Business

Odette MBA students explore AI leadership and build connections

group photo of event attendeesMBA students, Odette faculty, corporate partners, alumni and community leaders gather during MBA Connect at the Odette School of Business on July 30. The event featured discussions on AI governance and networking opportunities for students and industry professionals. (CLEMENTA STAN/University of Windsor)

By Victor Romao

MBA students at the University of Windsor's Odette School of Business gained insights into artificial intelligence governance and built professional connections at MBA Connect in July.

The annual experiential learning event in July brought together MBA students, Odette faculty, corporate partners, alumniand community leaders to discuss emerging business issues and create networking opportunities.

Betting on bold ideas: Michael Ruffolo’s path from Odette to Shopify

head and shoulders portrait of Michael RuffoloUniversity of Windsor alumnus Michael Ruffolo, head of creator and influencer partnerships at Shopify, credits his experience on the Odette Debate Team with shaping the partnership-focused approach that has guided his career. (SUZIE REECER/Tiger's Eye/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

Some of life's most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom.

For University of Windsor alumnus Michael Ruffolo, travelling across North America as a member of the Odette Debate Team offered more than an opportunity to compete.

It provided a foundation in collaboration, persuasion and critical thinking that would shape his career at the forefront of the creator economy.

From co-op student to HR professional Ashley Deslippe builds a career through curiosity and risk-taking

portrait of Ashley Deslippe in her office workspaceAshley Deslippe, a University of Windsor Odette School of Business alumna and human resources coordinator at AAR, says co-op placements, international learning experiences and campus leadership opportunities helped prepare her for a career in human resources. (SUBMITTED BY ASHLEY DESLIPPE/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao 

A co-op placement is often viewed as a bridge between the classroom and the workplace.  

For some students, it can also become the first step toward a long-term career. 

The opportunity to gain practical experience, build professional relationships and apply classroom knowledge can open doors well beyond graduation. 

That was the case for Ashley Deslippe (BComm ’25).  

Winning Barbie case competition gives Odette MBA students insider look at Mattel Canada

photo of MBA students standing beside Mattel Corporation signFrom left, Clementa Stan, career and employer relations advisor at the Odette School of Business, and MBA students Andrea Rivait, Hagen Nelson, Meghan Rae and Fatima Rizvi pose during a visit to Mattel Canada's headquarters in Mississauga. The students earned the visit after winning a Barbie case competition. (SUBMITTED BY CLEMENTA STAN/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

Winning a Barbie case competition earned four Odette School of Business MBA students a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most recognizable brands.

Andrea Rivait, Hagen Nelson, Meghan Rae and Fatima Rizvi, members of the MBA Class of 2026, recently visited Mattel Canada's headquarters in Mississauga after taking top honours in a competition that challenged students to develop strategic and marketing recommendations for Barbie.

She was hired to learn. She ended up helping win new business.

photo of Abigail seated near a windowOdette School of Business student Abigail McLeod received a Rising Star Award for her contributions during a co-op placement with PromoShop. During her work term, she helped improve the company's email marketing performance and supported business development efforts that led to new client acquisitions. (SUBMITTED BY ABIGAIL MCLEOD/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

For Abigail McLeod, a co-op placement at PromoShop became an opportunity to make a measurable impact while discovering where she wants her career to go.

The third-year Odette School of Business student contributed to marketing and business development initiatives that helped strengthen client relationships, improve campaign performance and support company growth.

From supply chains to icewine: how a winery visit brought Master of Management concepts to life

Master of Management program students with Jean Qian in vineyardMaster of Management program students listen as Vivace Estate Winery owner and winemaker Jean Qian (left) explains the winery’s operations, grape production and quality practices during a tour that connected classroom learning with real-world business operations. (LAURA DUCHARME/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

A visit to Vivace Estate Winery gave University of Windsor Master of Management students an opportunity to see how business concepts taught in the classroom are applied in a real-world setting.

Twelve graduate students from the University’s Master of Management program toured the Amherstburg-area winery, gaining firsthand insight into operations, quality management and customer experience in the hospitality and agricultural sectors.

From Windsor rinks to the Memorial Cup, this Odette student officiated hockey’s biggest junior game

Photo portrait of Luke PyeOdette School of Business student Luke Pye has worked his way through the ranks of hockey officiating, earning assignments in the OHL, AHL and ECHL while completing his bachelor of commerce degree at the University of Windsor. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

With the crowd buzzing inside the arena, Luke Pye glides into position for a faceoff deep in the home team’s defensive zone, directing players to set their sticks before lowering his gaze to the puck.

He steadies himself, drops it cleanly and quickly backs away as the players battle for possession.

For Pye, moments like this are the result of years of work that has taken him from local rinks to some of hockey’s biggest stages.

Odette earns ‘transforming’ designation in 2026 Positive Impact Rating

Odette business students seated around a computerStudents and faculty at the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business celebrate the school’s advancement to a Level 4 “transforming” designation in the 2026 Positive Impact Rating, reflecting its growing commitment to sustainability and responsible leadership. (FILES/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

The University of Windsor's Odette School of Business is one of a small group of business schools worldwide now recognized as actively transforming their programs around sustainability and responsible leadership.

A fair shot at work: UWindsor researcher explores what helps justice-involved Canadians succeed

portrait of Dr. Kemi Anazodo in Odette School of BusinessDr. Kemi Anazodo, professor at the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business, is part of a research team studying employment outcomes for justice-involved adults. (DAVE GAUTHIER /University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

For people with criminal records, finding steady work can be one of the hardest parts of rebuilding their lives. 

A new research project involving University of Windsor business professor Kemi Anazodo is examining how employment programs can help justice-involved Canadians overcome those barriers and build long-term stability. 

Leap of faith launches Chinasa Success’ global career in human resources

Head and shoulders portrait of Chinasa SuccessChinasa Success, a University of Windsor Odette School of Business alumna, is now a vice-president and human resources business partner at Citibank Canada, where she supports a global workforce and champions inclusive leadership. (SUBMITTED BY CHINASA SUCCESS/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

Chinasa Success still remembers the uncertainty that came with her decision to move to Canada, a bold step that would reshape her career and personal life.

Since then, the University of Windsor graduate has transformed that leap of faith into a career in human resources leadership at Citibank Canada.

Now a vice-president and human resources business partner, the Odette School of Business alumna says that the decision continues to shape how she leads and supports others navigating change.