Nick’s changemakers: As Schulich celebrates Pride Month, Schulich graduate Nick Corradino is inspiring a growing community of 2SLGBTQ+ champions with his newly endowed award
Surrounded by the first four recipients of the Nick Corradino Changemaker Award at a meeting at Schulich’s downtown campus, Nick Corradino (iBBA ’15) felt inspired by what the small but mighty group was making possible across the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
As he looked around the boardroom, it was the empty chairs at the table that affirmed his hopes and vision.
“I became excited at the idea of this same meeting in 20 years. The only difference, every chair would be filled with changemakers, individuals who are not only passionate about the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but actively working to improve the lives of those around them,” Corradino says.
He knew the only way that could become a reality was to endow the annual award he had established in 2021.
The Nick Corradino Changemaker Award is presented annually to a BBA student who demonstrates leadership skills, academic achievement and a positive impact on the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
In 2026, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of family, friends and colleagues, it grew from a $1,000 annually-funded award to a $25,000 endowment supporting Schulich students in perpetuity. Corradino was recognized for his fundraising success with the 2026 Alumni Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Schulich School of Business.
The most “heartwarming” part, says Corradino, Senior Manager at fintech company Tipalti, is how more than 130 donors stepped forward from every facet of his life – family, friends from grade school to Schulich, and colleagues from across his professional career.
“Each one owns a part in making this a success,” he says.
For the 2025/26 award recipient, Wayne Dhale Bautista, the breadth and depth of generosity matters as much as the unspoken message that comes with each gift.
“Being recognized as a changemaker means a lot to me,” says the 2028 BBA candidate. In addition to volunteering as the Vice President of Finance of the Schulich Pride Alliance, Bautista hopes to leverage the Changemaker Award in his networking activities as the Vice President of Corporate Relations with the Schulich Accounting Society.
He’s keen to be a part of the united and visible community that Corradino envisioned around the boardroom table.
“Each recipient has earned the award in their own way, each with their own journey. All of them are seen, and are actively making the community around them better,” Corradino says.
“May they inspire even more changemakers.”
The Schulich Student Access Fund continues to help more high-potential students experience all Schulich has to offer. To learn more about supporting the Fund and expanding access to transformational learning opportunities, contact Anthony Tomizza, Acting Director, Advancement at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca.
