McMaster University - DeGroote School Of Business

Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Program: Full-time MBA
Prior education: University of Ottawa (Philosophy and Criminology)

Why DeGroote? I can sum it up in one word: community. Everyone in the program is there to support you reach your goals. 

Why an MBA? To me, an MBA is far more than a degree; it’s about building leadership and interpersonal skills. As someone who didn’t have a previous business education, I knew getting my MBA would help me grow and learn the skills needed to enhance my career.

What surprised you about DeGroote? The level of support I received from my classmates, faculty, and administration. The program is challenging and you will face hardships; however, you will never go through them alone. Everyone is welcoming, supportive and truly wants you to succeed.

What piece of advice would you give to anyone considering doing their MBA at DeGroote? Make yourself known – get to know your classmates personally, be engaged in the classroom, get involved in different clubs and activities, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

During my undergraduate career, I enjoyed using multidisciplinary approaches to solve scientific problems. I saw the MBA as an opportunity to continue to learn and refine my skills. In addition, I believed that the program would enable me to build a network of mentors and peers and pivot into leadership roles.

I chose DeGroote because of their amazing focus on community and building meaningful relationships. I first met representatives from DeGroote through a conference during my undergraduate degree and their level of care to my academic and career goals was a highlight. After a few years of check-ins and follow-ups, I knew that when I decided to apply, I would be applying to join a community that embraces the value of connection.

Rochelle Reid serves as the Chief Health Equity Officer at Hamilton Health Sciences, spearheading transformative initiatives to champion health equity across one of Ontario's largest healthcare systems. With over 15 years of senior leadership experience spanning both healthcare and higher education, Rochelle's unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive environments is profoundly evident and has garnered recognition from Members of Parliament. Her impact extends nationally as the inaugural Chair of Children's Healthcare Canada's Equity Network, and locally as co-chair of the Greater Hamilton Health Network's Regional Black Health Table. Rochelle is also the founder of Virtuous Management Group Inc., and co-founder of the BYND BLK program, dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black students. She also serves as a board director at YMCA Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford. An accomplished and inspiring leader, Rochelle’s public sector knowledge and acute strategic planning expertise enables her to forge powerful collaborations across diverse groups and industries. Rochelle is an alumni McMaster University where she earned her Master’s of Business Administration in Digital Transformation.