see thriving motivates him to give back through philanthropy and community-building. “I aim to be the person I needed when I was in their shoes, in the hope to accelerate their own path to confidence.”
In 2021, Corradino established the Nick Corradino Changemaker Award—the first and only award of its kind at Schulich—to recognize undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to the 2SLGBTQI+ community. To date, it has honoured four outstanding students.
This year’s recipient sees the award as more than financial support and recognition of their achievements. “It’s a spotlight on representation within a field I struggle to see myself in. It shows that people like me can succeed.”
Despite growing awareness and visibility, many 2SLGBTQI+ individuals still don’t feel safe being open about their identities. The recipient adds, “My hope is to continue to build Schulich into a space where students from our community can succeed both as individuals and leaders for accessibility and inclusion. Championing these initiatives benefit us all.”
Corradino encourages them to embrace the challenge: “Community is paramount—find people in your corner to celebrate successes and support you through the tough times. Through community, you have a unique opportunity to not only use your own voice but to amplify it with others to be heard, and to make positive impact.”
As Schulich celebrates Pride Month, Dean Detlev Zwick reaffirms the School’s commitment to inclusion: “Nick’s story is just one example of the leadership our community members are showing in advancing 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion—not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year.”
The Schulich Pride Alliance is a student-led group that fosters a supportive network for 2SLGBTQI+ students and allies. On June 7, the Alliance hosted its flagship SPECTRUM Conference, spotlighting Corradino’s new campaign to raise $25,000 to endow the Nick Corradino Changemaker Award in perpetuity—with the first $10,000 matched dollar-for-dollar.
On June 13, Corradino hosted all award recipients at the Miles S. Nadal Management Centre. Two current students and two alumni recipients reflected on the support this award gave them and how it sparked further inspiration to create increased change in their communities.
A bona fide changemaker who leads by example, Corradino leaves future changemakers with advice passed down from his mother: “Be kind to yourself and love yourself. Then be the light or voice that others need.” To learn more about supporting the next generation of business leaders through establishing an award, contact Catherine Hardman, Director of Philanthropic Engagement, at chardman@schulich.yorku.ca.