Micaela Del Rosario Maglalang is University Canada West’s Summer 2023 valedictorian.
“It is an incredible honour to stand before you as the Valedictorian for Summer 2023 Convocation,” Micaela said as she began her address.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Micaela earned her undergrad degree as a state scholar at one of the country’s most prestigious public universities, the University of the City of Manila.
Micaela worked and lived in Qatar for 10 years, where she worked for Alfardan Group in a series of progressive roles in accounting, finance and strategic management. After years of upskilling herself, she decided to pursue an MBA. She moved to Canada in 2021 specifically to study at University Canada West.
Besides the location—“Vancouver has the best weather in all of Canada”—she chose UCW’s MBA program because it was comprehensive and offered the option of taking courses in person or online.
“I loved the flexibility of being able to take courses online,” said Micaela, who was balancing studies with a full-time job.
She completed the two-year Master of Business Administration degree program with a 4.22 CGPA, which was the highest academic standing of anyone in this graduating class.
She is currently Finance Manager at Architek Sustainable Building Products, a Vancouver-based sustainable architecture and construction company, which worked on the Vancouver House development.
Micaela plans to start her doctorate next year, with the goal to teach sustainability and green finance in universities. She believes awareness starts in schools, and she was inspired by learning about green finance at UCW, which ignited a fire in her and made her want to pay this forward.
In the Philippines, she is a Certified Public Accountant and is working on earning her Chartered Professional Accountant designation in Canada.
In addition to her academic endeavours and professional accomplishments, Micaela makes time to give back to her community.
She is the founder of a non-profit organization called Project Kalinga (Project Care), which was established to help healthcare workers in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the project helps families in Manila with food insecurity.
In the Philippines she initiates and raises funds for beach clean-ups, while in Vancouver she volunteers at animal shelters and animal adoption events, as well as spends time with senior citizens who need companionship and care.
Micaela said she was surprised she was named valedictorian.
“Growing up, I was labelled as having ‘average’ capabilities. I wasn’t considered the brightest nor the best among my peers,” she said in her address.
“I’m sure that I’m not the only one at this ceremony who has surpassed pre-conceived notions of potential. Despite these challenges and skepticism, we pressed forward in pursuit of personal and professional growth.”
“University Canada West has taught us that with the right support and environment, anyone can transcend expectations. True intelligence flourishes when nurtured! Anyone can rise to remarkable heights when fostered in an inclusive atmosphere where potential knows no limits. The initiatives of UCW have helped instill the important values of respect and the celebration of diversity.”
For more on UCW Summer 2023 Convocation, read the story below:
Published on July 21, 2023.
Last updated August 18, 2023.
