P
at Elemans is a woman who makes things happen. Holding a leadership position at UVic’s Gustavson School of Business, she is a driving force behind the school’s growing foothold in the international business community, as well as an inspiration to women venturing into that world. It’s no surprise that her graduates are as ambitious as she is. Pat has been immersed in the business world from a young age. “My dad was an entrepreneur so business was a big part of my upbringing. He was insistent that we do something in that field.” She studied business management at the University of Lethbridge, did an MBA at York University and, in 2010, took on the position of Assistant Dean External Relations at Gustavson. Elemans is not simply book smart. Her strength and intelligence has helped propel Gustavson forward. Integral in helping to raise more than $20 million for the school, Pat also helped establish a program that draws students from around the world. “Our school is unique. We offer a fully immersed program with small cohorts. There’s a comradery among the students. It’s a close learning community and the sense of spirit is quite incredible. We don’t have traditional specializations like finance or accounting. All of our disciplines are taught in an integrated manner.”
“You need to be smart and hard working, but the one thing that holds women back is a lack of self-confidence. You have to prove yourself and prove that you’re as good.” Gustavson’s exchange program is the most subscribed to in the country. Almost 80 per cent of the school’s students spend some time studying abroad, compared to the national average of three to four per cent. With around 80 exchange partners in 40 different countries, students are immersed in a non-English speaking environment. “We only send four or five students to each partner school. We don’t want them hanging out with other Canadians. We want them hanging out with people from that country.”
KITCHENS VANITIES CUSTOM MILLWORK
PROVIDING QUALITY & CRAFTSMANSHIP IN VICTORIA Island Dream Kitchens was formed with skilled craftsmen and expert installers having extensive experience in the Victoria market. The commitment to excellence and quality workmanship is of paramount importance to the entire team. They strive to complete each project with the care their customers expect and deliver on their promises.
6660 Butler Crescent, Saanichton, BC 250-686-9987 mbrown@IslandDreamKitchens.com www.islanddreamkitchens.com
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