Mount Royal University and the Calgary Black Chambers (CBC) are pleased to announce the signing of a three-year partnership focused on mentorship.
From left to right: Chi Illiya-Ndule, President, Calgary Black Chambers, Anette Massiah, Director of Mentorships, Calgary Black Chambers, Dr. Timothy Rahilly, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Moussa Magassa, PhD, Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
Mount Royal faculty members have been awarded the CBC's Educator of the Year Award while students have benefitted from scholarships awarded by the CBC. Many of the CBC's active members have ties to the MRU community as faculty, alumni, honorary Degree recipients and board members.
As part of this new partnership, MRU Career Services will invest $7,000 in year one. CBC will refer its industry and community professionals to Career Service's Black Mentorship Program, where they will be matched with students to diversify the mentorship network and create meaningful professional connections.
The first year of the program will serve as a pilot phase, during which the CBC and MRU will work together to shape the mentorship experience, incorporating elements such as experiential and work-integrated learning. Years two and three will build on this foundation, expanding the program's impact and opportunities.
Upon completion of the mentorship program, MRU will encourage third and fourth year students to participate in CBC's high school mentorship program, offering a full-circle mentorship experience and empowering the next generation of leaders.
This partnership represents a commitment to strengthening the Black community through education, professional development, and meaningful mentorship connections.
Quotes:
"We recognize that Black students in higher education face distinct challenges, and we are fully committed to providing them with the resources, tools, and guidance needed to succeed both academically and professionally. By connecting the Calgary Black Chambers directly with MRU's Black Mentorship Program, we are creating valuable opportunities to match students with mentors from diverse backgrounds. This partnership is truly unique in our province, and we are deeply grateful to the CBC for the their support in making this possible"
Vance Koberstein, Manager, Partner Engagement, Career Services
"CBC's partnership with MRU is a pivotal moment for our mentorship programs, as it will expand our ability to support our youth with their educational goals, setting them up for success on their career journey."
Annnette Massiah, Director of Mentorships, Calgary Black Chambers
"As AVP of EDI, I am thrilled to witness the signing of a partnership between Mount Royal and the Calgary Black Chambers that focuses on mentorship which is indeed a cornerstone of student success, and MRU aims to expand mentorship opportunities for all students, with a special focus on underrepresented groups."
Dr. Moussa Magassa, PhD, Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
"This partnership aligns with MRU's mission to enhance student experiences and outcomes through external collaborations that promote professional growth, leadership development, and financial support. Mount Royal is committed to community engagement as a key institutional priority, recognizing the importance of fostering meaningful connections for our students that drive social impact."
Dr. Timothy Rahilly, Ph.D., President and Vice-Chancellor
