Meet Sofiya Shynkar: The 2024 Recipient of the Gena Giansante Schulich Scholarship Award

Brokers Trust is pleased to announce Sofiya Shynkar, MBA ’25 Candidate at the Schulich School of Business as the 2024 recipient of the 2024 Gena Giansante Award.

Congratulations Sofiya!

“I am greatly thankful for the Gena Giansante Scholarship–I have used this amount to cover my tuition fees for the first two semesters of school. I have faced some personal issues and this award has helped me to reduce the financial burden that my family has experienced. I would like to thank Brokers Trust, I highly appreciate your help which will make a huge impact on my future.”

– Sofiya Shynkar, MBA ‘25 Candidate, Recipient of the Gena Giansante Award

A Ukraine native, Sofiya moved to Canada six years ago to focus on her studies and get the best education she could. Known to be a true leader, Sofiya is keen on solving complex problems and analyzing situations—selecting Finance as her field of study so she could put those skills to the test.

The Brokers Trust Award in Memory of Gena Giansante is given annually to an incoming female MBA/IMBA student majoring in Accounting or Finance. The recipient in consideration has to present a minimum of B+ average and will be a Canada citizen, permanent resident or protected person and resident of Ontario who demonstrates financial need.

15 Years and Beyond of Doing Good

Doing good in the communities that we work and do business in is an important pillar of the Brokers Trust business and values.

In January of 2009, the Gena Giansante Fundraiser was created in honour of one of our founding partners’ daughter. Fred Giansante’s daughter, Gena, was diagnosed with Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis in 2005. Sadly, Gena passed away from this rare disease in September 2006. Gena thrived in academics; generous with her talent and time, she often helped peers with their studies. She went on to graduate with an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. Her legacy lives on.

Brokers Trust has been honouring the memory of Gena for the past 15 years, with thousands donated to incoming female students, supporting the leadership of women. This is a fundraiser that we are extremely proud of and one that year over year we continue to bring to life.

Read more about this award: Schulich School of Business