PCOS Fall Gathering at Schulich Fosters Awareness, Innovation, and Community
The Schulich School of Business recently hosted the PCOS Fall Gathering, an event dedicated to raising awareness about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and fostering dialogue on inclusive and compassionate care models. Co-hosted by The Seasons Collective and PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, the evening brought together patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates for an engaging panel discussion, audience Q&A, and community networking. Schulich student club Women in Leadership (WIL) also participated, connecting with professionals and advocates in the field.
For Maria Ajemian (MBA ’26, WIL Co-President and PCOS patient), the evening was particularly meaningful.
“Events like this remind me of the importance of creating safe spaces where women can come together, connect, and uplift one another,” said Ajemian. “Sitting in a room full of women who share similar experiences to mine was incredibly powerful.”
For many attendees, the event provided a rare opportunity to connect with others navigating the same condition.
“The PCOS panel was a deeply moving experience that finally broke through the isolation I’ve felt on this journey,” said Meghana Ravi, one of the participants. “This event was more than just a panel; it was the start of an important effort to build a stronger, more united PCOS community in Toronto.”
Parika Sikder added: “In a world where doctors dismiss you and the internet overloads you with anxiety, I knew that I needed to connect with real humans — real women — about this lifelong condition. I left the conference feeling validated and optimistic, knowing there are people out there researching and advocating for better care.”
The panel featured a mix of experts, including registered dietitians, mental health providers, researchers, and patient advocates. Speakers explored PCOS from medical, emotional, and systemic perspectives, highlighting both evidence-based strategies and patient-centered approaches.
“As a speaker and panelist, I felt truly at home in a space that invited sharing stories, meaningful connection, and tangible calls to action,” said Dr. Kendall Soucie, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Windsor. “I met and talked with so many people, and left inspired and hopeful as we strategized what the future of PCOS research and care can look like.”
Attendees also benefited from PCOS-friendly snacks, free 15-minute consultations with registered dietitians, and giveaways from event sponsors.
Hosting the gathering at Schulich underscored the School’s role as a hub for social impact and health innovation. The Schulich School of Business has made healthcare a priority area of engagement, supporting students’ exploration of careers in the sector while deepening partnerships with industry and community organizations. The PCOS Fall Gathering exemplified this commitment by creating a rare space where students, professionals, researchers, and advocates could come together to share knowledge, build connections, and strengthen the collective response to a critical women’s health issue.
