Asper School of Business

President's Student Leadership Program

Open to students from all faculties and Manitoba post-secondary institutions, the President's Student Leadership Program (PSLP) is Manitoba’s premier leadership program.

It is a unique-in-Canada immersive learning opportunity that brings together a cohort of students each year from across faculties, post-secondary institutions, interests, backgrounds and regions of the province to build their leadership potential. PSLP is the flagship program of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute, funded through a visionary endowment to the University of Manitoba beginning in 2019.

Charis Ikiriko-PSLP Cohort 7 Fellow

Charis Ikiriko, Asper School of Business - University of Manitoba
2025 PSLP Participant

Unique Benefits

Through this program you will:

  •   Develop collaborative leadership
  •   Join a rich network of peers 
  •   Engage directly with senior leaders from many sectors  
  •    Be awarded the PSLP Fellowship to fund your participation, your participation is at no cost to you
  •    Be mentored by an inspiring leader
  •  Experience Record approved (UM Students)

Learn From Peers Across Disciplines and Institutions

Purpose and ethics in leadership

Leaders must act ethically and with purpose to be effective. You’ll learn about why this is so important and what it means to lead others with purpose in different sectors from business and healthcare to technology, the arts and many others.

The role of leaders and leadership for economic and social well being

One of the main themes of the President’s Student Leadership Program is using leadership to tackle issues and create opportunity in Manitoba and beyond. You’ll look at real-world issues and learn first-hand from inspiring leaders about how they address important challenges through leadership. You will gain leadership knowledge to help you excel in your career in any field.

The power of collaboration for leaders and leadership

Collaboration is fundamental to good leadership. You’ll work with a diverse group of students, each bringing a unique perspective, to examine complex problems and lead each other to creative solutions.

The challenges of leading in critical sectors of our economy and society

Leadership in certain sectors of our economy and society poses unique challenges that require special attention and strategy. The President’s Student Leadership Program will dive into these sectors and learn how some of Manitoba’s best leaders have successfully developed their organizations and communities.

Diane Roussin, Project Forector at the Boldness Project with PSLP cohort 5
Janice Lukes, Deputy Mayor of Winnipeg, disccusses her leadership journey with PSLP participants on November 18, 2023.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara and Dr. Marcia Anderson with PSLP Cohort 5
Students gather in a warehouse for a tour.

More Information

President's Student Leadership Program Scholarships

Janice Filmon Leadership Scholarship

The Janice Filmon Leadership Scholarship recognizes exceptional undergraduate students entering the President’s Student Leadership Program offered through the Burns Leadership Institute at the University of Manitoba. Students must have a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5 and be nominated by a mentor, previous instructor, or community leader.

Dayna and Charlie Spiring Leadership Scholarship

The Dayna and Charlie Spiring Leadership Scholarship recognize the academic achievement of students entering the President’s Student Leadership Program offered through the Burns Leadership Institute in the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. Three awards of $5,000 each will be offered to undergraduate students who: are enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in any year of study in the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) program in the Asper School of Business; have completed at least 24 credit hours of study; and have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5.

John Kearsey Scholarship in Student Leadership

The John Kearsey Scholarship in Student Leadership provides recognition to exceptional graduate or undergraduate students entering the President’s Student Leadership Program offered through the Burns Leadership Institute at the University of Manitoba who serve their communities through volunteer efforts. Applicants must receive two nominations from either a mentor, supervisor, Elder, or community leader who can directly address their outstanding volunteerism. Graduate students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 based on the last 60 credit hours (or equivalent) of study; and undergraduate students, a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0.

Albert and Susan Routhier Charitable Foundation Scholarship

The Albert and Susan Routhier Charitable Foundation Scholarship provides recognition to exceptional undergraduate students entering the President’s Student Leadership Program offered through the Burns Leadership Institute at the University of Manitoba. Students must be enrolled full time ( minimum 80% course load ) in second year or higher in the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) program in the Asper School of Business and have a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0.

Applicants who are current or past members of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves/Cadets or past members of the Boys and Girls Club, Cub Scouts, Girl Guides, or program of a similar nature will be given preference. Candidates are required to submit a personal statement to demonstrate this participation. 

 

 




“This program provides student leaders with the opportunity to develop their leadership, learn from peers and engage with inspiring senior leaders from different sectors and communities. It’s a leadership experience like no other.” 

- Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Manitoba

Mentors

2025-26 Mentors

Past Mentors

  • Todd Asman. Retired Executive Vice-President, Products and Financial Planning at IG Wealth Management
  • Heather Block. Director, Strategic Initiatives - United Way Winnipeg
  • Brain Bowman. Vice President of sustainability and social impact - Canada Life
  • Tom Carson. Chairman Board of Directors - St. Boniface Hospital / Director, Manitoba office, Canada West Foundation
  • Carly Edmundson. President & CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc.
  • Cordella Friesen. President & CEO of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg
  • Tim Gibson. Manager - Northern Workforce Development Centre at University College of the North (UCN)
  • Wayne Hiltz. Executive Director, Manitoba Chicken Producers - Retired
  • Kirk Johnson. Dean, School of Business and Applied Arts, RRC
  • Lisa Kassenaar. Senior Writer and Editor Global Women's Coverage Voice of America
  • Ernest Kwan. Managing Director, Edmonton Public Schools
  • Jeff Lieberman. President, Rady Jewish Community Centre Board
  • Jeffrey Morton. Retired Finance Professional
  • Dawn Nedohin-Macek. Director of Cyber Secutity - Manitoba Hydro
  • Rob Penner. Associate Vice-President of Community and Industry Solutions, RRC
  • Colin Ryan. Senior Portfolio Manager & Senior Wealth Advisor - 
    Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc.
  • Trudy Schroeder. President and CEO - Arts & Heritage Solutions
  • Lynne Skromeda. CEO & Film Commissioner - Manitoba Film & Music
  • Dayna Spring. Former President & CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg

Peer Coaches

2024-25 Peer Coaches

Six participants from cohort 5 supported Cohort 6 teams in the summer of 2024.

For 2024-25 the following students supported the program:

  1. Abigail Kawadza. University of Manitoba, Master of Nursing (Administration)
  2. Allison Balasko. University of Manitoba, Medicine (MD/PhD)
  3. Christopher Yendt. University of Manitoba, Doctor of Philosophy in Education
  4. Edwin Alarcon. Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Business Technology Management
  5. Mehraz Sarker. University of Manitoba, Master of Arts in Sociology (graduated)
  6. Samuel Akinola. University of Manitoba, Master of Science in Pharmacy

2024-25 Peer Coaches

Six participants from cohort 5 supported Cohort 6 teams in the summer of 2024.

For 2024-25 the following students supported the program:

  1. Abigail Kawadza. University of Manitoba, Master of Nursing (Administration)
  2. Allison Balasko. University of Manitoba, Medicine (MD/PhD)
  3. Christopher Yendt. University of Manitoba, Doctor of Philosophy in Education
  4. Edwin Alarcon. Red River College Polytechnic, Diploma in Business Technology Management
  5. Mehraz Sarker. University of Manitoba, Master of Arts in Sociology (graduated)
  6. Samuel Akinola. University of Manitoba, Master of Science in Pharmacy
Visionary Investment
The James W. Burns Leadership Institute at the I.H. Asper School of Business has been created through the visionary investment from Canada Life, IG Wealth Management and the Power Corporation of Canada, as well as the Province of Manitoba.

Who we are

Connect with our team at the James W. Burns Leadership Institute.

Contact us

James W. Burns Leadership Institute
Room 359 Drake Centre
181 Freedman Cres.
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4

info.leadership@umanitoba.ca
431-335-2796