Twenty Years of Changing Lives with BMO’s Equity Through Education
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This year marks the 20th anniversary of BMO’s Equity Through Education Program (ETE). On one day every year, BMO donates institutional equity, BMO InvestorLine equity and ETF trading commissions to charitable organizations that provide diverse students with educational opportunities they might not otherwise have.
Since its inception in 2005, ETE trading day has raised nearly CDN$32 million, empowering close to 5,500 students to unlock their potential through scholarships, bursaries, mentoring and development opportunities. Below, two of those students reflect on the past 20 years – and the pivotal role ETE played in shaping their academic and professional trajectories.
Yulissa Familia
Yulissa Familia, now a Nurse Practitioner based in New York City, notes that beyond financial support, the scholarship offered invaluable mentorship while she was still in high school. Mentor Sachi Shenoy worked with Yulissa to prepare for the college application process – a crucial step along her path.
Receiving the scholarship was truly a turning point in my life. It reinforced my belief in the power of education and equity as transformative forces in our lives.
-- Yulissa Familia, Nurse Practitioner --
“As the first person in my family to attend college, I didn’t have role models to guide me through the process – but the scholarship provided that much-needed guidance,” says Yulissa. Thanks to the support and mentorship I received, I was able to gain acceptance to New York University.”
The financial support and mentorship Yulissa received through ETE allowed her to focus fully on her studies, paving the way for a career in nursing and healthcare. She also credits the scholarship with instilling in her a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the community. “Today, as a Nurse Practitioner with a focus on integrated behavioral healthcare, I strive to embody the principles of equity and excellence that the program promotes,” she says.
The support Yulissa received continues to inspire her to advocate for underserved populations – and work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system.
Karmyn McCloud
Karmyn McCloud is Senior Legal Counsel at Shell. She credits her ETE scholarship with helping her realize what was possible for her.
Marian Wright Edelman once said, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) expanded my horizons by exposing me to hundreds of brilliant, intelligent students of color from all over the United States.
-- Karmyn McCloud Senior Legal Counsel, Shell --
Karmyn notes that JRF’s networking weekends provided extraordinary personal and professional development, exposure to unique cultural activities and engagement in community service. “My JRF experience was unparalleled, and instrumental to who I am today,” she says.
Karmyn went on to receive her BBA and JD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. And now, 20 years after receiving her scholarship, Karmyn is Senior Legal Counsel at Shell USA, Inc. and a Leadership Council on Legal Diversity 2024 Fellow. She’s also board certified in Labor & Employment by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, has served as an attorney at the largest labor and employment law firm in the US, Littler Mendelson, P.C., and clerked for the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts in the Southern District of Texas.
Organizations that receive ETE funding include:
ETE is an essential part of BMO’s Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and our commitment to building a future with Zero Barriers to Inclusion. We can’t wait to see what the next 20 years will bring.
Find out more about the ETE scholarship program, learn what Alan Tannenbaum, CEO, BMO Capital Markets has to say about the importance of this initiative, and meet Our 2024 Imperial Scholar: Sandra Alarcón Escobar.