Alumna supports awards program for female students with donations and mentorship

Georgian is celebrating 10 years of empowering women through the college’s WOMEN’S inTUITION awards and scholarships program, which was founded by a long-time college supporter and diversity champion, Giselle Bodkin (hon. degree 2022).

In honour of the occasion, and to celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8), we spoke with Maria Artuso (class of 2001), a business administration degree alumna who is currently a vice president at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and who volunteers her time as a member of Georgian’s Alumni Association Executive Council.

She talked about the impact female students and alumni can have in the workplace and why she says giving back to the college isn’t just one-time deed…it’s a personal credo.

*Maria Artuso (class of 2001) attends an appreciation breakfast for the WOMEN’S inTUITION awards and scholarships campaign.*

Helping female students – a legacy of sisterhood and support

What inspired you to give back to the college through WOMEN’S inTUITION?

Supporting awards and scholarships at Georgian has really empowered me to continue to make a difference in the lives of female students. When I think of the strong network of mentors who supported me in my postsecondary journey, paying it forward is the least I can do.

Empowered women empower others…and together we can continue to give each other the opportunities needed to be the best versions of ourselves.

How did your own postsecondary journey inspire you to support female students?

Supporting female students at Georgian now is my way of encouraging female students to really believe in themselves and their ability to push the limits and boundaries in business and in programs they may have been less likely to pursue without the encouragement and support of others.

Why are you focusing specifically on providing support for female students in financial need?

I am fortunate to be the daughter of immigrant parents who believed in – and instilled in me – the power of education; they ensured I had every opportunity to pursue higher education, at the expense of other opportunities they may have been able to take part in.

As a lifelong learner and advocate of higher education, I can now ensure that I play a small part in the lives of others and make a lasting difference.

I love reading updates from WOMEN’S inTUITION award recipients and hearing how the financial support has made a real difference in their ability to follow their postsecondary goals.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being involved in WOMEN’S inTUITION?

I was really honoured when I was asked to be part of WOMEN’S inTUITION – the most rewarding piece is that I was considered an important part of the Georgian community and someone who could really influence and empower other women; it’s not a responsibility or honour I take lightly.

It is a privilege to be part of the WOMEN’S inTUITION awards and scholarships program because it helps break down barriers so women can achieve their academic and career goals.

*Maria Artuso (class of 2001) speaks at a Georgian convocation ceremony in 2023.*

On donating to WOMEN’S inTUITION awards and scholarships

WOMEN’S inTUITION will help to significantly alleviate the financial burden on female students, allowing them to focus more fully on their studies, pursue their academic goals without worrying about the cost of a postsecondary education, and potentially open doors to career opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach due to financial constraints…essentially giving female students the chance to achieve their fullest potential in their chosen fields.

Vision, future goals and giving back

What message do you hope to send to other alumni about the importance of giving back to their alma mater and to female students?

Alumni have a unique opportunity to empower the next generation of female leaders by actively supporting their alma mater, particularly with initiatives that uplift and empower female students.

By giving back through financial contributions, mentorship, or simply by sharing our experiences, we can create a stronger foundation that allows female students to thrive and reach their fullest potential, ensuring the college continues to cultivate a diverse and impactful community of alumni.

As someone who has already achieved success, how do you stay motivated to continue helping others?

It’s important to focus on the intrinsic rewards of making a positive impact, find new challenges within your helping efforts, connect with the stories of those you assist, actively seek opportunities to mentor and share your knowledge, and remember that your success can be a powerful platform for creating change.

Here’s my personal mantra:

Remind yourself of the personal fulfillment that comes from helping others and how your actions can create a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of others.
Share your knowledge and expertise by mentoring others – allow yourself to guide and empower individuals while also learning from their perspectives.
Acknowledge and appreciate even what you see as minor impacts – these can fuel your continued motivation and inspire female students.
Partner with like-minded individuals or organizations to amplify your impact and learn from diverse perspectives.

Giving back really is a mindset and way of life that empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the world. I believe that all women and girls, regardless of who they are or where they come from, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and deserve the same access to education that I was given.

WOMEN’S inTUITION – 10 years of giving back

WOMEN’S inTUITION empowers women by raising funds for awards and scholarships for female students in financial need enrolled in Georgian programs.

Giselle Bodkin, WOMEN’S inTUITION founder and Georgian Advancement Committee member, speaks at a campaign event at the Georgian Barrie Campus. — Giselle Bodkin (hon. degree 2022), WOMEN’S inTUITION founder and past Georgian Advancement Committee member, speaks at a campaign event at the Georgian Barrie Campus. Giselle received an honourary degree from Georgian College in recognition of her outstanding advocacy for improving the lives of women and their communities by ensuring access to postsecondary education.

Awards and scholarships are more than just financial assistance – they’re a symbol of the belief in the potential of every individual they support. For many scholarship recipients, the WOMEN’S inTUITION scholarships have been a turning point, enabling them to access postsecondary education without the overwhelming burden of paying for college.

Esther Oyanna, a current Global Business Management student and a Black WOMEN’S inTUITION Empowerment Award recipient (2024), says the scholarship allowed her to focus on her studies and explore opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach.

As a student from a modest background, pursuing higher education has always been financially and emotionally challenging for me. Your gracious contribution has lifted a significant burden off my shoulders and provided me with the means to focus on my studies and pursue my aspirations. Your belief in my potential has given me the courage and motivation to strive toward academic excellence and make a meaningful impact.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of over 250 donors to date, we’ve raised more than $850,000 to support female students studying at Georgian.
Since 2015, more than 300 awards, scholarships and bursaries have been proudly distributed to students under the umbrella of the WOMEN’S inTUITION campaign.

Pledge your support to help female students

Learn more about WOMEN’S inTUITION

Published Thursday, March 7, 2025