For Ivoire Beguinot, leadership is about working collaboratively, empowering others and staying open to perspectives different from your own.
A member of the first cohort of the University of Toronto's Minor in Global Leadership , Beguinot paired the program with a major in international development studies from U of T Scarborough.
She says the program, launched in 2023 , to develop the next generation of leaders who can navigate challenges across disciplines and cultures, deepened her understanding of development issues and how she can contribute to change.
"I don't just want to work in development," she says. "I want to help redefine what meaningful, responsible development looks like in practice.
"I also want to continue growing as a leader… and to contribute to a more inclusive, grounded and impactful approach."
Beguinot, who was born in Senegal and grew up in Algeria, New Caledonia, France, Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire (where she completed high school), complemented her studies with an internship at the World Bank in Abidjan. At U of T, she also served as director of the Global Leadership Student Association and co-chair of the International Development Conference at U of T Scarborough.
She recently spoke with U of T News about her experiences in the program, thoughts on leadership and future plans.
Why global development and leadership?
Growing up and studying in Côte d'Ivoire gave me a first-hand understanding of both the country's potential and the structural inequalities that shape everyday life. I attended a French high school, where academic rigour and discipline prepared me to adapt to demanding environments - ultimately giving me the tools to succeed in university.
At the same time, I became increasingly aware of disparities in quality of life. What felt normal to me - living comfortably, travelling and having access to opportunities - stood in stark contrast to the realities of many around me, which pushed me to reflect early on privilege and responsibility.
What impact has U of T's minor in global leadership had on your outlook?
For me, leadership has always meant more than just taking initiative; it's about being someone others can trust, especially in complex and unfamiliar environments. I wanted to become more self-aware, communicate with confidence and learn how to navigate different perspectives without losing clarity in my own voice.
I was deeply interested in engaging with real-world challenges and learning alongside a diverse group of peers. Being surrounded by people with different perspectives pushed me to question my assumptions and grow in ways I hadn't expected.
So, while my major gave me a strong theoretical foundation to understand global issues, the global leadership minor pushed me to think about how those ideas actually play out in real-world settings.
The program also deepened my understanding of how global challenges are experienced differently across contexts. I developed a stronger grasp of issues like unequal access to technology, the uneven impacts of globalization and the importance of intersectional perspectives in development work.
Understanding global issues is not enough; you also need to navigate them in practice with humility, awareness and adaptability.
I came to realize that being a leader isn't about being the best at everything, but about recognizing people's strengths, bringing them together and creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued and motivated to work toward a common goal. I also gained a deeper appreciation for collaboration across disciplines and cultures.
The program really reinforced that meaningful and sustainable solutions are rarely built alone; they come from collective effort, dialogue and the ability to navigate different perspectives thoughtfully.
What did your internship at the World Bank in Abidjan entail?
I supported the implementation of the country's Climate and Development Report (CCDR), working with ministries, local institutions and private-sector actors, including the Conseil du Café-Cacao [Coffee and Chocolate Board].
During several interactions with local delegates, I was struck by their responses, which highlighted how external, mostly Western frameworks can be perceived as misaligned or lacking legitimacy. At the same time, I was truly inspired by the adaptability and cultural awareness of World Bank teams.
These experiences really shaped my commitment to international development grounded in local perspectives and collaboration.
What's next?
Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a master's degree and I am currently exploring fields such as policymaking while seeking other internship opportunities. In the long term, I aim to work as a development project leader within a large international organization or in the private sector, contributing to initiatives that not only support development but also shape how it is understood and practised.
I am particularly committed to advancing sustainable, need-driven development in West Africa, with a strong focus on centring local voices and lived experiences.
