Nadia Hussaini, a fourth year management and leadership student in StFX's Gerald Schwartz School of Business, has been awarded the 2025 Social Entrepreneurship Fund, an initiative that provides promising social entrepreneurs with financial support and mentorship to help bring their impactful business ideas to life.
This newly established fund, a collaboration between the StFX Discover Box and the StFX Gerald Schwartz School of Business, is designed to assist students who aim to create meaningful change in their communities through social entrepreneurship. The fund provides the winning entrepreneur with $5,000 in financial support, along with guidance from Discover Box mentors, Gerald Schwartz School of Business faculty, and Xaverian entrepreneurs.
The Social Entrepreneurship Fund was launched by StFX alumnus and entrepreneur Alex Dorward, alongside support from several Xaverian alumni and friends of StFX, with the goal of empowering the next generation of social change-makers.
Ms. Hussaini's winning initiative, Negin Boutique: Bold Fashion, Brave Women, seeks to create a platform for talented women, particularly refugees, to showcase their skills, gain financial independence, and rebuild their confidence. The boutique goes beyond selling fashion—it's about fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and cultural preservation. Every piece created through Negin Boutique carries a story of resilience and hope, aiming to empower women who have faced the hardships of displacement.
“I was deeply moved by the story of Peace by Chocolate—a business founded by a refugee family that turned their struggles into success,” said Ms. Hussaini, a StFX student who grew up in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “Their journey showed me that resilience, determination, and community support can create something truly meaningful. Seeing their success made me believe that I, too, could build something impactful—not just for myself, but for others who have faced similar challenges. It reminded me that even in the face of hardship, opportunities exist to rebuild, to dream, and to inspire others. My business is not just about financial success; it’s about proving that no matter where we come from, we have the power to shape our own futures and contribute to the world in a meaningful way.”
As a student at StFX, Ms. Hussaini has utilized the resources and support available to students, helping to turn her vision into a reality. With the support of the Social Entrepreneurship Fund, she now can grow her business and make a lasting impact on both her community and beyond.
About Negin Boutique
Negin Boutique: Bold Fashion, Brave Women is a socially driven fashion business that focuses on empowering women who have been displaced due to conflict or hardship. By providing a platform to showcase their skills and cultural heritage through fashion, Negin Boutique aims to help women regain their confidence, independence, and voice. Through this initiative, Ms. Hussaini seeks to foster a sense of belonging and unity, ensuring that the stories of these women are heard and celebrated.
About the Social Entrepreneurship Fund
The Social Entrepreneurship Fund is a collaborative initiative between StFX Discover Box and the StFX Gerald Schwartz School of Business, designed to support students with entrepreneurial ideas that have a positive social impact. The fund provides $5,000 in seed funding, as well as mentorship and support to bring ideas to life. This fund is made possible by the generosity of StFX alumni, including Alex Dorward, and is designed to empower the next generation of social entrepreneurs.
