Opening doors to the world: The Optimus SBR Award of Excellence is creating opportunities for Schulich’s underrepresented students
Esther Kimpiatu used to scroll through the list of Schulich School of Business partner schools dreaming about a semester abroad. But she also knew the opportunity would be a big stretch on her student budget.
One email changed all that.
Kimpiatu received the Optimus SBR Award of Excellence in the 2024-2025 academic year and renewal funding in her fourth year, now underway.
Established by Canada’s largest, independently owned Canadian management consulting firm, the Optimus SBR Award of Excellence provides $4,000 to a third-year BBA/iBBA student who demonstrates financial need, exhibits academic excellence and self-identifies as Black. The award is renewable for the student’s fourth year should they show continued strong academic standing.
“Investing in this scholarship became one way to turn our values into impact by supporting talented, underrepresented students in their pursuit of opportunity,” says Kevin Gauci (MBA ’00), the company’s founder and CEO. Optimus SBR is one of approximately 500 Canadian corporate signatories to the BlackNorth Initiative pledge aimed at ending systemic anti-Black racism in the country.
Gauci calls the award “a door opener” – an embodiment of his team’s belief in education, community and creating opportunities for others.
Award recipient Kimpiatu says it is truly living up to that promise.
The fourth-year finance student is currently on full-term exchange at HEC Paris Business School in Jouy-en-Josas, France, one of Schulich’s more than 60 undergraduate partner schools. She is using the opportunity to build a global network, expand her career options and improve her French language skills.
“The moment I received that email, I knew this was a dream I could make a reality,” Kimpiatu says, adding it’s more than the financial impact. “It’s knowing there’s someone in the wings, cheering me on to get where I want to be.”
Empowered by the Optimus SBR Award of Excellence, she’s now dreaming about her next big opportunity: a career in the wealth management industry – and, perhaps, a “door opener” of her own.
“I hope to get to a point where I can pay this generosity forward as a donor or mentor, helping people like me who have potential but don’t necessarily see it.”
The Schulich School of Business turns 60 in 2026 and we are celebrating with the Schulich Student Access Fund. To help more high-potential students experience all Schulich has to offer, contact Schulich’s Advancement Office at advancement@schulich.yorku.ca.
