On April 10, 2025, Boris Julián Pérez Pérez made history at Westfield Business School. With a smile full of fulfilled dreams and unwavering determination, he became the first deaf student to graduate from the MBA program, receiving the highest academic honor: summa cum laude, and being chosen as valedictorian of his class.
His story is not just about academic achievement. It is living proof that when talent and passion meet opportunity, barriers cease to exist.
A Message That Touched Hearts
Originally from Colombia, Boris didn’t just celebrate his graduation; he shared a message that left a lasting impact. In his valedictorian speech, he spoke about the immense challenges the deaf community faces in accessing education in his country. With heartfelt emotion, he recalled how his perseverance, the unconditional love of his family, and the support of institutions like Westfield and the Ismael Cala Foundation, which granted him a partial scholarship, opened paths that once seemed impossible.
Every word, every gesture, was a powerful reminder that dreams are stronger than limitations.
“Thank you, truly, to each of you for being here, for sharing this moment with me, and for the focus on sustainability that we’ve worked on together. We’ve learned that marketing isn’t just about money, it’s about seeing the world through different lenses and recognizing the value of generating social impact”.
A Journey Where Inclusion Was Real
From day one, Westfield Business School was committed to walking alongside Boris—not as a favor, but as a matter of principle. Measures were implemented that made a real difference:
- Subtitling of all audiovisual study materials.
- Sign language interpreters present and visible during all live classes.
- Academic and administrative adaptations to ensure a barrier-free experience.
Because at Westfield, inclusion isn’t just a message, it’s a commitment that transforms lives.
An Experience That Crossed Borders
In October 2024, Boris experienced one of the most moving moments of his MBA during the International Experience in Madrid. While visiting ILUNION, a company renowned for its inclusive and socially transformative practices, Boris connected with another inspiring speaker: a deaf-blind professional who, like him, had decided that challenges would not define his limits.
It was a powerful meeting that confirmed a profound truth: the real barriers are the ones we allow to exist in our minds.
A Future Driven by Purpose and Change
Today, in his role at the National Institute for the Deaf (INSOR), Boris leads projects that promote digital accessibility in Colombia, creating opportunities for thousands who, like him, deserve a world where being different doesn’t mean being excluded.
His story is a call to all of us—to believe, to persist, and to build a society where true excellence is measured by the positive impact we leave on others.
At Westfield Business School, we are deeply honored to have been part of his journey. We proudly reaffirm that education has the power to change lives, break barriers, and create countless new opportunities.
Boris didn’t just graduate with honors. He taught us all that greatness lies in those who never give up, who inspire others, and who open paths for the next to come.
