For information on current health and safety requirements, visit the Smith information page.

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.”

Ellis Odynn, MBA’22

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.

36%	women in the 2017 class
35%	women in the 2018 class
36%	women in the 2019 class
37%	women in the 2020 class
44%	women in the 2021 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.”

Allison Haggart, MBA’22

Scholarships

Established in April, 2017, by Monika Federau, MBA 1988, the Federau Kreel MBA Scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence to female students entering the Full-time MBA program. Recipients must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents who do not have their tuition being subsidized by their employer. Selection will be made by the Awards Committee of the Full-time MBA program.

Established in April 2011 by Len Morrow, MBA 1972, and awarded on the basis of academic excellence and leadership potential to female students entering the full-time MBA program in the Smith School of Business. Selection will be made by the Awards Committee of the Full-time MBA program.

Established in 2016 through memorial donations from family and friends of Liana Tesan (MBA 2008), this scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence. Selection is made by the Awards Committee of the Full-time MBA program.

“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.”

Cessidia De Biasio, MBA’22

“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.”

Sugandha Sharma, CPA, MBA’22

Catalyst-Smith Research Hub & Discussion Forum

As an important step in solving organizational diversity and inclusion challenges, and to develop more inclusive leaders, Smith School of Business and Catalyst Canada, a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing women in business, formed a strategic partnership in 2019. Smith and Catalyst will explore new frontiers of inclusive leadership through training, content, research and a discussion forum to develop and disseminate new knowledge to Smith students and corporate Canada.

Learn more

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