Meet BTMSA 2024/25 President Malak El Beshlawy

Oct. 23, 2024

For the 2024/25 academic year, Malak El Beshlawy takes the helm as president of the Business Technology Management Students Association (BTMSA), ready to bring fresh energy, ideas, and leadership to the association.

BTMSA is a student-run association for  Brantford-based Business Technology Management (BTM) students at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics . A faculty association under the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union (WLUSU), BTMSA offers a wide variety of initiatives and services to help enrich the educational experience of BTM students, focusing on fostering a strong academic community, providing resources for personal and professional growth, and enhancing the overall BTM student experience.

Who Is Malak El Beshlawy?

A fourth-year student in the Business Technology Management (BTM) program, Malak El Beshlawy is a dynamic and well-rounded leader who is passionate about making a difference in her community. Originally from Guelph, Ontario, El Beshlawy has spent her university years engaging in various activities that have enriched her experience at Laurier .

“I’ve always enjoyed staying active and social during my time at Laurier,” she shared, reflecting on her journey so far. “In my second year, I had the privilege of being part of the Brantford basketball team, which was a fantastic experience. Outside of that, I’m always up for exploring new activities and meeting new people.”

Her eagerness to get involved on campus and form connections with her peers has been a hallmark of her time at Laurier. From her early days in the classroom to her leadership roles within BTMSA, El Beshlawy’s journey has been defined by her determination to make the most of every opportunity.

Getting Involved with BTMSA

Malak’s path to becoming BTMSA president started early in her university career. Like many students who began their university journey during the pandemic, she faced the challenge of isolation and a lack of in-person interaction. However, she didn’t let this hinder her ambitions.

“I joined the Business Technology Management Students' Association in my first year,” El Beshlawy explained. “I wanted to connect with people and build a network within the BTM community. After so much time isolated, it was hard to meet people in the classroom, but I was eager to engage with others and make the most of my university experience.”

This determination to connect with peers and build relationships within her academic community became the foundation of her involvement with BTMSA. Over the past three years, El Beshlawy formed meaningful friendships and also gained valuable insights from upper-year students who helped guide her academically and professionally.

BTMSA provided her with a supportive environment where she could grow, both as a student and a leader. “It’s been a great way to meet people, get involved in the BTM community, and learn from those who have been through it all before me,” she said.

Why El Beshlawy Chose to Run for President

After three years of involvement with the BTMSA, El Beshlawy decided to run for president. Her experiences within the organization offered her a deep understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement, which fueled her desire to make a lasting impact.

“I decided to run for president because, over the past three years, I’ve seen firsthand both the strengths and areas for improvement within our organization,” she said. “Starting as a general member and later joining the executive team, I’ve gained valuable insights and experience that I believe can be used to enhance the BTMSA overall.”

El Beshlawy also pinpointed a specific moment that solidified her decision to pursue the leadership role. She realized that with some changes and improvements, the BTMSA could better support and engage students. Her goal is to create a more dynamic, supportive environment that caters to the needs of all BTM students.

“One key moment that solidified my decision was realizing the potential for greater engagement and better support for our students,” she explained. “I saw that with some changes, we could create a more dynamic and supportive environment for everyone involved.”

Initiatives and Changes for a Positive Impact

Her vision for the BTMSA centers on fostering a supportive and engaged community for BTM students, especially those who are new to the university experience.  El Beshlawy understands the challenges of transitioning into university life and is committed to making that journey smoother for others.

“My goal is to ensure that the BTMSA is a pillar of guidance and support throughout that journey,” she said. “I want to build a strong sense of community within our program.”

El Beshlawy also recognizes the unique challenges faced by students on the Brantford campus, where a business-oriented atmosphere can sometimes be harder to find. Her goal is to create a network where students can come together to discuss their aspirations, build relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations about their future careers.

“I aim to foster a space where students can engage with one another and develop meaningful connections related to their future careers,” she explained. She plans to organize social events and networking opportunities to help students not only make friends but also build a strong foundation for their professional lives.

Advice for Aspiring Student Leaders

As a seasoned student leader,  El Beshlawy hasadvice for students who are considering taking on leadership positions within their own clubs and organizations.

“The advice I would share with students is that leadership is about learning from each experience, overcoming obstacles, and continuously evolving,” she said. “Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Instead, let it motivate you to strive for excellence and make a meaningful impact.”

She emphasizes the importance of embracing every opportunity with courage, understanding that every step—whether it leads to success or failure—is a vital part of the journey toward becoming a great leader.

Looking Forward

As El Beshlawy embarks on her term as president of the BTMSA, her focus will be on enhancing the experience of every BTM student. From building a stronger sense of community to providing more opportunities for professional development, she is determined to leave a lasting legacy .

Under her leadership, the BTMSA is poised to continue its mission of supporting students academically, professionally, and personally.  El Beshlawy’s journey from a first-year student looking to connect with others to the president of a vibrant student organization serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders and a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.

Welcoming the BTMSA Executive Team

In addition to El Beshlawy's inspiring leadership, the success of the BTMSA would not be possible without the efforts of the entire executive team. Composed of passionate, driven individuals, each bringing their unique strengths and ideas to the table, the team will work together to enhance the student experience and make this year a memorable one for the BTM community. From organizing events to providing academic resources and career support, the BTMSA executive team is ready to tackle new challenges and create lasting connections within the program:

• Joshua Shiman: vice president, 4th year BTM 
• Jack Kennedy: director of operations, 3rd year BTM 
• Neta Puzirevsky: director of marketing, 3rd year BTM 
• Jack McWatt: director of finance, 2nd year BTM 
• Ajitesh Sharma: director of strategy, 2nd year BTM 
• Sachin Swaminath: director of events, 2nd year BTM 

Stay tuned for more updates from the BTMSA as the team rolls out initiatives that aim to bring students together and help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom!