Meet Toronto Rotman’s MBA Class Of 2026

How do you get the most out of business school?

You start by pursuing growth.

Forget the job offer and the degree at the end. That’s a short-term pay-off. True growth results in the promotions that follow, the impact you make, and the fulfillment you feel.

That means trying new things: big, uncomfortable, risky things – things some think can’t be done, things where you might just crash-and-burn. Growth is a daily commitment to reading and practicing, reflecting on your goals and seeking feedback. In business school, growth is a process of collecting small wins – and gaining that edge no one can ever take away: confidence.

A COMMITMENT TO GROWTH

At the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, there is one quality that connects the Class of 2026. Irem Atalay describes it, in her case, as an “unyielding mindset and fearless approach to growth” – that impetus to push harder and dig deeper because “that’s where the most incredible lessons and opportunities for self-discovery lie.” For Atalay, that meant leaving Turkey at 18 to start college in Canada and later entering the tech field.

“[I dove] headfirst into unfamiliar industries, or stepp[ed] into roles that stretched me beyond what I thought I was capable of,” explains Atalay, a former professional basketball player and model. “These experiences have not only shaped me but have also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of taking risks. I love the process of growth—the uncertainty, the struggle, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with it. It’s this continuous pursuit of self-improvement, fueled by my willingness to embrace the unknown, that I consider my greatest achievement.”

Faisal Fakhani, another first-year MBA, followed a similar path to Atalay. In 2018, he relocated from Beirut to Toronto, despite “no job and limited savings.” Over the next seven years, he moved up across several financial institutions. In his most recent roles at Convera – better known as Western Union Business Solutions – his accomplishments included becoming a go-to performer whose American-Canadian portfolio achieved 116% revenue performance and 97% customer retention. Along the way, he stepped back to mentor expatriates who’d also left their homelands for Canada.

“I take much pride in this accomplishment and the resilience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous growth it reflects,” Fakhani writes. “Each step—from immigrating and climbing the North American corporate ladder to pursuing my MBA—has been fueled by grit, vision, and perseverance, proving that calculated risks and hard work can turn aspirations into reality.”

APPROACHING ROTMAN WITH “GRATITUDE AND PURPOSE”

Now, Fakhani is fulfilling a life-long dream at Rotman. In Beirut, conflict forced him to focus on survival. It also curtailed his father’s own pursuit of a master’s degree – another motivator that inspired Fakhani to pursue an MBA to further his growth.

“This journey underscores the broader impacts of conflict and the generational setbacks it creates. Families like mine must work harder to access opportunities others might take for granted. If you have the privilege of pursuing a degree at a world-class institution like Rotman, it is vital to recognize its significance and seize it with gratitude and purpose.”

And the Class of 2026 hasn’t been shy about seizing the moment and challenging themselves to grow. Evie Bell, an honours Creative Writing major as an undergrad, earned a Master’s in English Literature shortly after. Now, she is shouldering a dual JD-MBA. Speaking of language, Macie Fang is fluent in Mandarin, German, and English – and she learned the latter from reading Harry Potter books. A market researcher, she most recently supplied business intelligence to Google. In terms of versatility, Harsimar Kaur once provided market entry strategy for one client across 20 global markets while consulting for ZS Associates. If you’re looking for a growth opportunity, there are few better than being a part of a spin-off. That’s what Maria Elisa Garcia Escobedo did as Assistant Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at CitiBanamex. In this role, Elisa worked on the FP&A team at CitiBanamex during the bank’s divestiture process,

“It was a challenging period marked by uncertainty and constant change, but also an invaluable learning experience,” she admits. “I had the privilege of collaborating with a group of exceptional professionals, contributing to the financial strategies and planning that supported the organization. through this transformative phase. This experience deepened my understanding of corporate finance.”

DRIVING IMPACT IN PAKISTAN AND VIETNAM

True to a growth mindset, Tejumola Akinyelure made her name by being part of a groundbreaking study on female fund managers in Africa. In Pakistan, Obaid Khan organized a merger feasibility study involved two of the country’s largest national broadcasting agencies. It would be an understatement to say his work was influential.

“I conducted a comprehensive analysis, evaluating the operational, financial, and strategic implications of the proposed merger. I then presented my findings to the Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, who found the recommendations so compelling that he tabled the report for review by the Cabinet and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.”

To many, growth is associated with building – creating something new, visible, and lasting. Victoria Sypher, a structural engineer with an aversion to coffee, personifies this spirit. Before starting business school, she helped design a 60-story residential tower that is currently under construction. She could join forces with classmate Eun Jae Baek, an architect who was entrusted with the design coordination and project management of Vietnam’s Long Thanh Airport.

“As the main project manager at Heerim Architects & Planners, I was responsible for overseeing the integration of multiple teams, including engineers, vendors, and consultants from various countries,” he tells P&Q. My role involved managing communication across different time zones, ensuring that all teams were aligned with the project’s vision and milestones. The project gave me an opportunity to work in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for eight months, where I led onsite workshops and meetings with various stakeholders, which enhanced the quality of deliverables and reduce project delays. The project is going to be one of Southeast Asia’s leading aviation hub, and seeing it come to life has been incredibly rewarding.”

BEST MEMORIES: ORIENTATION AND CASE COMPETITIONS

During their first year, the Class of 2026 channeled such talents into another growth-driven avenue: case competitions. Nyat Habtit, a Toronto consultant, was part of a 1st-place team in a Guidehouse competition on accommodating the greater energy demands of data centers. At a stock pitch competition sponsored by CIBC Mellon and the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario, Tejumola Akinyelure’s team presented in front of 500 people. Not only did they claim the Master’s Level Award, but their pitch also netted the Audience Choice Award. For Irem Atalay, the highlight of business school – so far – has been a 1st-place finish at the You.com Case Competition. Here, her team developed a series of strategic plans to help an emerging AI platform to expand into markets ranging from education to financial service.

“The experience was transformative, pushing me to think strategically, refine my problem-solving skills, and embrace innovative approaches,” Atalay explains. “It was deeply rewarding to see our ideas come to life and be recognized as the top solution in such a competitive environment.”

Along with case competitions, orientation spurred the Class of 2026 to open themselves up to new experiences. In one exercise, recalls ’25 grad Bidisha Sarkar, the class was divided into teams to work on various challenges. More than just learning each other’s names and quirks, observes Sarkar, such activities were designed to “lay the groundwork” for higher-stakes collaborations. It is a tradition that produced similar results for Rotman first-years says Tejumola Akinyelure.

“Attending the orientation retreat at Camp Winnebagoe has been my most cherished memory so far. It was my first experience in the serene, dense woods, surrounded by tall trees and the calming sounds of nature. I got the opportunity to participate in several games and activities, including rock climbing, archery, kayaking, and a campfire. Beyond that, it was an incredible bonding experience, and it laid the foundation for friendships and connections that have significantly enriched my time at Rotman.”

A RESEARCH POWERHOUSE

As a whole, the MBA Class of 2026 consists of 271 students who bring a 675 average GMAT to campus. International students make up 58% of the class, with women representing a 42% share. Professionally, the largest segment of the class – 29% — last worked in Financial Services. Consultants and Tech Professionals each account for 16% of the class. As undergrads, 35% of the class majored in Business and Commerce, followed by Engineering (16%) and Economics (14%).

Looking to attend a school where faculty are creating some of the most influential practices? That’s one of Rotman’s strengths. When The Financial Times measured the scale and impact of business school research, Rotman ranked 12th in the world in 2025 – ahead of household names like MIT Sloan, UC Berkeley Haas, and Northwestern Kellogg. As popular opinion goes, Rotman is also the place to go for finance and consulting. Admittedly, says ’25 grad Sanchaita Kohli, the largest student clubs revolve around these two areas – which gives them greater exposure and larger networks. That doesn’t mean the school invests less in areas like tech, healthcare or entrepreneurship, Kohli adds.

“In my opinion, Rotman offers all the necessary resources, systems, affiliations and networks to be able to support students with all kinds of recruitment needs, but it warrants effort and planning on the students’ part to explore and identify the right ones at the right time or create new channels and networks when needed. In short, the MBA is truly what you make of it!”

WHAT MAKES TORONTO GREAT

Another Rotman advantage is location. Home to 7.1 million people, Toronto is the Canadian answer to New York City, with 240 ethnic groups and 190 languages spoken. The metro area alone is responsible for 20% of Canada’s GDP and includes Fortune 500 headquarters like the Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Enbridge, Manulife, and the Brookfield Corporation. Broader scale, Toronto is North America’s 2nd-largest financial center and boasts the continent’s 3rd-largest tech sector. That doesn’t count the region’s robust life sciences and manufacturing centers.

Ask the Class of 2026 about what makes Toronto great and you’ll hear a variety of answers. Eun Jae Baek, an architect, naturally hypes the “city’s blend of historic buildings and modern design.” There is the beauty of Lake Ontario and the breathtaking views from the 447-meter-high CN Tower. Let’s not forget the joy of experiencing four distinct seasons adds Macie Fang.

“Having grown up in a subtropical climate, my heavy reliance on multiple heat-tech layers and waterproof parkas to stay warm during the Canadian winter has become a source of amusement that my classmates and I laugh about,” Fang explains. “However, I will always appreciate the crisp, invigorating air of Toronto and the lively squirrels that dart alongside me on my way to campus. Connecting with nature first thing in the morning is without a doubt the best way to start the day.”

Joyce Wu, a ’25 grad, is equally bullish on Toronto’s weather…and spirit. “Toronto in the summer is incredible, with water sports, trails, and all kinds of activities you can explore. Coming from a subtropical city, I also found the seasonal transitions breathtaking, especially fall foliage and snowy winters. On top of that, Toronto’s culinary diversity and cultural energy make it an inspiring place to live and learn. Whether it’s a jazz night on Queen Street or a spontaneous food crawl in Kensington Market, there’s always something new to explore.”

CREATIVE, ENERGETIC, OPEN

That stems from the city’s diversity – in all of its forms. Alum Sanchaita Kohli gushes about spring picnics alongside the cherry blossoms or traipsing around the “laid-back, artsy streets” and the “busy but swanky financial district.” And the city’s energetic vibe and multiculturalism fosters an impetus to question and explore, says Irem Atalay.

“The city is filled with creatives, young professionals, and dreamers from all over the world, each contributing to its dynamic and innovative spirit. This blend of ambition and cultural diversity makes Toronto feel like a place of endless opportunities, where you can connect with inspiring people, explore different traditions, and be part of a global community. It’s a city that constantly motivates you to grow, create, and embrace new perspectives.”

The spirit – the embrace of the stranger and the different – extends to the business culture, adds Faisal Fakhani. “What truly sets Toronto apart is its professional culture of mentorship and openness. Regardless of seniority, professionals here willingly share their time and insights through coffee chats, making it easier to navigate careers and build networks. Personally, I have found this dynamic inspiring, as it creates a natural ecosystem for connections and opportunities to grow organically.”

THE SELF-DEVELOPMENT LAB

Alongside Toronto, Rotman’s labs differentiates the MBA program. Maybe the most popular is the Self-Development Lab (or SDL for short). Run in tandem with the core courses, the SDL is designed to help students develop interpersonal communication skills. Operated in a 4:1 student-to-teacher format, the SDL is taught through modules on areas like making positive impressions, holding tough conversations, and producing client presentations. In one module, for example, students are videotaped during interviews and receive feedback on everything rom word choice to body language. In the end, the SDL’s readings, exercises, reflections, and discussions enable students to connect what they know with who they want to become.

“[The SDL’s] focus on both personal and professional growth aligns perfectly with my goal to continuously improve and adapt,” explains Victoria Sypher. “The lab’s emphasis on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication skills equips students to become more effective leaders – traits I consider essential for a successful career and beyond.”

Tejumola Akinyelure also gave SDL a two-thumps review after completing it last fall. “[It] has been transformative in helping me identify my strengths and uncover opportunities for growth. These insights have been invaluable for collaborating effectively in team settings, particularly on challenging projects and assignments.”

Page 2: An interview with Joseph Milner, Vice-Dean of MBA Programs

Page 3: In-depth profiles of 11 members of the Class of 2026

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