For five Western University students, leading with character has been more than a classroom concept. This spring, they became the first graduates of the Certificate in Purpose-Driven and Character Leadership, completing what is believed to be Canada's first leadership certificate of its kind. Funded by a landmark investment from BMO to the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership, the Certificate encourages students to develop self-awareness, purpose, and the character to lead in ways that positively impact people, teams, and organizations.
A first-of-its-kind achievement
Launched in September 2025 and powered by Ivey, the Certificate in Purpose-Driven and Character Leadership was designed to develop leaders through the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership's leader character framework. The Certificate draws students from across Western's faculties and affiliates, bringing together students from diverse disciplines to explore purpose-driven and character-based leadership.
For BMO, supporting the creation of this unique leadership program aligned with their mission to “Boldy Grow the Good.” In a complex and uncertain world, they recognize the need for purpose-driven leaders with strength of character to not only inhabit the realm of business, but all sectors of industry and life.
Mona Malone, BMO’s CAO, CHRO and Head of People, Culture & Brand shared, "At BMO, we believe the most effective leaders combine capability with character and a clear sense of purpose. That's why we're proud to support Ivey's Certificate in Purpose-Driven and Character Leadership, which is helping students from across disciplines develop the skills, self-awareness, and judgment needed to lead through complexity and create positive impact in their communities and beyond. Congratulations to this inaugural cohort for this important milestone and for helping shape the future of leadership."
The program's inaugural cohort welcomed 70 students from Western's main campus (80%), Huron University College (16%) and King's University College (4%) spanning 20 different degree programs. Five of those students entered the program in their fourth year, making them the first to complete the Certificate's requirements this spring.
(Photo above) The first cohort at an orientation session.
Meet the graduates
Emma Campbell | Kinesiology
A varsity hockey player, Emma Campbell has balanced athletics with her academic and leadership development. This fall, she plans to return to Western to pursue a post-graduate degree in Management Studies.
Madison Dabbs | Media and Communications (MAC) Studies
Madison Dabbs applied her communications skills throughout the program. Recently, she served as host of the MAC program’s Dragons’ Den-style pitch.
Lavender Nyarambi | Health Science
Lavender Nyarambi began her university studies at Brescia University College and navigated unique academic circumstances to ensure she could graduate with the Certificate's inaugural cohort, reflecting her determination and resilience.
Stefanie Tsangarakis | Political Science
Serving as the previous President of the UWO Political Science Association, Stefanie Tsangarakis recognized that the Certificate's course requirements created potential barriers for political science students. She left her legacy and expanded access for future political science students by advocating for specific courses to be added to the academic calendar.
Noah Zabian | Interdisciplinary Medical Science
Noah Zabian came to the program after serving on Western University's Board of Governors and Senate. His experience in institutional governance provided insight into how character leadership influences organizations. He will be returning to Western’s Schulich School of Medicine this fall.
(Photo above) Noah Zabian and his mother
What the Certificate involves
To earn the Certificate in Purpose-Driven and Character Leadership, students complete three Ivey Business Administration core courses spanning leadership of the self, the team, and the organization. The courses include Learning from Leaders, Transformational Leadership, and the newly developed Purpose-Driven Leadership (offered for the first time in 2026–27), totalling 1.5 credits. They also complete an additional 1.5 credits drawn from a curated list of more than 70 leadership-focused courses offered across Western's faculties, grounding the Certificate in Ivey's evidence-based approach to leader development while reflecting each student's unique academic path.
Beyond the classroom, Certificate students are invited to attend Ivey events, like HBA Leadership Day and the Character and Resilience Conference, hosted by the Institute, which bring exciting leadership speakers to campus. For many in the inaugural cohort, these experiences provided opportunities to build relationships and network with students they may not have otherwise gotten to know.
"[It was] such an amazing experience being a part of the inaugural cohort of the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership's Certificate in Purpose-Driven and Character Leadership! I am grateful to have been able to learn with such a thoughtful group of peers. Congrats to my fellow graduates and best wishes to the Ivey team moving forward with this program."
— Emma Campbell, Kinesiology
A living expression of Bold Ambition
The Certificate in Purpose-Driven and Character Leadership supports Ivey's Bold Ambition strategic plan, which is guided by the purpose of inspiring leaders for a sustainable and prosperous world. One of its core commitments is to Open More Pathways by extending Ivey’s leadership development opportunities to students across Western.
By extending the leader character framework beyond Ivey’s flagship HBA and MBA programs, the Certificate expands access to leadership development for students from a wide range of academic disciplines.
"I am incredibly honoured to be part of the first graduating cohort of the Certificate in Purpose-Driven Leadership. This program pushed me to think more deeply about leadership, character, and the impact our decisions have on others. Through meaningful discussions and real-world case studies, I gained lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. Thank you to everyone who helped make this experience so valuable – I'm excited to carry these perspectives with me into the future!"
— Lavender Nyarambi, Health Science
Made possible by BMO
The Certificate in Purpose-Driven and Character Leadership was made possible through BMO’s generous investment in the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership, supporting leadership development that emphasizes the impact that leaders with strength of character have on the flourishing of individuals, organizations, and societies.
What comes next
The inaugural graduating cohort is just the beginning. Seventy-five students have been accepted into the 2026–27 cohort, representing 28 programs across Western, Huron, and King's, including Actuarial Science, Museum and Curatorial Studies, Kinesiology, and Information and Media Studies.
As the program continues to grow, the inaugural graduates mark an important milestone in expanding leadership development opportunities across Western and cross-disciplinary learning.
(Photo above) Certificate students and staff
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