Turning potential into pathways

For Devon Everard, nearing the end of his studies at the Haskayne School of Business brought a growing focus on what came next and how to turn what he had learned into something meaningful. 

His desire to connect the two led him to joining Haskayne’s BMO Mentorship Program. 

“The reason I did the mentorship program was to bridge the gap between academics and a career,” shares Everard, a fourth-year finance major completing an embedded certificate in entrepreneurial thinking. 

“I really wanted to apply what I’ve learned while receiving advice from an industry professional of what I can expect as I prepare to graduate.”

Operated by the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business (CCAL) and supported by the BMO Financial Group, the BMO Mentorship Program connects undergraduate and graduate business students with experienced industry leaders where they gain real world insights, expand their professional network and build leadership skills that complement their education.

For MBA student Paulina Morgan, she says the program has exposed her to unique opportunities and people she wouldn’t have had otherwise. 

“My mentor is a strategy consultant, and I got to sit in on a strategy session that was incredibly valuable to experience firsthand,” Morgan shared at the recent 2025/26 wrap-up event. 

“Down the line, I want to have a more strategic, big-picture approach to my work and being able to discuss what this looks like in practice has really helped me think about my long-term career path.”

 

A two-way exchange 

Having benefited from mentorship herself, Estela Dalayoan-Pinlac emphasizes the importance of giving back and creating a support system in the community. The Founder and CEO of MADTI is an active member in the Haskayne community, having mentored in the program for the past three years and also volunteering at the Haskayne Entrepreneurial Advisor Team.

“I am passionate about paying it forward by dedicating my time, knowledge and experiences to the next generation,” says Dalayoan-Pinlac.

“Engaging with young people as a mentor not only offers me fresh perspectives but also keeps me attuned to their current experiences and challenges, from which I also learn.”

Supporting the next generation of leaders

Reflecting on the past year, Dalayoan-Pinlac believes says the impact of mentorship is best measured not in moments, but in the leaders it helps shape over time. 

“Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes dedicated coaches and mentors to cultivate future leaders who will shape communities and positively impact generations to come,” says Dalayoan-Pinlac.