Talent Championed

Elshadai Smith-Mensah, a 2019 Honors Scholar graduate with a degree in Marketing and Minors in Entrepreneurship and Management, was selected as a recipient of the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship for her study in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics in 2020-2021. During this gap year, Elshadai is working with Access Ventures, an impact venture capitalist company that uses its funds to create a more inclusive economy, and with Canopy, a start-up firm that recognizes for-profit businesses with a stated social or environmental mission through a certification program. As a student, she was involved in a variety of campus activities, including serving as the Treasurer for the Student Marketing Association, a Director of Training and Leadership for the Engage, Lead and Serve Board, a College Mentor for Kids, a Study Abroad Ambassador, and Homecoming Queen. In addition, she was selected as the 2019 Outstanding Marketing Student and chosen as the College of Business Flag Bearer at graduation.

The Rotary’s Global Grant Scholarship program supports exceptional students who are devoted to pursuing a career that aligns with one of the Rotary Foundation’s six areas of humanitarian focus and who demonstrate a personal, long-term commitment to measurable, sustainable change. The scholarships are offered on a competitive basis for one academic year of graduate-level study at a university outside of North America. The $50,000 award helps pay the costs of travel, tuition and fees, room and board, and educational supplies. The Rotary Foundation’s six areas of humanitarian focus include Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, and Economic and Community Development.

Elshadai is a true standard-bearer for the College of Business. On behalf of the College, we congratulate her award.