Dearest Gentle Reader,
Lady Yosidown is back, feeling studious as ever as we bid farewell to the first month of classes. September always feels a bit strange—some students find it relaxed, while others are already cramming for midterms in the first two weeks. However, your semester started, at least it came with some beautiful weather before we return to 5 p.m. sunsets and parkas.
This month’s theme for The Asper Scoop is “Community.” I had the pleasure of interviewing Sam Iwabuchi, Daniel Eng, and Sammi Oni, who have been working hard to ensure that Asper’s programs and initiatives are better than ever.
Without further ado, I present to you this edition of The Asper Scoop: Building Connections.
Sam Iwabuchi and Daniel Eng: Business Banquet
As October approaches, Sam Iwabuchi and Daniel Eng are eagerly preparing for the 58th annual Business Banquet, bringing their passion for community and involvement to make this year’s event truly memorable.
Sam is a second-year Asper student majoring in marketing and accounting. Excited to get involved early in her academic career, Sam joined the CSA’s first-year committee as the marketing co-chair. Finding both community and a passion for business within Asper, she knew she wanted to continue her journey in the CSA.
Daniel Eng, a third-year Asper student majoring in accounting and finance, shares a passion for school involvement and maximizing his university experience. His love for travel led him to apply for the Asper Exchange Program, where he will spend a semester in Hong Kong. Daniel has also competed in case competitions which helped him grow and reach out within Asper.
Both Sam and Daniel entered the new school year with a strong sense of purpose, which led them to apply for the Business Banquet (BB) co-chair positions. They had attended the event in the past and enjoyed the chance to network and learn in a more casual setting. Since earning the roles, they’ve been hard at work managing and organizing the BB, striving to make this year’s banquet the best one yet.
The Business Banquet is an annual networking event that connects corporate representatives and students in a more relaxed and personal environment. It’s an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and listen to a keynote speaker who offers impactful and meaningful advice.
As BB co-chairs, Sam and Daniel oversee the entire event planning process. From selecting their committee to choosing themes and meals, they’ve been working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. The BB committee is made up of six members, all led by Sam and Daniel, with support from their VP, Shaelynn Su.
Their main goal for this year’s BB is to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere that alleviates the typical stress of networking. Networking often carries a negative stigma due to the pressure to impress and secure connections. However, BB aims to create an environment where students feel at ease stepping out of their comfort zones and connecting with others in a more personal way.
This intimate setting is what sets the Business Banquet apart from other networking events. Students have the unique opportunity to choose which companies they sit with, making the conversations feel less transactional and more meaningful. In addition to natural networking, the keynote speaker offers relevant and inspiring advice that can stick with students throughout their careers. The speaker is carefully selected each year to provide insights into their professional journey and share lessons that can help attendees grow in their own pursuits.
Sam and Daniel encourage anyone interested in getting involved in Asper to take the leap. Too often, people overthink these decisions, but the community and knowledge gained from being involved are well worth the time commitment. Their advice: trust the process. It will all come together, and every opportunity is a chance to grow, so try everything.
If you’re interested in attending the Business Banquet this year, follow the BB Instagram @businessbanquet for updates. Tickets go on sale October 7th for $35, which includes entry and a three-course meal. BB promo week begins when tickets go on sale, so stay tuned for announcements about the keynote speaker and other details to help make the experience as approachable as possible. Don’t miss out on the 58th annual Business Banquet, happening October 30th from 5-9 pm. It’s an invaluable opportunity to make connections that could last a lifetime! https://www.commercebusinessbanquet.ca/
Sammi Oni: Biz Thrift
Sammi Oni is a third-year student still deciding between finance and business analytics. Over the years, she has held various roles in committees and actively participated in Asper programs, serving as the international student representative. This year, Sammi holds the position of EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Officer for the CSA, working to integrate EDI initiatives into the CSA’s processes.
One of Sammi’s key responsibilities as EDI Officer is overseeing Biz Thrift, a student-led initiative where students are encouraged to donate or consign their business attire. Biz Thrift volunteers then sell the clothes at a discounted price to help lower-income students afford professional clothing for interviews and other events.
Originally started by last year’s EDI Officer, Olivia Velasco, Sammi was determined to continue this tradition, recognizing that many students spend hundreds of dollars each season on new business attire. By donating or consigning clothes, students can offer others the chance to purchase high-quality, professional clothing at more affordable prices. It also provides an opportunity for consignors to recoup some of their investment while donating clothes they no longer need. At the end of the initiative, any unsold items are donated to Dress for Success, ensuring that all clothing finds a new home and stays out of landfills. With upcoming events like the Business Banquet, NBSC, and interviews throughout the semester, Biz Thrift offers a sustainable way to share resources with the student body.
As EDI Officer, Sammi has many ambitions for Asper, aiming to incorporate EDI into every aspect of its operations. She hopes to collaborate with groups like the University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students (UMICS), University of Manitoba Queer Asper Students (UMQAS), and the Asper Black Student Association (ABSA) to gather their input on how Asper can better support its students. As an international student from Nigeria, Sammi feels it’s crucial to create a diverse and welcoming community. She knows firsthand how challenging it can be for international students to feel comfortable and involved at Asper, so breaking down barriers is something she takes very seriously.
Sammi’s ultimate goal is to make Asper as barrier-free as possible. She hopes to partner with more student groups and initiatives to ensure that Asper is a place where everyone feels welcome. One of the biggest challenges for international students is transportation to events and programs that take place off-campus. Many locations are inaccessible for students who rely on public transit, and their needs are often overlooked. By incorporating their input in Asper events and initiatives, Sammi hopes to reduce these barriers and create equal opportunities for international students and commuters to get involved, just like any other student.
Sammi emphasized the importance of having an EDI Officer because Asper has a very diverse student body, and it’s essential that all voices are heard. It’s important that people aren’t spoken for but rather feel empowered and passionate enough about the faculty to want to make a change and lead the way.
Her advice for anyone considering the EDI Officer position is to be prepared and give it your all. As a relatively new role, Sammi had a lot on her plate and high expectations to meet, given the remarkable work of her predecessor, Olivia. Sammi’s goal was to maintain that standard, and she is proud of the impact she’s made so far. Although the role is demanding, Sammi highlighted the joy and fulfillment she experiences and encourages those who are passionate about EDI to get involved.
Biz Thrift will be held on October 15-16. If you’re looking for business attire, be sure to check it out! If you’re interested in completing volunteer hours or helping a great cause, Biz Thrift is also looking for volunteers to help run the stations. Additionally, if you have any clothing to donate or consign, drop it off at the CSA office in Drake with the merch coordinators, who will set it aside for Biz Thrift. Volunteer Signup: https://forms.gle/qw6myEDUh16zmq2r6
See You Next Month <3
And with that, we wrap up this edition of The Asper Scoop! Thank you to Sam Iwabuchi, Daniel Eng, and Sammi Oni for sharing your stories with us. And how could I forget about my lovely readers? Thank you for reading, I truly appreciate it, and stay tuned for next month’s edition!
Pookie Out ✌️