Thanks to a generous donation by Éric Deschênes, Executive Education HEC Montréal is poised to roll out a new leadership and management certification program that aims to help Black leaders meet challenges specific to their experience.
For Deschênes, who serves on the board of his family’s company, Deschênes Group Inc., and is a member of the HEC Montréal Foundation’s Conseil des gouverneurs and the advisory committee to Familles en affaires HEC Montréal, this commitment is a personal one. It is shaped by the spirit of openness that defines his vision of the world as well as his friendship with Wils Théagène, which goes back to their CEGEP days. When he read an article in Le Devoir about the latter’s take on the limited access to networks, funding and strategic partnerships for underrepresented communities, he knew he had to do something.
So, he reached out to Théagène, who had just launched Citadelle Capital, an investment fund with a mission to empower diverse business leaders. Deschênes put his former classmate in contact with some key people at HEC Montréal to develop a program to meet these particular challenges and needs. “I was struck by the barriers facing these communities and the lack of tools at their disposal,” explained Deschênes. “Investing in people is the best investment I could make. Embracing the differences that make the social fabric that binds us together is essential if we are to transcend boundaries and overcome barriers.”
As Michelle Vaillancourt, Director of Communications and Programs, put it:
“Fighting systemic inequality takes concrete action. The program that we are developing in conjunction with leaders of the Black community, and that is being backed by this meaningful gift, will open doors where all too often there have been walls. By supporting the talent and leadership in underrepresented communities, we will be able to build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable economy.”
Michel Patry, President and CEO of the HEC Montréal Foundation, added:
“We are so proud to see changemakers like this step up and help pave the way to managerial opportunities that should by all rights be available to everyone. Stories like these are ultimately what will enable us to create a better world.”
Learn more about the program Certification in Strategic Management and Leadership
Find out more about this meaningful donation
