The MBA journey isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about applying knowledge in real-world scenarios, collaborating with diverse teams, and tackling complex challenges to create more inclusive and sustainable systems. This year, UFred students rolled up their sleeves and put these skills into action at the ninth Annual MBA Diversity & Inclusion Case Challenge.
This year’s theme: tackling labour shortages in agriculture
Hosted by the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, in partnership with Export Development Canada (EDC) and Deloitte, this prestigious competition is designed as a thought leadership challenge where future business leaders create innovative solutions to address critical issues surrounding inclusion, diversity, and sustainability. The event fosters deep conversations that lead to real change, encouraging participants to think differently, network with industry leaders, and develop solutions that drive meaningful impact.
This year’s case challenge tackled a pressing issue: How can Canadian agriculture overcome the acute challenge of labour shortages by becoming a more inclusive industry? Participants were asked to incorporate perspectives on Indigenous communities and reconciliation, environmental sustainability, digital and technological innovation, and scaling and exporting opportunities into their solutions.
UFred students didn’t just take on the challenge — they leaned into it, sharpening their analytical thinking, collaborating with like-minded peers, and developing solutions that could redefine the industry’s future.
A competition that builds leaders
For student Elsie Lee, the case challenge was an opportunity to advocate for meaningful change:
“My interest in participating in the MBA Diversity and Inclusion Case Challenge stems from being an immigrant more than 30 years ago, as well as a member who proudly sits on the rainbow. Through this competition, I not only wish to build a foundation to advance equitable inclusion across the University of Fredericton but also across the land we stand on nationally and globally.”
Beyond the competition itself, students gained invaluable insights into teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Jeremy Elomaa saw the challenge as a chance to test his skills outside the classroom:
“My key motivation was to step outside of my comfort zone to test my knowledge, skills, and abilities in a competitive environment. Specifically, participating in an academic challenge including topics and content that I deal with day-to-day in economic development in Northern Ontario”
For Christine Peterkin, the experience felt like stepping into a high-level athletic competition, surrounded by skilled and driven peers.
“These teams train for competitions like elite athletes prepare for a championship. Their delivery, execution, and quick thinking are next-level. I felt honoured to be part of the stellar team UFRED brought together. The friendships I built with my teammates— a business development specialist, a hospital lab technician, and a military HR lead—made this experience even more meaningful. We pushed each other, learned from one another, and came out stronger, regardless of the final result.”
Real-world impact
For some students, the experience directly influenced their professional growth. Christine, who leads diversity initiatives in a healthcare setting, saw the competition as an opportunity to expand her understanding of DEI across industries:
“One of the most impactful moments came when we worked on our case topic—Canada’s agricultural labor crisis. Engaging with local farmers in my rural community gave me a new appreciation for real-world problem-solving. It reinforced the importance of listening to the voices of those directly impacted before designing a solution.”
She also took away an essential lesson in leadership:
“Seeing how different skill sets shaped our performance made me realize how powerful it is to recognize what each person does best and allow them to thrive in that role. In my workplace, this has translated into assigning tasks based on individual strengths, boosting both efficiency and morale.”
For Elsie, the lessons learned during the competition are now guiding her approach in her professional role:
“By creating micro-inclusion moments, sharing my lived experiences strategically, and mentoring colleagues on their equity journeys, I can transform abstract concepts into tangible actions.”
For Jeremy, the experience provided a valuable shift in perspective.
“As an economic developer, I’ve had the privilege of acting as a mentor and judge in these types of environments. Now, having been on the other side, I’ll be able to drive additional value through personal experiences when supporting clients participating in these challenges or pitching to investors.”
Looking ahead
Opportunities like the MBA Diversity & Inclusion Case Challenge demonstrate the power of experiential learning. At UFred, we believe that education should extend beyond the classroom, providing students with real-world applications that prepare them for leadership in an evolving business landscape.
Congratulations to our students for representing UFred with dedication and innovation! At UFred, we don’t just teach leadership, we cultivate it through real-world application. If you’re ready to gain hands-on experience, expand your perspective, and make an impact, your MBA journey starts here.