2024 GMAT Talent and Opportunity Scholarship Winners

Alex Sarshar

Expertise: Finance

Ambition: Promote diversity and inclusion and drive change in the corporate world

Judges' commentary: "Alex has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity. Their proactive efforts in fostering community engagement, passion for sustainable finance, and advocacy for mental health reflect their dedication to creating positive change in multiple areas."

Ana Fuentes

Expertise: Healthcare and medical science

Ambition: Bridge the gap between medicine and business

Judges' commentary: "Ana's rigorous medical training in Mexico and healthcare research experience in the USA ignited her interest to drive impactful changes in the medical field by bridging the gap between medicine and business."

Anastasiya Rozenbaum

Expertise: Healthcare, biomedicine and biomedical engineering

Ambition: Inspire and empower women to pursue entrepreneurship careers and leadership roles

Judges' commentary: "Anastasiya has demonstrated remarkable leadership and resilience in overcoming socio-economic challenges. With a diverse background in healthcare, technology, and humanitarian work, Anastasiya is dedicated to advancing healthcare quality and promoting mental health and inclusion globally."

Helen Poon

Expertise: Economics, Finance, and M&A Investment

Ambition: Improve representation and women's experiences in finance

Judges' commentary: "Helen's leadership and strategic expertise in finance are matched by her strong advocacy for representation and inclusion. Her commitment to enhancing financial literacy and promoting diversity in the workplace highlights her dedication to making a meaningful impact."

Leon Melzer

Expertise: Psychology and Healthcare

Ambition: Combine understanding of people with business strategy

Judges' commentary: "Leon's family influences and educational pursuits in healthcare, medical technology, and psychology have instilled resilience, innovation, and empathy in him – a unique and balanced set of qualities that will serve him well at business school."

Phillip Siwila

Expertise: Electrical Engineering

Ambition: Develop sustainable growth strategies in renewable energy

Judges' commentary: "Growing up with periods of hardship, Phillip's experiences have shaped his aspirations to redefine the energy sector. He is now determined to drive meaningful change through inclusive leadership to develop impactful and sustainable energy solutions."

Rebecca Bystrom

Expertise: Finance and Accounting

Ambition: Deepen expertise in international finance

Judges' commentary: "Rebecca's personal circumstances has shaped who she is today, enabling her to develop determination and resilience. Her international experiences and academic achievements demonstrate her capacity to enrich and inspire others."

Sofiia Talakh

Expertise: International Economic Relationships & Finance

Ambition: Promote democratic values, human rights, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, and apply best practices learned abroad to support Ukraine's development

Judges' commentary: "Sofiia's diverse experiences and deep passion for finance and diplomacy highlight her resilience and commitment. Her background in Kyiv, combined with her academic achievements and work in challenging conditions, equips her to bring a unique and inspiring perspective to a business school community."

S. Varma

Expertise: Finance

Ambition: Drive diversity and inclusion in consulting and business

Judges' commentary: "S.Varma's rich multicultural experiences, from studying at Oxford and lecturing in Japan to working with diverse governments, shape his unique perspective. His entrepreneurial ventures and dedicated volunteering reflect a deep commitment to social impact and innovation."

Tomas Malchus

Expertise: Economics

Ambition: Create an inclusive and positive learning environment through genuine engagement

Judges' commentary: "Tomas's adaptability, resilience and empathy, shaped by diverse life experiences, exemplify the belief in paying it forward. His special character will undoubtedly contribute to business school through genuine engagement and shared human stories."

Scholarship Award

The ten winners have earned an award worth close to €4,500 that includes:

• One GMAT preparation program with a GMAT instructor 
• One voucher to cover the full cost of the GMAT Exam
• One GMAT Official Practice Exam package
• Three 60-minute consultations with professional Admissions Consultant, Fortuna Admissions
• One CulturaGo course for students studying abroad.
• One 12-month Calm app subscription

With such a strong field this year, 8 runners-up will receive a GMAT Official Guide to help with their exam preparation.

Scholarship sponsors

We are delighted to work with our sponsors, and we thank each one for their valuable contribution. Our sponsors will be providing the GMAT test preparation courses, admissions consultations and studying abroad courses:

Admissions Consulting

• Fortuna Admissions

GMAT Test Preparation Courses

• 700+ Club
• CoVent Prep
• Dia Gerontoudi Prep Center
• English Business Services (EBS)
• GMAT Amsterdam
• Your GMAT Coach

Intercultural course

• CulturaGo