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Run by international executive search firm Odgers Berndston, the annual leadership development program matches top third and fourth-year students from 15 universities with leading Canadian CEOs for a day of mentorship. The program shows Canada’s next generation of leaders what it takes to become a chief executive officer and lead a major organization.

More than 500 students applied and the finalists were chosen following an online leadership assessment, telephone interviews, and a half-day evaluation to assess their interpersonal and communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and leadership abilities. Grace and Bachelor of Health Sciences student Chris Zhou were selected from McMaster.

“The competition attracts a lot of business students who have experience in case study competitions and are actively seeking job opportunities that can lead to becoming a CEO,” says Grace, who learned about CEOx1Day through the McMaster Student Success Centre. “I initially felt a bit out of place coming from a science background but I learned that my education and skills as a scientist are just as valuable. I’m now more confident in my leadership abilities and proud of the unique skill set that I can bring into the workplace.”

Grace chose the Toronto Zoo because their CEO shares her vision and interests in conservation and community engagement. “I was surprised at the breadth of research being done at the Toronto Zoo. They have a large reproductive endocrinology team who are seeking new ways to preserve the genetic makeup of multiple species facing extinction in the wild.”

The zoo’s commitment to full public transparency also impressed Grace. “They’re committed to making the ‘hidden zoo’ go extinct as they bring everything they do with animals into the public eye. For example, visitors can now watch animal surgeries be performed.”

Grace has been accepted into law school this fall and plans to continue to pursue her passion for conservation by focusing on marine and environmental law.