Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey.
My name is Zoya Zulfiqar. I grew up in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and travelled across Ontario for education at various institutions. I completed my undergraduate degree in Life Sciences at McMaster University, followed by an accelerated nursing degree at the University of Toronto. During my training, I had the opportunity to learn and work alongside health care teams at several renowned hospitals across Toronto, gaining exposure to a wide range of clinical settings.
I then worked as a registered nurse in paediatric surgical care, a role that was both demanding and formative. It was an experience I deeply value and one that shaped my growth as both a clinician and an individual.
As my interests expanded beyond clinical practice, I transitioned into business by completing a Master of Science in Management, Business Analytics at Ivey. My time at Ivey was truly transformative and was shaped heavily by the MSc peer community, my role as Vice President of Partnerships for the Consulting Club, and the support of inspiring professors.
What led you to your current role or career path?
My career decisions have always been intentional. I’ve always been curious and enjoy staying up to date with research and new ideas in the fields I’m interested in, and that curiosity has played a big role in shaping the direction of my career.
While working in clinical practice, I became increasingly interested in how health care systems operate beyond direct patient care. I was drawn to questions about how organizations make decisions, allocate resources, and adopt new technologies. I spent time reading thought leadership articles published by major hospitals and health care organizations across Canada. A common theme explored in these articles was how innovation and rapidly changing technology could improve care at scale.
Over time, this perspective pushed me toward paths that focus on system-level impact. Pursuing a formal business education allowed me to better understand how strategic decisions are made and how they shape outcomes across related sectors. My current path reflects my broader interest in connecting clinical experience with business thinking to support more effective decision-making.
Who inspired you?
My brother has always been a major source of inspiration. His constant thirst for new knowledge and strong work ethic challenged me to keep learning. I’m also inspired by my parents and grateful for the steady support they’ve given me throughout my life.
As the daughter of immigrant parents with very different lived experiences navigating poverty and instability, I’ve grown up with a deep appreciation for education and the opportunities around me. My parents’ sacrifices and encouragement have shaped my values and motivated me to make the most of what I can accomplish.
How did Ivey play a role?
Ivey played a significant role in preparing me for the transition from clinical thinking to business-focused decision-making. The case-based method focused on real-world examples and encouraged learning that brought together all areas of business. This learning style helped connect theory to practice in a way that felt natural and relevant.
Mandatory class contribution encouraged active engagement and led to dynamic conversations. Hearing different perspectives and ideas from peers with diverse professional backgrounds consistently challenged my thinking and expanded my view.
What really stood out was the Ivey community. Alumni and professors were always willing to connect, and coffee chats often turned into longer mentorship relationships. Strong friendships with peers provided a sense of family – long nights studying in breakout rooms, treating ourselves to food from the BTRMLK restaurant after exams, and spontaneous coffee runs all added to the Ivey sense of community.
Why did you choose the MSc program specifically?
I chose the Master of Management: Analytics because it offered the right balance for my career transition. It provided the business acumen and exposure to managerial decision-making that I was looking for, while also allowing me to build on my technical background. The program gave me hands-on experience with coding and analytical coursework, all grounded in real-world applications. That combination made the program a practical and well-rounded choice for my next step.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had as a nurse and the therapeutic relationships I built with the patients and families I served. Supporting people through difficult moments and knowing I made a meaningful difference is something I’ll always carry with me.
Beyond clinical work, I’m also proud of my accomplishments as a published author through research roles with the University of Toronto and Aga Khan University.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I’m a dancer and have been dancing since I was seven years old. Over the years, I’ve taken part in numerous community performances and competitions, and dance continues to be an important creative outlet for me.
I’m also very social and enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. During my Ivey grad formal, I was voted “Social Butterfly” by my cohort. I also love travelling – exploring new cultures and places always excites me. I have a goal to hit 30 countries before turning 30, and I’m currently at 15 – halfway there!
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I can speak four languages. One of the languages I speak is an ancient native South Asian language called Sindhi – it’s more than 2,400 years old!
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
My favourite memory from Ivey was the 24-hour case report with my learning team. We had such a strong bond by the end of the semester that the experience felt more like a fun activity than an assignment. We ate tons of food, made spontaneous coffee runs, created funny videos during breaks, and genuinely just had a great time together.
The full-circle moment came when our final group project was used as the 24-hour case report for the next year’s cohort. A warm shout-out to Professor Mehmet Begen for making the class such a fun and memorable experience.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
Contribution is key – at the end of the day, those who speak up are the ones who are noticed.
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
I am! The Ivey community continues well beyond graduation. I’ve maintained strong relationships with many professors and peers, and I’m also involved in ongoing research work with Ivey and Western University. I look forward to attending annual Ivey alumni events like Get Connected and reunions!
