Ms. Afsheen Jiwani, an IoBM alumna (BBA 2005 and MBA in Marketing 2006) has been recognized among 2023 Canada’s Most Powerful Women by WXN (Women’s Executive Network) in the Canadian Tire Community Impact category. While sharing her learning at IoBM, she commented “The BBA and MBA Programs at IoBM opened my mind to a different view. It gave me a deep perspective on different aspects of management, most importantly relationship management and communications which helped me transfer my skills to the world of philanthropy. I was also very fortunate to have the greatest faculty and classmates which then turned into life-long friends. They pushed me to be better and gave the experiences that I never would've had access to otherwise. It wouldn’t be overstating to say that I had some of the best days of my life at IoBM!” she added.
It is indeed an honor for IoBM to see one of its alumna rising to such heights of professional excellence. While commenting on being named among 2023 Canada’s Most Powerful Women, she said, “It feels like a dream, I come from a humble background and it's truly an honour to win this award alongside so many incredible women. I hope I can inspire other females from our community to come forward and share their incredible stories - I think it's absolutely essential.”
Ms. Afsheen is a member of the Advisory Board of Up With Women and of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy’s (AHP) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Taskforce, and a volunteer leader in the Ismaili community. Moreover, Ms. Afsheen also holds a Fundraising Certification from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), formerly known as Ryerson University. She is also a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) showcasing her commitment to professional development. In 2021, she received the AHP’s 40-under-40 Award for her efforts to shape the future of healthcare development. Recently, TMU acknowledged the Top 100 Women associated with the university, and Ms. Afsheen stands among them. Her leadership qualities have earned her a place in the prestigious Top 100 Women of 2023 list by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN).
Professionals like Afsheen are indeed role models for IoBM students who inspire the youth to achieve their dreams. In her message for the students, she advised them to “Trust yourself and work hard, as there is no substitute for hard work and perseverance. Act like a leader before you're one - don't wait for the fancy titles. Look at the bigger picture and always be humbled and grateful.” We extend our heartfelt congratulations once again to Ms. Afsheen Jiwani for achieving this significant milestone.
Afsheen Jiwani's recognition for her community impact:
1. SDG 5: Gender Equality - Afsheen Jiwani’s recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women directly supports gender equality by highlighting women’s leadership in philanthropy and healthcare. Her efforts to inspire other women to share their stories and pursue leadership roles align with the goal to empower all women and girls.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - Her involvement in healthcare philanthropy, including receiving the AHP’s 40-under-40 Award, is aimed at shaping the future of healthcare development, improving health outcomes, and ensuring access to quality healthcare.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - As a volunteer leader and Advisory Board member in organizations that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ms. Jiwani's work focuses on reducing inequalities in various sectors, particularly healthcare.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Her active role in organizations like Up With Women and AHP’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Taskforce demonstrates her commitment to fostering partnerships for achieving community impact.
Afsheen Jiwani’s recognition aligns with several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through her leadership in philanthropy, healthcare, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion, Ms. Jiwani embodies the values of these global goals, contributing to the betterment of society and the empowerment of women.