UC Riverside’s School of Business is strengthening the advancement of women in business through a growing partnership with the Forté Foundation, a national nonprofit committed to advancing gender equity in business leadership. The Forté Foundation’s mission is to empower women through access to business education, career opportunities, and leadership roles across industries. By connecting students with resources, mentors, and corporate partners, the foundation helps create more equitable representation in management and executive positions.
By becoming an affiliated member of the foundation this year, the School of Business joins a prestigious network of leading business schools and global companies that open new paths to leadership for women in the workplace. This affiliation not only benefits current MBA students but also enhances the school’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values within its academic programs. Students gain access to Forté’s extensive career database, webinars, leadership programs, and an international community of women business professionals.
Last month, five women from UCR’s incoming MBA class attended the 2025 Forté MBA Women’s Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado—an event that connects top MBA talent with Fortune 500 companies and senior female executives for two days of immersive learning and professional development. Participation in the conference gave UCR students the chance to engage directly with recruiters from leading firms, learn from accomplished executives, and explore career pathways in industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and consulting.
“This event brought together an inspiring community of future business leaders and changemakers, all committed to driving equity and impact across industries,” said Steve Chen, director of admissions and recruitment at UCR’s School of Business. “Our students are returning energized and ready to lead.” His remarks underscored the school’s vision of preparing students not only to excel in their own careers but also to advocate for broader representation and fairness in the workplace.
The conference featured executive-led workshops, individualized career coaching, and mentoring opportunities with prominent women across the business world. Participants engaged in hands-on leadership training while gaining exposure to high-profile recruiters and company leaders. For many students, the sessions emphasized the importance of building confidence, developing authentic leadership styles, and understanding how to navigate professional challenges unique to women in business.
MBA students Sarah Eduave and Benita Cledomy found the conference experience to be invaluable. Eduave, who plans to complete her degree in 2027, reflected on the impact of the two-day program.
“For two days, I felt inspired, and it was truly empowering to be surrounded by so many remarkable women leaders,” said Eduave. Her perspective highlights the motivational impact of being immersed in an environment where women’s voices, ambitions, and achievements are centered and celebrated.
Looking ahead, the School of Business plans to continue leveraging its Forté Foundation affiliation to expand opportunities for female students. Future initiatives may include encouraging broader student participation in Forté events, integrating leadership development opportunities into coursework, and highlighting pathways for women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.
By aligning with the Forté Foundation, UC Riverside’s School of Business reaffirms its dedication to advancing women in business leadership. Through programs like the MBA Women’s Leadership Conference, students are not only prepared for their careers but also inspired to make a meaningful difference. The partnership demonstrates how business education can serve as a catalyst for change, equipping students with the skills, connections, and confidence to lead with purpose.
“I left Denver feeling empowered with renewed purpose and a strong commitment to always lead with heart," added Benita Cledomy.
UCR’s partnership with Forté also gives MBA students access to year-round benefits—including career expos, mentorship programs, and exclusive fellowships designed to support women as they rise into senior roles across sectors such as consulting, finance, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The School of Business partnership with Forté is part of a broader effort to expand in business education.
The UCR School of Business, home to the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management, continues to grow its footprint as a nationally recognized institution focused on shaping diverse, principled leaders for today’s global economy.
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Header image: UC Riverside AGSM at Forte Foundation Conference in June 2025. From left, Simran Kaur ’27, Xintian Zhong ’27, Director Lori Babigian, Sarah Eduave ’27, Director Steve Chen '05, '07 MBA, Benita Cledomy ’27, and Celia Rivera ’27