Heather L. Main Memorial Scholarship | Women in Capital Markets

Combine Your Education with the Power of Experience

The Heather L. Main Memorial Scholarship is a comprehensive $25K scholarship, Capital Markets summer internship, bespoke coaching and VersaFi membership program for women graduate students. It honours the memory of a trail-blazing woman in the Canadian Capital Markets sector. Since being established in 1998, it has positioned nearly a hundred highly qualified women to excel, while broadening the talent pool for the sector. Benefits of the program include: building practical skills and gaining valuable Capital Markets experience; networking with sector leaders; financial assistance towards the MBA tuition; and customized leadership training and/or executive coaching.

About Heather L. Main

Heather L. Main was one of few women in finance on Bay Street in the 1980’s. After obtaining a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and being called to the Bar in Ontario, Heather entered the corporate finance department at one of Bay Street’s premier investment banks. She helped lead a wave of innovative financings in the mid ’80s and also served in the corporate finance branch of the Ontario Securities Commission.

In May 1989, Heather was killed in a car accident with her husband and mother. She is remembered for her brilliance, generosity, and dedication to provide support to those around her. Heather served as a role model and mentor to many women who worked with her.

The Heather L. Main scholarship currently offers:

$25,000 cash award
Paid summer internship at a leading investment dealer
Leadership training and/or executive coaching
One-year mentorship program
One-year VersaFi student membership

Program information

The scholarship is currently available to full-time 2-year MBA or joint MBA/LL.B female students at the following business schools:

DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University
Schulich School of Business, York University
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Bank of Montreal $250,000
CIBC World Markets $250,000
Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. (BAML) $250,000
RBC Dominion Securities / RBC Financial Group Foundation $250,000
The Scotiabank Group of Companies $250,000
TD Bank Financial Group $250,000
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP $50,000

Female students enrolled in a first-year full-time MBA program or a third-year full-time joint MBA/LLB program at a participating university
Demonstrated interest in the capital markets, academic excellence, community involvement and leadership capabilities
Paid summer internships to be served immediately before the final year of MBA or MBA/LLB studies; the applicant must be available for the full four months (i.e., May-August) to complete her summer internship

Applications are to be submitted to eligible universities in the Fall.
Please contact the recruitment office at the participating business schools for more information.

Other Programs

Open May 1, 2024

Post-Secondary Mentorship Program

VersaFi’s Post-Secondary Mentorship Program pairs young women and gender diverse undergraduate and graduate students with a professional currently working in the finance sector.

Job Shadow Day | High School Students

Since 2004, VersaFi has invited young women and gender-diverse senior high school students with an interest in business to spend a day in the Canadian financial district.