Fall Program Delivery & Services: visit the Smith info page for updates regarding the reopening of the University in Fall 2021.

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.

Allis Odynn

“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.”

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

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
Allison Haggart

“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

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 Full-time MBA 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.

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.
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 are available in a range of $10,000 to $40,000.

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