The Direct Sellers Association of Canada (DSA Canada) announced it has awarded $16,000 in scholarships to four Canadian university students. This annual scholarship program was created to support the education of students connected to the direct selling industry.
The 2024 scholarship recipients include:
- Diana Trujnikova, University of Calgary, Bachelor of Design in City Innovation. Diana has been influenced by her parents’ roles as long-standing Amway consultants, learning resilience and the value of connections firsthand.
- Ethan Dart, University of British Columbia, pursuing Engineering. Ethan’s mother’s successful direct selling career with Arbonne has shown him the value of perseverance and personal commitment.
- Gabrielle Funk, Concordia University, working towards a Master’s in Art Therapy. Inspired by her mother’s journey with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Gabrielle is driven to empower others through art.
- Steven Ilijanich, University of Windsor, in the Bachelor of Education program. As a direct seller for CUTCO/Vector Marketing, Steven has developed leadership skills that enhance his educational pursuits.
“These scholarships represent our investment in the next generation of leaders who draw on the strength and integrity of the direct selling industry,” said Peter Maddox, DSA Canada President. “We are delighted to support these exceptional students who have demonstrated dedication to their academic pursuits and embody the principles of entrepreneurship and community service taught through direct selling.”
DSA Canada is supported in this initiative by the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF). Since 2012, DSEF has awarded more than $146,000 in academic grants to post-secondary students throughout Canada.
“We continue to be amazed by the quality and diversity of applications from young scholars across Canada,” said Jessie Arsenault, DSEF Chair. “This year’s recipients showcase the potential within our community. It is truly rewarding to contribute to their academic and professional journeys through our scholarship program.”