Leading with kindness: Schulich MBA candidate Yetunde Oyekunle is the inaugural recipient of The Andrighetti Community Award honouring education and public service
Luciana and the late Giovanni Andrighetti lived by what they called the golden rule: be kind and be honest.
These values shaped how they approached life, community and opportunity – and they became the foundation of The Andrighetti Community Award at the Schulich School of Business.
“This award honours a couple whose lives have been defined by genuine kindness, an unwavering commitment to public service and a deep dedication to making the world a better place,” says Frank Vettese (BBA ’86, MBA ’91, Hon. LLD ’22), CEO emeritus of Deloitte Canada and a 14-year member of the Schulich Dean’s Global Council. “They always believed in opportunity created through education and continuous personal development and celebrated the accomplishments of others who share their values.”
Vettese endowed the award in honour of his in-laws with his wife, Cinzia Vettese (BA ’87) and her sisters, Antonella Andrighetti (BBA ’86) and Renza Andrighetti (BA ’89).
Rooted in kindness and integrity, The Andrighetti Community Award is designed to empower those who work hard, lead with purpose and pursue excellence in business. It is awarded annually to an MBA student who identifies as a woman, exhibits a passionate dedication to their studies and has made exceptional contributions to community.
Yetunde Oyekunle was named the inaugural recipient last fall.
The 2026 MBA candidate began her Schulich studies in January 2025 after 10 years as an engineer with Shell Nigeria. Oyekunle moved to Canada with her partner and three young children and quickly immersed herself in School and community – as a volunteer with the Schulich Black Graduate Business Network and a participant in York University’s Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom, where she partnered with other students to brainstorm potential solutions to homelessness in Canada.
“I wanted to see the world in a different light,” says Oyekunle, now a second-year student. “Studying at Schulich was the starting point.”
But juggling so many priorities, including finances, was also challenging and part-time work simply wasn’t feasible.
Receiving The Andrighetti Community Award filled the gap. “It gave me the time to focus on my studies and my family,” Oyekunle says.
Equally important, though, is the message the award sends to her as a woman who aspires to break the glass ceiling and lead sustainable businesses.
“I feel empowered, seen and capable of reaching my goals.”
To learn more about supporting the next generation of business leaders with a Schulich award, please contact our Advancement Office at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca.
