#WomeninBusiness: Harnessing the power of scholarships to create lasting impact
This year’s recipient of the EDHEC Women of Impact Scholarship, Hannah Villame is committed to contributing to address the difficulties encountered by underprivileged communities. Let’s delve into her remarkable journey from the Philippines to the picturesque French Riviera.
The Swati Kansal Memorial Scholarship for Women of Impact is awarded to women from lower- middle income economies proving a strong desire to contribute to the school, to business and to society while demonstrating potential for leadership and career success. The generous scholarship was established in honour of Swati Kansal, a distinguished 2019 Global MBA graduate who made an outstanding contribution to the school and her class as a highly engaged student.
How can entrepreneurial spirit and volunteer work shape society?
This year's Global MBA Woman of Impact scholarship is awarded to Hannah Villame, from the Philippines. Hannah joined EDHEC's Global MBA to accelerate her career and gain international exposure. During her 12 years of extensive experience, mostly in the fashion retail industry, she held pivotal roles as a brand manager for several internationally renowned brands.
Hannah, shaped by her parents' resilience in overcoming poverty, is driven by a profound commitment to create a lasting impact on others' lives. In addition to her career in fashion, she always aimed at making a difference for others i.e. through teaching children, aged 9 and above how to read. Recognising that many of these children lacked access to education due to their circumstances, often resorting to begging instead of attending school, Hannah aimed not only to impart literacy skills but also to disrupt the cycle of poverty, offering them an opportunity for a brighter future through education.
In parallel with her volunteer work, Hannah has woven responsibility into her entrepreneurial pursuits. As she manages her clothing line, she ensures that the operations contribute positively to society. Her approach involves exclusive collaboration with small local entrepreneurs, providing them with business opportunities and a platform to showcase their talents. Moreover, she emphasises sustainability by sourcing fabrics solely from local suppliers, thereby minimising the carbon footprint while bolstering the growth of local businesses.
"It's an absolute pleasure to see the impact of the Swati Kansal Scholarship and how it can help talented young women -already with tremendous academic and professional experience – discover and finetune projects for the future by entering the Global MBA.
Hannah’s vision of social entrepreneurship, which she experienced through creating and managing an equitable clothing line, will have a lot of impact on enriching discussions within the MBA community and on the platform of ethical business practises and social innovation. I hope Hannah will make the most of every moment of her EDHEC experience!" said Camille Piquet, Development Director, EDHEC Foundation.
Making a lasting impact – beyond the MBA
While Hannah's efforts have predominantly focused on the Philippines, she firmly believes in the scalability of these initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of purpose and capabilities, she aims to implement projects on a broader scale. For her, social entrepreneurship is more than just passion, it is a calling to create a more equitable world for everyone. "I carry a vision to address social issues beyond the MBA programme, aspiring to make a lasting impact through various channels such as educational programmes, community development initiatives, and the promotion of sustainable business practises. By leveraging the skills and insights gained during the programme, I am committed to actively contributing to positive change and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future."
What's the Significance of Scholarships and Funding for Women?
Awards such as the Swati Kansal scholarship can make a profound difference for women all over the world through financial assistance that enables them to pursue higher education. These scholarships empower candidates to achieve career goals and foster a diverse academic environment that enriches the EDHEC community.
"The Woman of Impact Scholarship aligns deeply with my commitment to social impact, providing a pivotal opportunity to extend privileges to others. As a woman raised by a mother who believed in the power of education, I inherited a legacy of academic passion and a responsibility to lay the foundation for a brighter future. I aspire to be a source of inspiration and empowerment for women worldwide," says Hannah.
The tools and skills acquired during her MBA at EDHEC will help Hannah take her projects onto the next level. The programme’s focus on societal and sustainability issues along-side fundamental business skills teaches ethical decision-making, as well as analytical and problem-solving skills and a global perspective that will enable Hannah to critically assess situations, identify challenges, and devise innovative solutions to address social issues effectively. A broader understanding of global markets, cultures, and socioeconomic factors is invaluable when addressing multifaceted societal problems on an international scale.
Could this be you?
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