collage of Graduate Women in Business events

Get to Know Our Part-Time Student Group: The Graduate Women in Business

In honor of Women’s History Month, get to know the Graduate Women in Business student group in this Q&A with current President, Sarah Hale.

This article shares our conversation with Sarah Hale, current president of the Graduate Women in Business (GWB) student group for Evening and Weekend MBAs. Keep reading for her insights on (1) what students have to look forward to as members of GWB; (2) what ultimately sold her on Chicago Booth; and (3) what GWB has in store for Women’s History Month.

Sarah Hale headshot

More about Sarah...

As senior marketing manager with extensive experience at marketing and public relations agencies, Sarah had no trouble communicating with those in her field. She found it more challenging to sell her ideas to colleagues in finance, operations, and other non-marketing functions. Sarah realized that she needed to better understand their perspectives and learn to “speak their language.” Chicago Booth’s curriculum, particularly courses like Managerial Decision Modeling and Competitive Strategy, have given Sarah the tools to do exactly that.

Fun Facts about Sarah: Sarah has lived in or around Chicago her entire life, which is uncommon among Boothies! Currently, Sarah lives in Lincoln Park with her husband and two cats, Clark and Addison.

More about Sarah...

Why did you choose Chicago Booth? More specifically, what sold you on our Part-Time MBA Program?

My undergraduate degree is in public relations, and I finished my program in just three years. Once I entered the workforce, I realized my education lacked the analytical rigor my career demanded—and that I personally wanted. Booth stood out because of its data-driven, analytical approach to business education. The flexibility of the Part-Time MBA Program was also a key factor, allowing me to balance my career and studies. Ironically, while I finished undergrad in three years, I’ll be spending three and a half years earning my MBA, but I know it’s time well spent!

What advice would you give to individuals who are considering applying to Chicago Booth?

Visiting a class was one of the most valuable parts of my decision-making process. I attended a financial accounting class, and during a breakout session, a few students invited me to contribute to their discussion. That moment reinforced my belief that an MBA was within reach and that Booth was a place where collaboration and intellectual curiosity thrive.

Graduate Women in Business

Tell us more about the Graduate Women in Business student group. Why did you join?

In my admissions essay, I explored the gender divide within both my profession and industry. According to the American Marketing Association, around 60% of marketers identify as women, while in supply chain, the reverse is true, with only 41% of the workforce being women. Working in a common function but an uncommon industry made me eager to connect with other part-time MBAs and learn from their experiences. GWB provided the perfect space to do that while also building a strong network of like-minded professionals.

Sarah and fellow Boothies at restaurant

As the current President of GWB, what do you appreciate most about the work the group has accomplished? What’s been the most rewarding or impactful initiative?

Recruiting newly launched students has been the most meaningful aspect of my role. Seeing these students gain confidence, build connections, and find their place within Booth is incredibly rewarding. Beyond individual success stories, this initiative strengthens the broader GWB community by fostering a cycle of mentorship and support. It’s fulfilling to know that our efforts help bridge the gap between education and opportunity, ensuring that new students feel equipped to navigate their MBA journey.

What would you like prospective Booth students who may be interested in GWB to know about the student-led organization?

Prospective students should know that joining GWB isn’t just about accessing resources—it’s about becoming part of a lifelong network. The best way to connect with us is through Slack and Instagram, where we share updates and opportunities. Additionally, we’re always looking for great speakers! Booth’s staff helps us connect with alumni, but we’re also actively recruiting external speakers who can offer insights.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Sarah and Boothies at gym class together

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead. Looking just two generations back, the women in my family were late to join the workforce, yet they built the foundation that enabled me to chart my own career path. Their resilience and sacrifices remind me that every step forward is meaningful, both personally and collectively. As we celebrate, I think about how we can continue to support and empower the next generation of women in business.

group photo of Sarah and friends at formal event

How is GWB planning to celebrate Women’s History Month?

GWB is currently planning an event for the end of March – keep an eye out for coverage on our Instagram!

We hope you have a better idea of what it looks like to become a member of the Graduate Women in Business student group after reading sentiments from Sarah. For more information about GWB, please visit their website.

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