USask MBA student recognized for her community work

She is actively involved in the community, volunteering as treasurer on the Business and Professional Women of Saskatoon board, as well as sitting on the CPA Assist Program board. Eger possesses exceptional leadership skills, professionalism and work ethic while also focusing on continuing education and spending quality time with her son and husband.

Eger was recognized with community award for her volunteer work at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards. The awards were held virtually on Feb. 4, 2021 to honour USask Indigenous students, recognizing their academic excellence, leadership, research, community engagement and resiliency.

The award ceremony was part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW), held from February 1 to 5, 2021, to celebrate the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty within the context of this year’s theme: nīkānihk itohtētān, walking together into the future.

We asked Eger a few questions about her journey at USask:

Why did you choose Edwards and the MBA program?

As a previous graduate of the Edwards program, I knew I wanted to continue my education there. When my employer suggested I take the MBA to help my progression in the company, I jumped at the chance to earn a spot at Edwards. It’s local, has a great reputation and offered exactly the opportunities I wanted in an MBA program.

Why/how is community volunteering important to you?

Community volunteering allows me to use the skills that I have developed through my CPA designation and business experience to help causes that I care for deeply—empowering women to challenge themselves and promote mental health awareness. But I’ve also learned that I have gained much from my volunteering, including a strong network of incredible women and increased confidence in my abilities.

How have your studies developed your knowledge, skills and leadership?

Edwards program (both my BComm and my MBA) have directly contributed to all three of those areas. Edwards and the CPA program have built programs that allow you to grow into a professional leader, whether it is through classes, extra-curricular or other opportunities to challenge yourself.

What are your goals for the future?

My goals for the future include finishing my MBA degree and continuing to promote the causes that I am a part of. I aspire to provide leadership and guidance to an Aboriginal organization one day. Currently, I work at the Saskatoon Tribal Council as a finance manager and it is providing me with plenty of opportunities to build my career in an organization whose mandate is to promote, help and guide our people.

This year’s Indigenous Achievement Week theme is nīkānihk itohtētān, walking together into the future. What does this mean to you?

To me, this theme is about learning from our elders and using this knowledge to guide our actions as we develop and lead our communities going forward. It is important that we build new bridges and create opportunities for everyone, but we also cannot forget the important lessons that history has taught us. This blend of the past, present and future knowledge is what will allow us to create a more sustainable and equal future.

Tell us anything about yourself that you would like us to share

I believe that an important piece of mental health care is staying active. I have run a half marathon, actively train in CrossFit, and as a competitive swimmer, I represented Team Saskatchewan at the 2008 North American Indigenous Games in Cowichan, B.C. It also helps me keep up to my very active, very busy four-year-old son!