Maria Balanca-Rodrigues

As the assistant to Professor Henry Mintzberg for over 20 years, Santa has always kept pace with his growing ambitions, providing an amazing level of support and a fair amount of sage advice along the way. Mintzberg commends her for constantly improving, and quips that he would be a third as productive without her. He credits her for being a huge part of what he has accomplished. A mother figure to staff and doctoral students alike, Santa is known for going above and beyond to make everyone feel welcomed and supported. From his doctoral students, current and past, to his colleagues around the globe, everyone who interacts with Santa raves about her warmth and consideration.

Nominated by colleagues at Desautels Faculty of Management