Women MBAs Want Role Models

MBA programs, according to research cited in a BusinessWeek article, could attract more women if they highlighted successful women in business. Role models, the article says, are key to helping women learn how to juggle career and family.

The GSB was mentioned as one of a few institutions that have incorporated role models in their programs. New fellowships for women at the GSB emphasize mentoring, individual development and career options, and corporate access.

At the heart of efforts to attract more women is the drive for a more diverse student body. At the GSB, the Office of Diversity Affairs assists with such initiatives. Each year as part of the orientation program for first-year students, there is a diversity module. This year’s featured speaker at the kick-off luncheon was Laura Born, ’91, managing director in the North American investment banking coverage practice for JPMorganChase.

Successful graduates are another way to convey the message that women have a vital place in business and the larger world. Two winners of the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Awards were Kathryn Gould, ’78, an accomplished venture capitalist, and Kateryna Yushchenko, ’86, first lady of the Ukraine, who splits her time between promoting her country internationally and traveling throughout the country to develop the tradition of charitable giving.

Two other women GSB graduates who have been in the news recently include Karen Katen and Julie Roehm. Katen, AB ’70, MBA ’74, vice chair, Pfizer Inc. and president, Pfizer Human Health, was named one of the next 20 female CEO’s by Pink Magazine. She was also listed as one of 50 women to watch by the Wall Street Journal and one of the 50 most powerful women by Fortune. Julie Roehm ’95, director of marketing communications at Chrysler, was described by Fortune as a leader in the online brand advertising revolution.

Female students at the GSB have another important resource-- The Chicago Women in Business Alumnae Network. One of the most active alumni groups, CWIBAN helps promote professional development and fosters discussion on and programming for managing family life as MBA's.

The article “What Women MBA’s Want: Role Models” appeared in the October 30, 2005 issue of BusinessWeek.