Building a Personal Branding with Purpose
Join us for an empowering session designed to help you uncover, define, and amplify your unique voice! Building a Personal Brand with Purpose is an opportunity for students to dive into the world of personal branding, explore what makes them stand out, and learn strategies to cultivate a brand that authentically reflects their values, aspirations, and heritage.
Our special guests will have an honest discussion on what it takes to set a foundation for a powerful personal brand that speaks to who you are and where you're going. Whether you’re just starting to shape your career or looking to strengthen your presence, this session is crafted to help you lead with purpose and impact.
We hope to see you there!
(Please note limited spots are available)
Moderator: Husein Pumaya Yakubu, Master of Public Policy Student and Mastercard Foundation Scholar
Panelists
Avary Ettienne-Samuel is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to empowering everyday people and championing growth in diverse communities, and having fun while doing it. As Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Silver Lining, Avary leads impactful initiatives to help SMBs thrive, partnering with organizations like Wells Fargo and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Through mentorship with Mkono in Kenya and roles at KPMG and EY, Avary combines strategic insight with a passion for inclusivity and authentic, transformative change. Committed to purposeful work, Avary brings empathy and a global perspective to every endeavor, focusing on sustainable, community-centered impact. Avary is a McGill alum of the Desautels Faculty of Management class of 2020.
Mercy Nwosu Baidoo is a seasoned lawyer and public policy professional with over 10 years of experience in AI governance, policy analysis, multilateral engagement, and international development program management. She has an impressive track record of success with major organizations, including the European Union, ECOWAS, and GIZ, where she has led high-level government engagements and managed grant-funded initiatives across Africa, South Asia, and Europe. Mercy’s expertise spans governance reforms, strategic advocacy, and the design of sustainable, community-driven programs. She has worked extensively with senior government officials and regional leaders to drive collaboration on critical policy issues such as community development, women’s empowerment, education and health, maritime security, and AI ethics. Mercy holds a recent degree (2024) from the Max Bell School of Public Policy in McGill University. Originally from Nigeria and married to a Ghanaian, she is a dedicated mother of two, a film enthusiast, an avid cyclist, and someone who enjoys a good conversation and values a good sense of humour.
Rita Nkatouloulou is an HR Consultant specializing in digital transformation and human resources software implementation, with a strong emphasis on talent development. As the founder of the Réseau des professionnels afrodescendants en ressources humaines (RePARH), she is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments that support the growth of Black HR professionals in Canada. With a commitment to continuous learning and personal development, Rita also empowers international students to navigate and thrive in the North American workplace culture through her HR firm, Nkat Consulting