As part of our SP Cares charitable giving initiative, and in recognition of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we are proud to support Forté, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing representation and leadership opportunities for women in business. For over two decades, Forté has worked to elevate women within the business landscape by equipping them with the relationships, resources, and strategic guidance needed to advance. Through a combination of career-focused programming, employer engagement, and a thriving professional network, Forté is helping shape a more inclusive future for leadership across industries. We recently connected with Elissa Sangster, CEO of Forté, to learn more about their mission and the impact they continue to make.
Solomon Page:
Forté has spent more than two decades expanding access to business education and professional opportunities for women. How has the organization’s mission evolved over time, and what measurable impact are you most proud of today?
Forté:
Forté was founded with a clear purpose: to increase the number of women pursuing MBAs, and we have largely achieved that goal. Over time, our mission has expanded to ensure high-potential individuals can not only access business education, but also accelerate their career paths. Today, we focus on shaping a new generation of leaders equipped to drive innovation and impact across industries.
What makes me most proud is the tangible, life-changing impact of the Forté Fellowship. Since 2003, our partner schools have awarded more than half a billion dollars in scholarships to over 24,000 fellows. An MBA can dramatically increase earning potential and economic mobility, and that ripple effect extends far beyond the individual to their families, communities, and future opportunities.
Solomon Page:
Forté supports members at every stage of their professional journey, from college through executive leadership. Which resources or programs have proven most impactful, and how do they translate into tangible career outcomes?
Forté:
Two of our most transformative member experiences illustrate how Forté turns potential into real career momentum.
The first is our CareerReady Certificate—a self-paced program that helps college students build the skills, confidence, and professional readiness employers look for. Students learn how to position themselves to recruiters, explore career paths, attend leadership events, and prepare for today’s workplace. The results speak for themselves: 57% of undergraduate hires at Forté member companies were CareerReady Certificate earners, underscoring how powerfully this program boosts competitiveness.
The second is our annual MBA Leadership Conference. Incoming MBAs from our member schools gather for an immersive experience focused on skill-building, networking, and career exploration — capped by a major career expo with Fortune 100 recruiters. For many students, this is their first opportunity to meet hiring companies, secure internships, and chart their post-MBA career path.
Solomon Page:
As we recognize International Women’s Day and the theme of #GiveToGain, how does Forté cultivate a culture where mentorship, sponsorship, and shared knowledge not only advance individual careers, but strengthen the broader leadership pipeline for women in business?
Forté:
A spirit of generosity is foundational to Forté. We believe that giving—whether time, expertise, influence, or financial support—is one of the most powerful ways to create opportunity. Our community lives this value every day, serving as mentors, sponsors, role models, and connectors. When one person pays it forward, it strengthens the entire leadership pipeline and expands what’s possible for women in business.
Solomon Page:
Looking ahead, what are Forté’s key priorities, and what role can employers and business leaders play in expanding access to leadership opportunities for women?
Forté:
Our priorities center on preparing future leaders for whatever comes next—whether that’s a college student landing their first full-time role, a young professional pursuing an MBA, an MBA student pivoting industries, or an experienced leader stepping into a senior-level position. But preparation alone isn’t enough.
Employers and business leaders play a critical role in expanding access to leadership opportunities and creating environments where women can thrive. Despite equal ambition and credentials, women continue to face systemic barriers—from unclear advancement pathways to a lack of sponsorship from those with influence. These obstacles can erode confidence and limit progression. The good news is that there are practical, proven solutions:
- Codify and communicate advancement pathways to make progress visible.
- Activate ERGs as engines for growth, mentorship, and recruitment.
- Equip managers to lead inclusively and develop talent intentionally.
- Use data to identify and close systemic gaps that weaken the pipeline.
Solomon Page:
What developments in today’s business landscape give you the most hope for the future of women in leadership?
Forté:
While “uncertainty” defined much of 2025, we see tremendous opportunity in this moment. Business is ripe for reinvention—and the women in our community are leading that charge. They’re not interested in maintaining the status quo or conforming to outdated norms. Instead, they’re bringing fresh approaches to leadership, team building, and problem-solving, and they’re unafraid to create their own opportunities. That boldness gives us great hope for the future of women in leadership.
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