Championing women with the MBA Inspiring Females Scholarship

Beneficiaries of the MBA Inspiring Females scholarship reveal how this support has been a gateway to transformative experiences, extending beyond financial aid to inspire personal and professional development.

Turkan Farzaliyeva – Executive MBA

Scholarships, like the WBS Inspiring Females initiative, represent more than financial aid—they embody recognition and encouragement. Applying for this scholarship stemmed from my commitment to gender equality in tech. It symbolises resilience and a tool for levelling the playing field in traditionally male-dominated sectors like fintech. Receiving it validated my efforts and inspired me to aim even higher.

What the scholarship means to me

The scholarship has empowered me to focus on what truly matters: honing my entrepreneurial vision while engaging with a community of forward-thinkers. It reinforces the values of diversity and inclusion, pushing me to be a more impactful leader. Beyond academic achievements, it has opened doors to meaningful collaborations and thought-provoking discussions.

The impact of the scholarship on my goals

The scholarship has catalysed both my academic pursuits and my broader mission as an entrepreneur. It has enabled me to engage with cutting-edge research and connect with industry leaders. Personally, it has reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. Every milestone achieved strengthens my resolve to make fintech more inclusive?.

Advice for aspiring scholarship applicants

To anyone considering a scholarship, my advice is simple: be authentic and visionary. Scholarships are about more than grades; they’re about impact. Share your story, highlight your aspirations, and show how you intend to drive change. Remember, the most compelling narratives are those rooted in passion and purpose.

Joy Zizinga - Full-time MBA

I vividly remember screaming and crying tears of joy at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport heading home to Uganda when I got the email saying I had been awarded a scholarship at Warwick Business School.

Passengers gathered and gave me a round of applause as they eagerly questioned what the good news was? Still basking in emotion and disbelief, I exclaimed “An MBA scholarship at Warwick Business School!” One gentleman came up to me and remarked “That’s an incredible achievement, Warwick is prestigious, you should be proud of yourself”. I most certainly was!

The WBS Inspiring Females Scholarship came at a time when I needed a reminder that, despite the numerous challenges I was facing at work, I was on the right track. I am an avid believer of the adage “we only grow through challenges” thus growth and comfort do not coexist! But truthfully, in the moment sometimes it’s hard to remember. The hardships were taking a toll on me, striving to excel in a male dominated industry, but here was this highly esteemed institution acknowledging my efforts and hard work. Needless to say, the financial relief was the greatest of all!

Living the Change Maker values

So far, throughout my MBA journey at WBS, I’ve actively sought to live out the Change Maker values, not only through my academic pursuits but also through professional engagements. Two outstanding values for me have been curiosity and restlessness. I have actively sought new knowledge and ideas, learning, un-learning, re-learning and pursuing innovation with some of the networks I’ve met here!

Advice for future Change Makers

My advice to anyone applying for a scholarship is to believe in yourself and the power of your story. Share your journey, struggles, achievements and aspirations. Showcase your uniqueness and how your experiences, both professional and personal, such as hobbies, community work or mentoring others have shaped you! The selection committees are looking for genuine and passionate individuals able to be Change Makers in the world.

Ayalenesh Tafesse – Global Online MBA

Pursuing an MBA is a big investment, so it’s best to consider all your options when it comes to funding your studies. Aside from the obvious financial benefit, WBS scholarships require you to demonstrate that you are a Change Maker that strives for excellence. For me, being awarded the scholarship was a vote of confidence; it was encouraging to know that WBS also saw that potential in me.

Championing mentorship and equality

Paying-it-forward is a huge driver for me. Important parts of my career journey have been shaped by people who took the time to share their experiences and impart valuable advice. For me, being able to provide that mentorship and support to others has been a way to champion equality.

Considering applying for a scholarship?

As cliché as it is, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained.’ Explore all of your options, do your best and just go for it! In terms of the scholarship application, be authentic and write about what you value. The writing process is so much easier when you truly resonate with the topic. It will also allow your voice to shine through.