DeGroote School of Business
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Scholarships and awards

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Alectra Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Scholarship

Headshot of Shafiq Ebrahim, a smiling Black man wearing glasses and a navy suit, with text that includes his name and '2024 recipient.'

Overview

McMaster University, The Directors College, and Alectra joint logo.

The Alectra ED&I Scholarship is designed to promote diversity and inclusivity in board representation. It aims to remove obstacles for individuals from racialized groups who are pursuing governance education and certification. Each year, Alectra offers a scholarship that fully covers the cost of all five modules of The Directors College’s Chartered Directors (C.Dir.) program.

This scholarship is open to candidates who self-identify as part of Indigenous or racialized groups, which are underrepresented on corporate boards. In addition to the general assessment factors, the selection committee will consider the candidate’s efforts on behalf of their identified community and their commitment to social purpose or involvement in charitable or community sectors.

 

Eligibility requirements  

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:  

  • Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident 
  • Reside in Ontario  
  • Self-identify as coming from Indigenous or racialized group(s)  
  • Meet the qualifications for acceptance into the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program, which include: 
  • Senior-level/executive experience, board experience, or experience working directly with boards (preferred)  
  • A university degree (non-degree applicants with 7-10 years of senior management experience will also be considered)

For more information and to read the complete list of eligibility requirements download the Alectra ED&I Scholarship brochure.

Download

 

Application deadlines 

The application period for the 2024 scholarship ran from July 15 to November 15, 2024*. The recipient of the 2024 scholarship was announced approximately six weeks after the application deadline and will be eligible to participate in the 2025 C.Dir. Program Modules. 

*The Directors College reserves the right to adjust the application closing date as needed.

 

About Alectra Inc.

Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.

Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.

Alectra Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Scholarship Recipients

Shafiq Ebrahim

2024

Kaella-Marie Earle

2023

Tahmena Bokhari

2022

Earl Davis

2021

Gil Bennett Gold Standard Award

Gil Bennett was a highly respected corporate director and legal professional, recognized for his governance leadership and business acumen. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, he studied at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School before practicing law in Toronto from 1964 to 1979. He later served as CEO of multiple companies, including Comstock International Ltd and Canadair Ltd, and held board leadership roles at major corporations such as Canadian Tire Corporation and Fortis Ontario Inc. In 2014, The Directors College honored him with its inaugural Distinguished Faculty Award for his contributions to governance education.

His legacy is further cemented by the Gil Bennett Gold Standard Award, given annually to the top graduate who exemplifies excellence in governance. The annual award has been presented to a Directors College graduate who demonstrates dedication to raising the bar for professional standards in corporate governance through their progress in the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) program.

Award recipients are chosen through a rigorous selection process conducted by a committee of key faculty members at The Directors College.

 

Headshot of Maryam Haghighi, a smiling Persian woman wearing a black suit, with text that includes her name and '2024 recipient.'

Eligibility requirements

The committee carefully evaluates all eligible candidates based on a set of established criteria designed to recognize excellence in governance education.To be considered for the Gil Bennett Award, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

  • Achieve a score within the top 10 percent on the final exam
  • Demonstrate a positive contribution to class discussions, showcasing a strong understanding of governance principles
  • Exhibit constructive behavior and effective leadership during the board simulation exercise in Module 5

The award is a prestigious recognition of individuals who not only excel academically but also embody the governance leadership and ethical decision-making exemplified by Gil Bennett throughout his distinguished career.

For further details about the Gil Bennett Award or the selection process, please contact us at info@thedirectorscollege.com.

Previous Recipients

Maryam Haghighi

2024

Uma Gopinath

2023

Nancy Lum-Wilson

2022

Gia M. DeJulio

2021

Meredith Low

2019

Philip Twyford

2018

Jeff Lehman

2017

Carol Hunter

2016

Franca Gucciardi

2015

Brian Friedrich

2014

Dr. Richard Florizone

2013

Reena Sagoo

2012

Jim Adamson

2011

John Ryan

2010

Andy Poprawa

2009

Adam Cooper

2008

Michael MacBean

2007

Don McCreesh

2006