Bridging Borders and Communities: Meet Leslie Fu

Leslie Fu’s journey from China to Cape Breton University has been a transformative one, thanks to the Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development program.

Leslie made her decision to join CBU during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the importance of community economic development became more important than ever. Her choice was influenced not only by CBU’s unique MBA program but also by the natural beauty of Cape Breton, which offered a serene backdrop for her academic pursuits.

“What makes CBU truly exceptional for international students is the emphasis on community-oriented courses,” says Leslie. “These courses facilitate a better understanding of local communities and their economic dynamics, and help students like me integrate effectively into them. The small class sizes at CBU have also been instrumental in fostering close relationships with professors.”

Leslie says the professionalism, patience and helpfulness of MBA faculty, notably Professor Dr. Jasmine Alam, has played a pivotal role in her journey. From Strategic Management to Fundamentals of Venture Analysis and beyond, Dr. Alam’s guidance left a positive mark on Leslie’s academic experience. “Dr. Jasmine Alam’s support, timely responses and valuable insights were critical to my studies and MBA Applied Research Project,” she adds.

For Leslie, the CBU journey has not just been about academics; it’s a multicultural experience that extends beyond the classroom. CBU’s diverse campus introduced Leslie to numerous cultures, fostering her active participation in several committees and societies like the Lunar New Year celebration committee. She didn’t stop there; Leslie also initiated the CSR Business Society, aimed at promoting Corporate Social Responsibility among students, creating connections with local businesses, non-profit organizations and the broader community.

During her time at CBU, Leslie has been heavily involved in the community both on and off campus. She has worked with game day committees during sporting events, led a fundraising event that raised more than $2,000 to support a Green Household Energy Project competition in Halifax, served as a Week of Welcome leader, welcoming new students to CBU and helping them fall in love with our campus and worked at the CBU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, assisting students in developing their business plans. 

Leslie’s journey at CBU has left her with cherished memories, particularly the classes and professors. “With a cumulative average of 90, the knowledge I’ve gained at CBU has become invaluable in my current role, which revolves around community development,” she says. “CBU is a great choice for anyone seeking a transformative academic experience.”

As Leslie prepares to graduate, she expresses profound gratitude to her family, friends, professors and classmates whose unwavering support has played an important role in her academic achievements. Now, she has embarked on a fulfilling career at RISE Results business services in Sydney, where she uses her CBU-acquired knowledge to support the local community, with a particular focus on Indigenous communities.

Leslie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the lasting impact of a CBU experience. Congratulations, Leslie!