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.

Abimbola Akindoyin – Global Online MBA

I am a wealth management professional currently working as a Client Management Associate at Royal Bank of Canada, where I manage high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.

What motivated you to apply for the Inspiring Females scholarship? 

My motivation to apply for the Inspiring Females scholarship stems from both my personal journey and my long-term ambition to contribute to a more inclusive financial services industry. Having built my career across different markets and environments, I have seen first-hand the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, particularly within finance and investment management.

What does the scholarship mean to you? 

It enables me to fully immerse myself in my MBA experience, pursue leadership opportunities, and invest in personal and professional development without constraint. At the same time, it represents a responsibility to give back, to mentor, to advocate, and to create opportunities for other women coming behind me. 

How have you been championing equality, both in industry and within your MBA? 

In my professional role, I champion equality by fostering inclusive client engagement and supporting fair access to financial opportunities. I ensure that client solutions are tailored, transparent, and accessible, while also advocating for process improvements that reduce bias and improve efficiency. 

Within my MBA, I actively contribute to discussions around diversity, leadership, and organisational culture, bringing perspectives from my experience across different regions and industries. Additionally, I have taken opportunities to mentor and support peers, particularly those transitioning into new industries or navigating unfamiliar environments, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and mutual growth. 

What impact has the scholarship had on your academic and personal goals? 

The scholarship has significantly strengthened my ability to pursue my academic goals with focus and confidence. On a personal level, it has reinforced my belief in my potential and the importance of representation. Being recognised through this scholarship has motivated me to aim higher, take on leadership roles, and remain committed to making a meaningful impact in my field. 

Do you have any advice to others considering applying for a scholarship? 

My advice would be to approach the application with authenticity and clarity of purpose. Focus on your unique journey, your experiences, challenges, and aspirations and how they align with the values of the scholarship.  Be intentional about demonstrating impact, not just achievement. Highlight how you have contributed to others, what you stand for, and how you intend to use the opportunity to create meaningful change. 

Finally, don’t underestimate your story. Often, the most compelling applications are those that are genuine, reflective, and grounded in a clear vision for the future. 

Arini Santosa - Full-time MBA

I graduated in Industrial Engineering, and I spent three years working across international relations, business development, human resources, and operations within the same company and its subsidiary in Indonesia. 

What motivated you to apply for the Inspiring Females scholarship? 

Growing up and working in environments where leadership spaces were often male-dominated. Back home, I always see women leading, but often in the background. There I saw how women sometimes hesitated to step forward or were not given the same visibility. Therefore, I knew I wanted to represent something larger. When I saw this scholarship, I was excited to show my contribution to a future where  women in business are not overlooked.  

What does the scholarship mean to you? 

It is not just about financial support, but it is a chance in making a difference. It represents validation, on the work I have done, the risks I have taken, the person I aspire to become, and that having a dream is possible. Being recognised as an “Inspiring Female” pushes me to hold myself to a higher standard, to lead with integrity, and to use my MBA experience to make a change. 

How have you been championing equality, both in industry and within your MBA? 

In my professional experience, I was involved in building systems from scratch, allowing me to embed fairness into the foundation of the organisation. I was the field coordinator of the new subsidiary, leading the startup from nothing to operating.  

I am currently serving as Vice President of the Women in Business Club at Warwick Business School, helping to create safe conversations spaces for women in their non-linear journeys.  

Do you have any advice for others considering applying for a scholarship? 

Be honest in your story. Reflect on the impact you want to create and the challenges that have shaped you. Never underestimate your experiences. Sometimes the things that feel “normal” or “small” to you, such as leading small teams, navigating cultural transitions, are exactly what make your journey powerful. And most importantly: apply even if you doubt yourself. It is better to do something and fail, than not doing anything and never knowing what would have happened! 

Aleksandra Parrett – Executive MBA

I am a Global Category Manager responsible for raw material procurement contracts at Kelvion, a global provider of thermal solutions for a wide range of industries, including high-tech applications. I am highly passionate about my role, and participation in the company’s Women’s Mentoring Programme in 2024 gave me the confidence to take the next step in advancing my career.

What motivated you to apply for the Inspiring Females scholarship? 

My motivation stems from participating in my company’s Women’s Mentoring Programme, where I was inspired by the courage and perseverance of my female colleagues. I witnessed how committed they were to their professional roles and how challenging it can be to balance career progression with motherhood—, an experience that resonated strongly with me. Through this programme, I realised that I am not alone in striving to succeed both professionally and personally. 

How have you been embodying Warwick Business School’s Change Maker values and having an impact on society during your MBA? 

I embody Warwick Business School’s Change Maker values by actively contributing to an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. I participate openly in class discussions, believing that no question is insignificant, and I encourage others to share their perspectives with confidence. 

By fostering open dialogue and ensuring that diverse viewpoints are heard, I aim to contribute to a learning culture based on respect, inclusion, and mutual support. Through these everyday actions, I seek to create positive impact by empowering others to engage, challenge ideas, and develop the confidence needed to drive meaningful change beyond the classroom. 

Do you have any advice to other considering applying for a scholarship? 

Do not doubt your worthiness for a scholarship. Be honest, share your story with the admissions team, and trust in what you have achieved so far. 

For more information on the scholarship funding available to you, explore our guide to learn what scholarships are and how you can apply for them. Alternatively, you can discover more about the MBA Scholarships available at WBS.