Sasha Krstic (IMBA ’03)

For Sasha Krstic, IMBA ’03, it all comes down to the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  An adage that has guided Sasha throughout her life, and more notably, her journey at Schulich.

As a student, Sasha took full advantage of every opportunity to make the most of her experience.  From classes to co-curricular activities, plus everything else in between, it was full steam ahead for Sasha.  In her words, she describes her Schulich experience as “intense, but also intensely satisfying.”

The specialized International MBA (IMBA) program open to Canadian and International students offered a unique opportunity for Sasha to engage with classmates, staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds expanding her horizons while cultivating a professional network and lifelong connections.

The program also offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to complete a work term in Tokyo, where Sasha attended the Keio Business School, and hone her proficiency in Japanese that was the launching pad in a career in international business.

When it was time to consider her philanthropic passions, Schulich was on top of the list with a special focus on helping students requiring financial support.  Sasha was able to pursue an IMBA degree with the help of several bursaries and scholarships that helped lessen her financial constraints.  Sasha’s career has taken her across the globe from Sweden to Singapore among others. Although it was difficult to volunteer her time with Schulich, it was feasible to donate especially as a monthly donor regardless of distance.

Monthly giving allows Sasha the ease to “set it and forget it” as part of her regular budget providing ongoing support that adds up over time.  It also allows the School to keep administrative costs down while providing sustainable long-term funding.

Sasha Krstic (IMBA ’03), Keynote Speaker at the IMBA Class of 2020 Virtual Spring Convocation, with daughter Dara Ivkovic.

Recently moving back to Canada to take the helm as President, Mastercard Canada, Sasha is also reconnecting with her alma mater. In a short time since returning to Canada, Sasha has volunteered as a member of the Dean’s CEO Panel for Launch Week and recently, as the keynote speaker for the IMBA 2020 virtual convocation.

Sasha credits Schulich for having contributed immensely to her career trajectory.  It’s that “golden rule” adage that continues to inspire Sasha to keep giving back.  “It’s meaningful to pay back those who helped me by giving support to those coming after me.  Close the circle, so it can keep rolling. That’s how we can help get more great future business leaders into the world,” concludes Sasha.

To learn how you can support Schulich students, please visit https://schulich.yorku.ca/donors/annual-fund/