Lydia Ramsay and Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo
Valedictorians Lydia Ramsay and Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo will represent the Sobey School of Business at their ceremonies on Wednesday, May 27. Watch the graduation livestream and find the convocation program on our website.
Lydia Anne Ramsay
Accounting, Finance
Lydia Ramsay, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, entered Saint Mary’s University as a recipient of a Sobey Innovator Scholarship, a significant investment in her leadership and community engagement potential. With her presence on both the Impact Fund and Venture Grade teams, it is fitting that Lydia’s university career is an excellent return on that investment, demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, high achievement, and community engagement.
This May, Lydia graduates summa cum laude from the Sobey School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Finance and Accounting. She co-founded the Women in Business Society and Husky Capital, a mock investment fund structured similarly to the Impact Fund.
She delivered outstanding performances in nearly a dozen competitions over her years at Saint Mary’s, many through her involvement with Venture Grade and the Impact Fund, SMU’s student-led portfolio of $1M assets under management. She immersed herself in campus life, serving as a Residence Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and BComm Student Ambassador.
Q&A with Lydia
What are some highlights of your involvement in the SMU Community?
Lydia moderating at the Women in Business conference
I co-founded the SMU Women in Business Society and grew a small group of women into a team of 21 executives and over 300 members.
I was a co-founder of Husky Capital, where I serve as the CIO (Chief Investment Officer). Husky Capital is designed to teach new and younger students to learn to invest and make investment pitches and financial valuations. Through this, I’ve mentored a cohort of 16 Research Associates.
As a two-time Residence Assistant (RA) in Loyola Residence, I was recognized with awards for Outstanding Floor Community Development and Exceptional Demonstration of Enthusiasm & Spirit.
Tell us about some of the competitions you took part in.
McGill International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC): My team and I made it to the top 25 finals in Montreal, presenting an asset allocation strategy for a Sovereign Wealth Fund with a focus on biodiversity. We took home a $2,500 prize for the “Best Storytelling Award.”
Women’s Stock Pitch Competition: The competition is meant to highlight women in the investment profession. My team and I were the first group from the IMPACT Fund to qualify for the competition in Virginia, USA.
CFA research challenge: My team and I from the IMPACT Fund placed second.
Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC): In 2026, our team earned first place at the VCIC New England in Boston, USA, and in 2025, we earned third place and the Entrepreneur’s Choice Award. After placing first in Boston, we headed to Globals at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, for the very first time in April 2026.
Atlantic Invitational Case Competition (AICC): I earned the first-place win and Best Speaker award for the Competition held by the Dalhousie Consulting Association.
The IMPACT Fund team at the NYC Game Forum
Lydia’s first place win at the AICC
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?
Ross Hallett and Florian Muenkel, the IMPACT Program professors, have made a significant impact in my life. Their mentorship went far beyond the classroom; they challenged me to think critically. Above all, they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
They wouldn’t know this, but when I got chosen for the IMPACT Fund, I couldn’t believe it. I felt I didn’t know nearly as much about the markets as my peers. They saw potential in me, and because of that, I was able to learn to understand the markets and make high-quality pitches. Soon enough, I found my voice and became one of the loudest in the classroom and was never afraid to express my opinions.
Lydia with Chancellor Emeritus Bob Kelly BComm’75 DComm’97 at the Annual Commerce Dinner
What will you miss about Saint Mary’s?
I’ll miss the sense of community the most. SMU has a way of feeling both close-knit and full of opportunity at the same time. I’ll especially miss being surrounded by such motivated and supportive people, friends, professors and mentors who constantly pushed me to grow.
What are your goals for the future?
I’ve developed a strong interest in working closely with businesses, evaluating opportunities, and contributing to long-term value creation. I’m particularly drawn to the collaborative and dynamic nature of private capital, where you’re not only analyzing investments but also engaging directly with founders and management teams.
Longer term, I hope to grow into a leadership role where I can mentor others and contribute to building strong, high-performing teams, similar to the environments that had such a meaningful impact on my own development.
What advice would you give to current students?
Be a ‘yes’ person. Say yes to opportunities that come your way, even if it puts you outside your comfort zone. Some of the best opportunities come from not knowing exactly what you’re getting into.
Chloe May Pobjoy-Ridolfo
Accounting, Finance
In reflecting on her Saint Mary’s University journey, Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo says, “Success is most meaningful when it is shared and used to uplift others.” Whether it has been supporting women’s initiatives with the accounting society or exploring how financial and structural reforms can support and empower communities, Chloe has demonstrated a solid commitment to this ethos.
Originally from Thorold, Ontario, Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo is graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce, summa cum laude, with double majors in Finance and Accounting.
Throughout her time at the Sobey School of Business, Chloe leaned into the opportunities presented, taking part in many case competitions. She was recognized individually as an MVP at the Atlantic Sustainable Marketing Case Competition hosted by the Sobey School in 2026, and her team placed first.
Chloe played a key leadership role as Co-Director of Women’s Initiatives for the Accounting Society, where she was instrumental in organizing the first Sobey Strategy Case Competition. And she worked as a teaching assistant and a peer tutor, reflecting her passion for sharing knowledge and helping others succeed.
Chloe was MVP at the 2026 Atlantic Sustainable Marketing Case Competition
During her studies, Chloe also gained valuable experience through a placement with a non-profit housing organization. This work deepened her interest in addressing systemic challenges in low-income housing and inspired her to explore how financial and structural reforms can better support and empower communities.
Following graduation, she plans to pursue her CPA and CFA designations, with the goal of building a career at the intersection of finance, accountability and social impact.
Chloe credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, especially her parents and grandparents, as well as her professors, whose guidance has been pivotal throughout her academic journey.
Q&A with Chloe
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?
I chose Saint Mary's University because of its strong reputation in business and its smaller, close-knit environment. I was drawn to the Sobey School of Business and the opportunities it offers, but what stood out most was the ability to build meaningful connections with classmates and professors. That sense of community and accessibility created a more personalized and supportive learning experience, which played a significant role in my growth.
What was your favourite class?
Financial Management stands out as my favourite class. While it was challenging, it pushed me to develop practical, real-world skills that I will carry forward into my career.
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?
Dr. Mahmoud Moh'd had the biggest impact on me. He consistently challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone and believed in my potential, which played a key role in my confidence and development.
Did you receive any awards during your time as a student?
I received the Accounting Achievement Award and made the Dean’s List every year,
Did you benefit from any scholarships or bursaries?
Yes, I had a Renewable Entrance Scholarship for all years and received other awards, including the Veronica Aloyse Corbett Memorial Scholarship, McCurdy Printing Bursary, Harold Beazley Memorial Scholarship, Samuel and Anneliese Jopling Scholarship and a CFA Scholarship.
What are your goals for the future?
I plan to obtain my CPA and CFA designations and build a career in accounting and finance, with the goal of contributing to restructuring the low-income housing system and developing more sustainable, accessible communities.
What advice would you give to current students?
Take advantage of every opportunity, even if it feels intimidating at first. University is a time when so many doors are open to you, and it truly is what you make of it. Put yourself out there, try things you are not sure you are ready for, and trust that you will grow into those opportunities. The more you get involved, the more you will realize that the possibilities are far greater than you initially thought. Build relationships, stay curious, and approach everything with the mindset that the world is yours to explore.