$130,000 from the Aune family strengthens awards for women MBAs

“The most exciting thing that we are really focusing on now is building a community,” he says.

“We’re bringing together past and current recipients, giving them a chance to network, mentor each other and have another outlet outside of school or professional life to share developments in their careers.”

Trevor’s sister, Shayna Phetsarath, BA 99, is spearheading 11:11’s efforts to expand the reach of the Glenen Awards. This fall, two recipients from the University of British Columbia will join the cohort.

Her approach draws in part on lessons from her time at Concordia.

“The school’s strong curriculum and variety of programs helped me find my way, even when I wasn’t sure what to study,” says Shayna. “I met incredible people and had a great experience, and I saw first-hand how much a supportive community can shape your path.”

Recipients echo that impact in their own experiences.

“My award had a tremendous impact on my MBA journey,” says Fairuz Zabin Reedi, MBA 25. “Moving to a new province meant losing my job unexpectedly, and the Aune Foundation’s support allowed me to continue my studies without delay.”

Areej Al Rabea, BSc 08, MBA 24, adds, “As a woman in STEM, receiving the Glenen Award reaffirmed that pursuing my MBA was the right choice and strengthened my belief in inspiring other women to follow this path and pursue leadership roles in business.”

‘Supporting people who are passionate and capable’

This focus on supporting capable, driven individuals reflects the vision of Trevor and Shayna’s late uncle Brian Aune, Ruth Glenen’s husband. As the former chairman and CEO of Nesbitt Thomson, Brian also served on Concordia’s Board of Governors from 1988 to 2002, and his approach to philanthropy shaped the foundation’s work.

“Our uncle’s motto was, ‘business is people and money — if you have the right people, the money takes care of itself,’” says Trevor. “We approach philanthropy the same way, supporting people who are passionate and capable.”

The Aune family’s partners also include the Alzheimer’s Innovation Fund at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC, reflecting a personal commitment — Brian Aune passed away in May after a long battle with the disease.

In 2024, the Aune family also made a $1-million donation to Providence Living to help transform long-term care in British Columbia.

All of this work is part of a larger family tradition of giving that spans Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Trevor, himself based in Vancouver, notes that Concordia holds a special place in their hearts.

“Montreal became very near and dear to us,” he says. “We make it up there a couple times a year doing foundation work, and it’s great to have connections to the city.”

Shayna, who lives in New York but makes it back to Canada throughout the year, highlights the importance of connecting the awards to the recipients’ broader journeys.

“It really warms my heart to see this continuing,” she says. “The recipients are excelling while being part of a supportive community — the spirit of Ruth Glenen’s mentorship.”