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Women and the MBA

At Smith School of Business, we recognize the need to enable more women to ascend to the senior ranks of management. An MBA can help break down the barriers that exist for women looking to advance their careers. Smith is making a concerted effort to address this issue. In addition to hosting Women and the MBA events across Canada, we have also implemented a number of initiatives to attract and support women within our programs.

Motivational Events and Networking Opportunities

Smith School of Business is a proud supporter of the Women of Influence Luncheon Series. These events, featuring high-profile speakers, serve as motivational and inspirational networking events, allowing women to share strategies for achieving success in their careers while maintaining life balance.

Learn more about Women of Influence.

Forté Foundation

Smith School of Business is the first Canadian business school to join Forté Foundation. This group of major corporations, top business schools and influential non-profit organizations is dedicated to directing women towards business education and business leadership roles, as well as working with corporations to more effectively attract and retain female talent. Each year, Smith awards numerous Forté Foundation Fellowships to highly qualified women entering the MBA program. These Fellowships include a significant scholarship. We also guarantee a scholarship to all qualified MBALaunch candidates that meet our requirements and are offered acceptance to the Full-time MBA program.

The Foundation hosts educational and networking events, provides scholarship and intern opportunities, and provides a wealth of relevant research and online resources, all helping women to achieve success in their careers. Learn more about the Forté Foundation.

Forte Logo
Tracey Cook

“I had been wanting to advance my education for decades, but had not found a program that fit my work and home lifestyles. The unique combination of residential sessions in Kingston and remote boardroom learning was a program I could make fit. But beyond that, it was the way I immediately felt at home with the campus, the staff, the instructors and the whole program environment. I am proud and honoured to have been chosen to receive the extremely generous scholarship provided by the 30% Club, which supports one female entrant into each EMBA cohort. ”

Tracey Cook, EMBA’19
Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure & Development Services
City of Toronto

Scholarships

30% Club Scholarship

In addition to numerous academic scholarships, each year Smith School of Business is pleased to offer the 30% Club Scholarship to a highly qualified woman entering the EMBA program. This scholarship – which covers 50% of the program tuition – is offered in partnership with the 30% Club, a global organization dedicated to accelerating the representation of women at senior levels in business. Its name is derived from its overarching goal, which is to see 30% of S&P/TSX 60 company board seats occupied by women.

The scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and proven leadership skills. Selection will be made by the program’s Awards Committee.

Essay submission deadline is June 15th. Please contact our Recruitment & Admissions team for more information.

Forté Scholarship

Smith School of Business is the first Canadian business school to join Forté Foundation. This group of major corporations, top business schools and influential non-profit organizations is dedicated to directing women towards business education and business leadership roles, as well as working with corporations to more effectively attract and retain female talent.

Each year, Smith awards a $10,000 Forté Foundation Fellowship to a highly qualified woman entering the EMBA National program.

Essay submission deadline is June 15th. Please contact our Recruitment & Admissions team for more information.