Forté Foundation Celebrates Milestone Achievements in Advancing Women in MBA Education
In 2002, when the Forté Foundation was established, women accounted for less than 28% of MBA program enrollees at leading business schools. This gender disparity was stark when compared to law and medical schools, which had already achieved gender parity. However, fast-forward twenty years, and the Forté Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in graduate business education, reports significant strides in women’s enrollment in MBA programs.
Breaking Records: More Women in MBA Programs
A recent report from the Forté Foundation reveals that a record-breaking 17 out of its 56 member schools have achieved at least 45% women’s enrollment in full-time MBA programs. This marks a considerable increase from just 10 schools in 2021, two in 2017, and none in 2012. This progress reflects a positive trend towards greater gender diversity in business education.
Challenges Amid Global MBA Application Decline
While the achievements are commendable, it’s important to note that this progress has not been uniform. Despite the incremental growth in women’s enrollment to 41.4% in 2022 (up from 41.2% in 2021) among Forté member schools, there were declines in women’s enrollment at some institutions. In the top 27 U.S. business schools, 11 reported decreases, and five remained unchanged. Furthermore, eight schools had less than 35% women enrolled in 2022, compared to six in 2021.
The Power of a Focused Approach
Forté Foundation CEO Elissa Sangster notes that this progress has been influenced by a more focused and nuanced approach by business schools. Schools are taking steps to address intersectionality and connect with various applicant groups, ensuring that current students and alumni engage with prospective students across different backgrounds. This personalized approach fosters a sense of belonging and representation.
Leading the Way: Wharton School’s Success
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania stands out as a beacon of success in gender parity. Despite the challenges posed by a decline in MBA applications, Wharton maintained its gender equity, with 50% women in its MBA Class of 2025. The commitment to diversity and the leadership of Dean Erika James have played pivotal roles in Wharton’s continued success.
A Global Trend Towards Greater Gender Diversity
The trend towards greater gender diversity is not limited to the United States. European business schools, which have traditionally lagged behind their U.S. counterparts in women’s enrollment, are also making positive strides. Oxford Saïd Business School, for instance, enrolled 48% women in its one-year MBA program, surpassing several top non-U.S. programs.
Forté’s Impact and Ongoing Initiatives
Forté Foundation’s dedication to closing the gender parity gap in MBA programs has had a significant impact. The organization has awarded approximately $400 million in scholarships through its Forté Fellows program. Initiatives such as the Forté MBA Women’s Leadership Conference, Undergraduate Campus to Business Leadership Conference, and others have provided opportunities for women to build leadership skills and explore career paths.
In 2022, Forté introduced new initiatives, including MBA Takeoff, Career Strategist, and Rise, aimed at supporting MBA students and post-MBA women in their careers. The organization also offers Allyship toolkits to promote allyship on MBA campuses and in workplaces.
A Path Forward Towards Gender Parity
While significant progress has been made, the Forté Foundation acknowledges that there is still work to be done to achieve gender parity in business education and leadership roles. The organization remains committed to its mission of supporting women in business and fostering greater representation in corner offices and corporate boardrooms. The journey toward full gender equity continues.
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