Dario Mazzarello gives back to support future finance leaders

When Dario Mazzarello, BComm 93, began his studies at Concordia in the early 1990s, he wasn’t sure what path he would take.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he recalls. “But Concordia helped me mature and pointed me in the right direction.”

Mazzarello graduated from what is now the John Molson School of Business in 1993 — a time of significant uncertainty in the markets and in the economy — and went on to build a successful career in the investment industry. After a six-year stint at Royal Trust, he joined Jarislowsky, Fraser in 1999.

He has served as a partner in the firm for several years and now assumes the role of Managing Director, Head of International & Strategic Partnerships. Mazzarello’s responsibilities include oversight and growth of the institutional business outside of Canada.

Landing at the prestigious Montreal-based investment management company, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, was a turning point. It also led to perhaps the most formative relationship of his professional life: His long-standing connection with Stephen Jarislowsky, LLD 03, the firm’s founder and a major donor to Concordia.

“Early in my career, my office was next to Mr. Jarislowsky’s,” says Mazzarello. “I was incredibly lucky to have that access. He became a mentor — and still is.”

Today, they remain in touch. Mazzarello visits Stephen Jarislowsky, who recently turned 100, a few times a year.

“To work for someone like Mr. Jarislowsky — a pioneer, a thinker, a man of tremendous integrity — has shaped the way I see both investing and responsibility,” he says. “He founded and helped build a firm with strong values and gave back to education in meaningful ways. That had a big impact on me.”

‘The industry would be better served with more diversity’

Indeed, Mazzarello followed in those footsteps in 2021 with a $100,000 gift of his own to Concordia. The donation established the Dario Mazzarello Award in Finance, which supports four finance undergraduates on an annual basis.

One of his goals was to help remove financial barriers for students, especially those underrepresented in the industry. At least half of the awards are reserved for women studying finance, an intentional decision aimed at encouraging greater gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field.

“I’ve been in the industry more than three decades,” says Mazzarello. “Things are improving, but not fast enough. I want to help ensure that women see a place for themselves in finance and have the support they need to get there. The industry would be better served with more diversity.”

Each award is valued at $2,500, offering meaningful support to students juggling tuition, books and other costs. Over 10 years, 40 students will benefit.

“This recognition has made a profound difference in my life,” said Jennifer Chtein, BComm 24, after she received her award. “The financial support has eased the burden of education costs, and I cannot thank you enough for your kindness. Your generosity has made a lasting impact.”

“Students today are counting every penny,” notes Mazzarello. “I was fortunate to have some support from my family and was able to work while studying. Not everyone has that opportunity.”

Mazzarello has remained connected to the university since graduation, volunteering as a guest lecturer and serving as a returning judge at the John Molson Undergraduate Case Competition.

In 2019, he was named one of Concordia’s Top 50 Under 50, a recognition of notable alumni under the age of 50 who are making an impact in their fields.

Mazzarello also hopes to expand his involvement by offering seminars for students to help them better understand the wide range of careers available in finance.

“There’s so much students don’t know about the different roles in the industry. I want to help them explore what’s possible and how they can prepare,” he says.

For Mazzarello, giving back is about more than gratitude — it’s about continuing a tradition of mentorship and leadership he’s been fortunate to experience first-hand.

“I’m grateful for what Concordia gave me,” he says. “And if I can give someone else a better shot at success, I’m pleased to do it.