Dearest Gentle Reader,
Lady Yosidown is back for the final edition of the year—can you believe it? My goodness, how time flies when you’re having fun. After taking a look at our Scoop Wrapped analytics, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who’ve joined Lady Yosidownthroughout the year. We’ve been through thick and thin together, and I’m so grateful to have shared this semester with you.
Winter has truly arrived this time, and it’s here to stay. The era of shovelling driveways, preheating cars, and jump-starting batteries is upon us. Stay strong, soldiers—we’ve got a long four months ahead, but we’ll get through it together!
This month, I had the privilege of interviewing Jenna Buchwald, Yvette Madarang, Anna Josebachvili, and Katelyn Ko, whose incredible efforts have deeply enriched the Asper community. Without further ado, I present to you the December edition of the Asper Scoop: Wrapping up the Year
Commerce Socials
As the year comes to a close, we celebrate the end of the semester with Commerce Social’s final event, Commerce Carol. Anna Josebachvili and Katelyn Ko, co-chairs of Commerce Socials, have been working tirelessly throughout the year to ensure Carol is a night to remember.
Anna is a fifth-year Marketing and International Business student who began her university journey during COVID-19. The pandemic limited her opportunities to make friends and build connections in her early years. Once in-person classes resumed, Anna was determined to get involved in student groups and meet new people. Before long, she found her groove, joining UMSBA and AIMS. Her experiences on those committees encouraged her to apply for the CSA, leading to her current role as one-half of the Commerce Socials co-chairs. Anna also holds the position of VP of Events and Operations at UMSBA.
Katelyn, on the other hand, is relatively new to the University of Manitoba but has already accomplished a lot. A second-year Marketing and Accounting student, Katelyn joined the CSA right from the start as part of the First-Year Committee, serving as the Events Co-Chair. After a phenomenal first year, Katelyn decided to take on more responsibility and earned the position of Commerce Co-Chair in her second year.
Commerce Socials is one of the oldest traditions within Asper’s student community. Established in the 1970s or 1980s, these socials have long been an integral part of Asper events. Due to COVID-19, there was a significant decline in brand awareness. However, post-pandemic, the CSA reduced the number of events to make them more exclusive, which has successfully boosted engagement. Each year, the Commerce Socials Co-Chairs organize two key events: Shocker and Carol. Additionally, TWC Co-Chairs plan Commerce on the Quad under the Commerce Socials umbrella. While Shocker typically follows a standard format, Carol gives Anna and Katelyn the opportunity to take creative risks and try new ideas.
Anna and Katelyn lead and oversee their three-person committee, each member specializing in different roles to ensure the event runs smoothly. As Co-Chairs, Anna and Katelyn are jacks of all trades: liaising with sponsors, preparing marketing content, selecting DJs, and more. Their ultimate goal is to turn their vision into reality through teamwork and dedication.
This year, their primary focus has been to increase awareness and engagement with the Commerce Socials audience. In the past, marketing efforts felt untargeted, so Anna and Katelyn made it a priority to collaborate with local brands and create engaging content that resonates with students. Their efforts have paid off. Through initiatives like the “12 Days of Carol” campaign, they’ve increased Commerce Social’s Instagram follower count by 20% and partnered with relevant student-friendly brands like Colosimo Coffee.
Anna and Katelyn emphasize the importance of Commerce Socials as a unique way to de-stress, enjoy music, and connect with fellow students. Since the University of Manitoba is largely a commuter school with little dorm life, socials serve as an outlet to celebrate and unwind. It’s an opportunity to meet new people in a casual, non-academic setting—and maybe even work up the courage to talk to that classmate you’ve been eyeing all semester.
They also encourage students to get involved in university events in any capacity. Joining student groups is a fantastic way to make friends and network in both professional and casual settings. While it can be a lot of work, the experience is incredibly rewarding. For anyone considering taking on the role of Commerce Socials Co-Chair next year, Anna and Katelyn suggest embracing feedback. As much as the event is your project, it’s also for the students. Listening to the student body and understanding their preferences will lead to the best results.
If you’d like to join us for the last social of 2024, follow @commercesocials on Instagram for updates. Commerce Carol will take place on December 20th, from 9 PM to 2 AM, at the RBC Convention Centre. The event promises an unforgettable evening featuring performers, DJs, free food, drinks, and plenty of fun. The remaining tickets are priced between $40 and $55, so don’t miss out! Get your tickets here.
Tour de Commerce
Fear not fellow reader as we look forward to starting the next year with Tour De Commerce (TDC), led by Jenna Buchwald and Yvette Madarang.
Jenna is a fifth-year student graduating this year with a major in Human Resources and Marketing. Like many, Jenna began her university career during Covid-19 and wanted to get involved once classes returned in person. She previously joined the CSA as the HR Coordinator and this year, she holds the position of Student Development Co-Chair alongside Yvette.
Yvette, on the other hand, is a fourth-year Accounting student who has been involved with the CSA since 2022. Both Jenna and Yvette were Co-Directors of Logistics for what is now Commerce Cares and share their passion for student development in their current roles.
TDC is a unique business networking event where students get the opportunity to visit several company offices and build connections with potential employers in their natural settings. The event kicks off at Asper with a complimentary breakfast. From there, participants take a bus to visit the companies in their business stream (ie Accounting, Marketing, etc), followed by a complimentary lunch, one more company visit, and a complimentary Wine & Cheese wrap-up. At the wrap-up, representatives from all participating companies will be present to connect with students in a relaxed setting. With tickets priced at only $15, it’s an unbeatable opportunity!
Both Jenna and Yvette attended TDC last year and loved it, which inspired them to take on the leadership role this year. They appreciated the laid-back style of networking and enjoyed seeing companies operate in their real environments. Unlike traditional networking events, which are often held in conference rooms or hotels, TDC allows you to visit companies you’re interested in and engage with them in their own spaces. This approach feels much less intimidating, as companies take the lead in introducing themselves and fostering conversations, whereas larger networking events often put pressure on students to initiate interactions.
As Co-Chairs of Student Development, Jenna and Yvette handle everything from logistics and communication to overall event planning. Alongside their portfolio executive, Angeline, they work tirelessly to ensure the event runs smoothly and achieves strong student engagement. Their ultimate goal is for students to learn from the experience while enjoying themselves. Visiting an office firsthand offers invaluable insight, knowledge, and skills that you simply can’t get otherwise—so seize the opportunity to build your network!
Jenna and Yvette emphasize the importance of events like TDC because there aren’t many opportunities to tour offices and witness daily operations up close. These experiences are especially valuable for students who are unsure about their career paths, as they provide exposure to different areas of business and may help students discover their passions. Observing real-world operations also plays a significant role in deciding where to apply for jobs, and it’s a fantastic way to connect with peers who are navigating similar journeys.
For anyone considering getting involved in the future, Jenna and Yvette highly recommend “biting the bullet” and going for it. While it can be nerve-racking at first, the connections and experiences you gain make it well worth the effort. They encourage future leaders to be creative, optimistic, and adaptable—trust the process, as the best things often come from the unexpected. Planning events like TDC and seeing their positive impact on students is what makes their work so fulfilling, and it’s why you should consider getting involved, too!
If you’re interested in attending TDC this year, follow @aspercsa on Instagram for updates. Tour De Commerce will take place on January 17, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM at the Drake Centre. Buses will transport participants to company offices and bring them back to the Drake Centre at the end of the day. Tickets are only $15 and include food and transportation. Don’t miss out—this is a great way to kick off the new year and grow your network!
Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1089134583859?aff=oddtdtcreator
See You Next Month <3
And with that, we wrap up our December edition of The Asper Scoop! Thank you to Jenna Buchwald, Yvette Madarang, Anna Josebachvili, and Katelyn Ko 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 ✌️