Thanks to the Dr. Samuel A. Martin HBA '90 Scholarship, HBA student Eileen Zhao can focus on what truly matters – fully engaging in Ivey’s program, dedicating time to nonprofit work, and driving change in gender diversity within asset management.
The scholarship, established by a generous gift from the HBA Class of 1990 in honour of their late professor, Dr. Samuel A. Martin, and in recognition of their 20th class reunion, supports outstanding HBA students based on academic excellence and demonstrated community leadership.
Zhao, a graduate of Ivey’s Women in Asset Management Program, now serves as the program’s ambassador and is committed to encouraging more women to enter the field. Her passion is fueled by a stark reality: women make up only 14 per cent of fund managers worldwide. It’s also shaped by her firsthand experience in the financial sector, having spent the past summer working at an asset management firm.
"I had a really great time learning about how the business world works and understanding the macroeconomic environment," she said. "This scholarship allows me to focus on my career without having to compromise my education. My goal is to help shift that statistic and encourage more women to enter the field."
After Ivey, Zhao plans to continue pursuing a career in asset management while staying actively involved in initiatives that support aspiring finance professionals. Beyond her own ambitions, she hopes to pay forward the generosity of her scholarship by mentoring younger students navigating the same path.
“I want to ensure that the generosity of this scholarship doesn’t end with me,” she said. “Taking the time to mentor other students is something I’m passionate about, and I’m grateful that this scholarship has given me the ability to do that.”
In the video above, Zhao discusses what the Dr. Samuel A. Martin HBA '90 Scholarship means to her.
To learn more about Ivey’s HBA awards and scholarships, visit the Scholarships and Awards Directory.
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