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.
“Being part of the Women in Leadership Club, while pursuing my MBA, allowed me to make lifelong connections with other young women leaders, both within Smith School of Business as well as at external organizations.”
Smith's Women in Leadership
Hear from Smith's 2024 Women in Leadership Club Co-Presidents about Smith's Full-time MBA.
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.
Success in the Numbers
Compared to other schools, we have consistently seen higher than average enrollment of women in the Smith MBA.
| 37% | women in the 2020 class |
| 44% | women in the 2021 class |
| 39% | women in the 2022 class |
| 40% | women in the 2023 class |
| 46% | women in the 2024 class |
“Smith School of Business recognizes the importance of having equitable representation amongst their cohorts and hosts one of the highest male/female program ratios, relative to other Canadian business schools. Their partnership with the Forté Foundation further highlights the commitment Smith places on the importance of women in leadership. As a Smith Forté Fellow, I was given access to scholarships, learning opportunities, and networking events that promote women business leaders. Joining the Women in Leadership Club at Smith has given me the confidence to use my voice and has allowed me to learn from other women, and our allies, so we can have these important conversations and seek impact where it matters.”
Scholarships
“The Women in Leadership Club has helped me to champion the movement of improving the role of leadership in business, specifically the advancement of women in leadership roles, while encouraging a more united and informed community. Smith’s commitment to diversity and partnering with groups such as The Forté Foundation impacted my decision to pursue my MBA at Queen’s University. Being a Forté Fellow allows me to learn from inspiring female leaders; it empowers me to think innovatively, holistically, and impact the world through service, leadership, and academics.”
“Carrying the strong legacy of female leadership in the Student Executive Counsil, especially through a pandemic, has been an extraordinary journey. I sought to provide support in any way to make my team and peers feel heard. I enjoyed my role and felt passionate that I could create an impact through various real-life initiatives and events that will continue to become long-lasting memories for all.”