Meet The Rotman MBA Class Of 2018

Daphne Hemily

Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Impact-oriented, spirited dancer, believer that there’s always another option through dynamic thinking, waterfall lover.

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Fun Fact About Yourself: A personal objective is to visit as many different countries as my age in years. So far, I’m on track. Highlights have included: A) Bike touring on two continents, including across four West African countries; B) Studying on four continents; C) Celebrating weddings in five countries; and D) Working or volunteering in ten countries

Undergraduate School and Major: McGill University – BA.Sc. – Honors in International Development Studies and Major in Biomedical Sciences (2005–2010)

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Program Unit Coordinator – Canada, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) – 2014, 2015-2016

Project Coordinator – South Sudan, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) – 2014-2015

Medical Research Officer – Canada, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) – 2013

Logistician – Haiti, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) – 2010-2013

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Managing the handover of a Doctors Without Borders hospital project in South Sudan on time and within the 1.5m+ budget. The process included negotiations with four United Nations Organizations, nine NGOs, national, state and municipal government officials, community leaders and militia. Many thought a successful transition was impossible.

Beyond the numbers and volatile context, what I’m most proud of is ensuring that all 264 local and international staff had professional and career training for their desired next steps and 70% of staff had secured a job before the end of their contract. In addition, I supported the ministry of health management team design and ran a week-long training for all hospital supervisors. Most importantly, the 49,000+ annual patients received continued quality care throughout the handover and beyond.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Start the application process by zooming out to understand the specific ways you stand out. Reflect on what you’re passionate about, what you’re most proud of, and what is unique about you. If you’re getting stuck in the process and starting to feel stressed out, take some time completely off all MBA stuff and do something you love to reconnect with your best self. Before returning to your laptop, revisit what makes you tick and return to applying from that positive place. Most importantly, remember to have Fun!

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? Rotman’s MBA has a holistic approach necessary for today’s leadership. I chose Rotman because:

  • Its rigorous analytical training will allow me to leverage my professional experience and management skills to address complex challenges.
  • The Self Development Lab will help develop my skills to navigate the human side of business with agility.
  • I’m excited to work with the diverse and ambitious peers that are attracted to study in Toronto’s fast paced city life.
  • The clear commitment Rotman has to maintain their position as thought leaders at the cutting edge of MBA content and training

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job is to be a leading strategy consultant at a top-tier firm. I look forward to the constant learning of different industries, creative problem-solving focusing on impact, and helping others to solve complex challenges. My goal is to deliver value and effect change at an increasing scale of impact as my career evolves.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program?   It was great working on a team with Daphne: she asked good questions, left her ego out of it to have more constructive team dynamics, and was often laughing and having fun, even through stressful moments.

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