Celebrating 10 Years of Empowering Women in Business: Schulich and Forté Foundation
2023 marks a significant milestone for the partnership between Schulich and the Forté Foundation as they commemorate a decade of collaboration in fostering women’s leadership in business. Since its establishment in 2003, the Forté Foundation has been dedicated to empowering women to achieve their professional aspirations, and the partnership with Schulich has been instrumental in helping realize this mission.
By joining forces, Schulich and Forté have created a dynamic ecosystem that supports and uplifts aspiring women leaders, providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to excel in their careers.
One of the key initiatives offered by Forté Foundation is the Forté Fellowship, which aims to identify and support exceptional women pursuing their MBA at partner schools. Schulich students have greatly benefited from this fellowship, which not only provides financial assistance, but also offers a wide range of professional development opportunities.
Moreover, Forté Foundation organizes various events and conferences throughout the year, offering students valuable networking platforms and insights from industry experts. Recently, Schulich’s 2023 delegation had the privilege of attending the Summer Conference held in Dallas. Seven Schulich students participated, immersing themselves in a transformative experience that broadened their horizons and enhanced their leadership skills. Hao Yu, an MBA Candidate at Schulich said, “The Summer Conference was an incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring women leaders and learn from their experiences. I feel privileged to be part of the Schulich Forté partnership.”
Meenakshi Kukreja, a Schulich MBA’23 alumna, also credits the Schulich-Forté partnership for enabling her personal and professional development. As a past Forté Fellow, Forté Ambassador at Schulich, an active participant in the MBA Games, and a leader in her cohort, Meenakshi is a true supporter of the women community at Schulich.
Elissa Sangster, CEO of Forté, expresses her delight at the decade-long partnership, emphasizing the importance of enduring relationships in their mission. “As we celebrate 20 years of progress toward achieving parity and increasing opportunities for women in business leadership, it’s been an honour to partner with Schulich,” says Sangster.
Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick also highlights the significance of the partnership and the achievements of the Forté Fellows who have graduated from the School. “We are proud to be one of the first business schools in Canada to partner with the Forté Foundation, and we’re also proud of the many Forté Fellows who graduated from our School and have gone on to highly successful careers in the world of business,” states Dean Zwick.
As the partnership between Schulich and Forté Foundation enters its second decade, the shared vision of empowering women in business continues to inspire and drive meaningful change. Together, they are transforming the business landscape by fostering diversity, equality, and leadership among women, creating a better future for aspiring female professionals worldwide.