Bart Kasowski (MBA 2005), a PhD student at the Université de Montréal, and Caroline Charest (BBA 2002), a political aide with the Quebec Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Exports, have each received a $20,000 Action Canada Fellowship for 2006-2007, in recognition of their exceptional leadership qualities and their contribution to Canada. They will join 13 other Fellows in a ten-month program focusing on leadership development and public policy issues of importance to Canada. This year’s fellowship will centre on economic and business development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Combining business development and PhD studies
While pursuing his PhD studies in philosophy, Bart Kasowski is working as a partner with real estate firm Aeroterm on new business development and public-private partnership projects. He is interested in business ethics and the role of individual conscience in corporate governance and decision-making in organizations. He hopes to pursue a career as a professor after graduating. He holds a BA in Literature from Harvard University, and earned his MBA from HEC Montréal, where he served as President of the MBA Student Association. He has worked for Reebok International and Adidas-Salomon, where he was Product Manager for the North American launch of Salomon in-line skates.
A keen interest in sustainable development
Caroline Charest is interested in economic development issues, both domestically and abroad, and in encouraging companies to adopt sustainable development practices. She is active with the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal, working on a committee whose goal is to raise the Montreal business community’s awareness of sustainable development. In her new role as a political aide with the Quebec Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Exports, Caroline is closely following the growth of certain key areas of Quebec’s economy. She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in development studies from the London School of Economics and an MSc from the Université de Montréal, and has worked as an economic and management analyst at SECOR Consulting.
The Action Canada Fellowship Program
Action Canada, headquartered in Vancouver, is devoted to promoting leadership in Canada through a partnership between the private sector and the federal government. Up to twenty Fellows are selected each year. The selection committee applies high standards, looking not only at their university records and professional accomplishments, but also at each candidate’s ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of individuals.
The fellowship year is designed to be undertaken in conjunction with graduate studies or professional activities with a strong leadership component, so as to further encourage Fellows’ development.
