Black Future Leader Award: my journey to personal and professional success

Itai Dzinotyiwei, recipient of Imperial College Business School’s Black Future Leader Award and MSc Finance student, shares her motivations for securing the scholarship and how it has boosted her confidence to continue her leadership journey.

Imperial College Business School is dedicated to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive community, embracing students from all corners of the world. We acknowledge the underrepresentation of students from Black or mixed Black backgrounds in our programmes and are taking proactive steps to address this. To support our commitment to diversity, we offer scholarships to exceptional individuals from Black or mixed Black backgrounds, regardless of their geographic origin. We are looking for candidates who exhibit remarkable leadership potential and a drive to create meaningful change within the Imperial community and beyond.

Why did you choose to study MSc Finance at Imperial College Business School?

I chose to study at Imperial College Business School because of its amazing MSc Finance suite. It has a reputation for academic excellence and a forward-thinking approach to finance. The programme’s integration of innovation with business aligns perfectly with my goals of understanding and innovating in finance. Imperial’s global network and its position at the heart of one of the world's financial capitals, London, made it the ideal choice to deepen my knowledge and expand my professional horizons.

What does receiving this award mean to you?

I am honoured to have received the Black Future Leader Award. This scholarship holds deep significance for me, as it recognises not only my academic potential but also the importance of diversity and leadership within the finance industry, and globally.

It acknowledges the projects I led back home in South Africa and Zimbabwe, which focused on implementing actionable solutions to the challenges we face today. It wasn’t necessarily leadership in the academic sense but leadership directly in front of me—within my community. The scholarship represents the acknowledgment of this hands-on leadership and reinforces my belief in the power of locally driven solutions. It motivates me to continue pursuing my vision of developing innovative financial strategies that can uplift underrepresented regions and communities.

As someone passionate about driving change, especially in underrepresented communities, this award represents a profound acknowledgment of the values I hold dear - creating pathways for others and contributing to the future of global finance.

What do you think makes this award particularly unique or special?

The Black Future Leader Award is particularly unique because of its focus on both leadership and diversity. It’s not just about academic or financial merit; it’s about recognising the potential to lead and create change, especially within communities that have been historically underrepresented. This award goes beyond financial support by offering access to a network of individuals and resources dedicated to empowering the next generation of black leaders in business. The sense of community, the focus on leadership development, and the commitment to fostering inclusivity make this scholarship truly special. It’s about paving the way for future leaders to shape industries with new perspectives and innovative solutions.

How did it feel when you found out you’d secured this award?

When I received the news, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and validation. I also felt immense relief! I remember the first thing I did was call my parents. Securing the scholarship felt like a pivotal moment, a reassurance that I’m on the right path. It wasn’t just about the financial support but also the acknowledgment that my goals and values align with Imperial's vision for its scholars.

What motivated you to apply for this award at Imperial College Business School?

I applied for the Black Future Leader Award because I deeply resonate with its mission to uplift and empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. I believed that this scholarship would not only provide financial support but also connect me with opportunities to grow as a leader and contribute meaningfully to the business landscape. I knew I possessed leadership qualities, but I wanted the opportunity to further develop and refine them within the supportive and inspiring community at Imperial College Business School.

How will this award support you, in terms of your academic and personal goals?

Academically, this scholarship has allowed me to fully focus on my studies without the financial burden weighing on my mind, giving me the freedom to invest in extra courses, explore research, and collaborate on projects that push my intellectual boundaries.

Personally, it has opened doors to incredible networking opportunities, connecting me with people who share my passion for financial innovation and development. Ultimately, this award is helping me work toward my goals, by providing both the financial and moral support I need to pursue my ambitions.

What opportunities has this award provided you with so far?

The Black Future Leader Award has connected me with a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about driving positive change in the finance industry. I’ve had the chance to attend a networking event where I met peers who share similar values and ambitions. These interactions have been invaluable in broadening my perspective on leadership and social impact. Additionally, this award has provided me with the confidence and platform to engage with key stakeholders in the industry, all of whom are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion.

What are the most important qualities or attributes that you think scholarship committees look for?

I believe scholarship committees look for candidates who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose. Beyond academic excellence, they seek individuals who are driven by a passion for solving real-world problems, as well as those who can think critically and creatively. A strong sense of community and a commitment to using one’s education for the greater good is also important. They want scholars who will not only thrive personally, but also contribute positively to the world around them.

How did you balance award applications with your schoolwork and other commitments?

Balancing award applications with other responsibilities required a lot of time management. I created a schedule that broke down the application process into manageable steps, ensuring that I made consistent progress without compromising the quality of the application. I set my own internal deadlines that were 1-2 days before the actual deadlines. I also learned the importance of reaching out for support, whether from mentors or peers, to stay motivated and keep perspective. It was challenging but knowing that the effort would lead to a life-changing opportunity kept me focused.

If you could give one piece of advice to future award applicants, what would it be?

My advice would be to apply with authenticity and confidence in your unique story. Don’t be afraid to highlight the challenges you’ve faced or the passions that drive you, as those are what make you stand out.

Scholarship committees aren’t just looking for perfect candidates; they’re looking for individuals who are committed to their goals, resilient in the face of obstacles, and eager to make a meaningful impact. Be clear about how the scholarship will support your specific ambitions and why you believe you're the right fit for it.