Mitra Matloubi is University Canada West’s Valedictorian for 2020

Mitra Matloubi is University Canada West’s Valedictorian for 2020. She earned the distinction for her academic accomplishments and her participation within the university.

Originally from Iran, Mitra completed her undergraduate studies in London, England at London South Bank University where she completed a Bachelor of Engineering. She then moved on to a Master of Science in Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering at Imperial College in London.

She joined UCW in spring of 2018 to study for her Master of Business Administration and graduated with distinction today.

“Mitra represents the 2020 students very well, not only because she achieved a very high GPA but also because of her commitment to learning to prepare herself to enter the job market with the best possible knowledge to make her successful,” said Dr. Michele Vincenti, MBA Leadership Department Chair.

“She is a brilliant mind with a strong entrepreneurial attitude. She is respected by her peers and a great ambassador for UCW.”

Mitra addressed her fellow graduates Sept. 25 during UCW’s online convocation ceremony.

“I am so delighted that we are celebrating this enormous achievement together,” she said, reflecting on the ups and downs of the academic journey – trying to choose courses, keep up with assignments and all those deadlines, on top of dealing with a global pandemic, self-isolation and a sudden shift to studying entirely online.

“All that I am trying to say is, let’s take this adversity for good and learn from it for self-leadership that ultimately prepares us for leading others,” she said.

Mitra told her fellow graduate that she hopes her MBA will serve her well both in business and in life.

“Apart from those, I hope this degree would not only benefit me, but also others whether family, friends, co-workers, employees and bosses by the decisions and actions that I take.”

Mitra ended her address with thanks.

“I want to thank ourselves, first for not giving up on our studies despite all the difficulties in the past few years. I want to thank our families, who did not hesitate for a moment to support us,” she said.

“I want to thank UCW faculties, who have been always open to stay connected with alumni. I want to thank UCW staff, who make things work but are always hidden.”

Before today’s online ceremony, Mitra said that the diverse courses she took at UCW gave her the confidence to become a competent decision maker and a risk-taker.

“It has given me a broader perspective on matters and how to look at a problem in a multi-disciplinary manner” she said.

Mitra also had some advice for students just starting their academic endeavours.

“I could reiterateclichésand say, ‘Work hard, don’t give up,’ but instead, to those who are starting this path I would say: ‘Learn about yourself and extend your limits by this challenge, you may not find another chance to do so.’”