Inclusive futures: the Dean’s EMBA Diversity Award

The Dean’s EMBA Diversity Award is one of many scholarships available to Executive MBA (EMBA) students and covers 10% of the tuition fee. It is awarded to outstanding candidates from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds, including (but not limited to) LGBTQ+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, third-career generation professionals, neurodivergent individuals and those from ethnically underrepresented groups. Successful candidates are expected to act as ambassadors for the Executive MBA programmes, contributing positively to the class and playing an active role in advancing our diversity strategy.

Recent recipients of the Dean’s EMBA Diversity Award from our Cambridge Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA (Global EMBA) 2025 and 2026 cohorts describe how this support has shaped their journeys, both personally and professionally. Together, their stories show how scholarship funding can open doors at Cambridge and create ripples far beyond it.

Receiving the scholarship made my future plans much more achievable… It made my dreams of studying at Cambridge come true.

Abdul Goni (EMBA 2025)

Removing barriers: how scholarships unlock access and opportunity

For many candidates, especially those balancing careers, families and financial commitments, the decision to pursue an Executive MBA is as much about affordability as ambition. Scholarships play a critical role in making world-class education genuinely accessible.

For Abdul Goni (EMBA 2025), the scholarship was the decisive factor that turned an ambition into reality: “Receiving the scholarship made my future plans much more achievable… It made my dreams of studying at Cambridge come true.”

For others, the award not only opens the door, but also removes the ongoing weight of financial hesitation and allows them to embrace the full experience. Swoyanshree (Global EMBA 2026) explains that the scholarship has enabled her to accelerate her growth without constantly weighing every opportunity against its cost: “I can fully immerse myself in the Executive MBA experience – engaging deeply in discussions, networking meaningfully and exploring bold career aspirations – rather than being constrained by practical trade-offs.”

Together, their reflections show how financial support can be the practical link between wanting to pursue an Executive MBA and being able to do so fully, from enrolment through to active participation in the programme.

I can fully immerse myself in the Executive MBA experience – engaging deeply in discussions, networking meaningfully and exploring bold career aspirations – rather than being constrained by practical trade-offs.

Swoyanshree (Global EMBA 2026)

From confidence to transformation: how scholarships change lives and careers

Beyond access, recipients consistently describe the scholarship as a source of validation, confidence and personal transformation. Being awarded the Dean’s EMBA Diversity Award sends a powerful message that their experiences, ambitions and perspectives are recognised and valued.

For Fruzsina Soltesz (EMBA 2025), this recognition has reshaped both her professional trajectory and her sense of belonging. The scholarship enabled her to embark on the programme. She notes that it has strengthened her belief that Cambridge Judge Business School recognises the diverse backgrounds from which candidates come. Fruszina says: “Needing additional support at the outset does not diminish a candidate’s merit or readiness for the journey.”

Needing additional support at the outset does not diminish a candidate’s merit or readiness for the journey.

Fruzsina Soltesz (EMBA 2025)

For Grace Boboye (EMBA 2025), the impact is felt in the clarity and focus the award brings. As she puts it: “Receiving the scholarship has given me the confidence to fully embrace the programme with focus and purpose. Beyond easing financial pressures, it has affirmed that my experiences, perspectives and aspirations are valued, enabling me to make the most of this opportunity and strengthen the impact I hope to have throughout my career.”

In different ways, both Fruzsina and Grace show how financial support can evolve into something much deeper: a renewed belief in their own potential and a stronger sense of belonging within the Cambridge community.

Beyond easing financial pressures, it has affirmed that my experiences, perspectives and aspirations are valued, enabling me to make the most of this opportunity and strengthen the impact I hope to have throughout my career.

Grace Boboye (EMBA 2025)

Paying it forward: why scholarship recipients feel compelled to give back

A striking thread running through recipients’ reflections is a deep sense of responsibility. Many see their scholarship not only as personal support, but as a call to contribute to others’ journeys, particularly those who face similar barriers.

This honour from Cambridge Judge has made me rethink how I can help develop talent and culture, and support people from different backgrounds. It has reinforced my belief that the world is a diverse place and everyone deserves a chance.

Stephen Nana Amponsah (EMBA 2025)

For Stephen Nana Amponsah (EMBA 2025), the Dean’s EMBA Diversity Award has prompted a fundamental rethink of what it means to give back as a leader. He has long been involved in philanthropic work in his own way, but explains further: “This honour from Cambridge Judge has made me rethink how I can help develop talent and culture, and support people from different backgrounds. It has reinforced my belief that the world is a diverse place and everyone deserves a chance.”

This sense of responsibility is echoed by Billy Cheng (EMBA 2025), who describes how the scholarship has translated into a more intentional commitment to supporting others in their careers: “This scholarship has provided essential financial support while changing how I contribute to my community through mentorship, especially those from different backgrounds.”

This scholarship has provided essential financial support while changing how I contribute to my community through mentorship, especially those from different backgrounds.

Billy Cheng (EMBA 2025)

He is now more active in mentoring individuals facing career challenges, whether by providing guidance or recommending them for new roles. While the Cambridge EMBA allows him to grow his own professional network, he believes its true value lies in his improved ability to help others by sharing the knowledge and connections he is gaining through the programme.

These perspectives show that the Dean’s EMBA Diversity Award influences how recipients approach their studies, careers and responsibilities to others, shaping both their own development and the ways they support those around them.

A continuing ripple of opportunity

As Cambridge Judge Business School continues to welcome candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, scholarships such as the Dean’s EMBA Diversity Award help ensure that access to postgraduate and executive education is not limited by personal circumstances. Their effects are felt over time, as recipients apply what they have learned and extend support to the people they work with, lead and mentor.