Trill MBA Show - The Career Management Podcast for Black Women

Trill MBA Show - The Career Management Podcast for Black Women


Forté Foundation: The #1 Resource You Need To Know To Unlock & Elevate Your MBA

August 27, 2023
S7:Ep 25

Forté Foundation: The #1 Resource You Need To Know To Unlock & Elevate Your MBA



Are you at a career crossroads, contemplating the transformative power of an MBA? Or perhaps you already have that coveted degree or are currently in an MBA program, but you’re seeking actionable strategies to propel you into the ranks of business leadership. This episode of The Trill MBA Show is essential listening for you.



Felicia welcomes Elissa Sangster, the trailblazing CEO of Forté Foundation, and Wendy Dukes, the visionary Director of MBA Programs, for a conversation poised to unlock and elevate your approach to career success.



With over two decades of innovation in MBA education and a commitment to advancing women in pivotal business roles, Forté Foundation is the game-changing ally you’ve been searching for. This episode delves into every aspect of the MBA journey, from crafting a standout application to ascending the career ladder post-MBA. Tune in now to arm yourself with the empowering strategies you need to excel in today’s fast-paced business landscape.



Key Takeaways in this Episode:

  1. Forté Foundation is a trailblazing organization dedicated to advancing women in business leadership through comprehensive MBA support. Their offerings span the entire career journey—from college to MBA alumni—and include valuable programs like MBA Takeoff for skill-building and the annual Women’s Leadership Conference for networking. In addition to targeted webinars, workshops, and resources on pivotal topics such as negotiation and reproductive health, Forté Foundation actively encourages allies who share their mission for gender equity in leadership roles.

  2. Pursuing an MBA is a highly individualized decision, one that Forté Foundation believes holds potential for many. Full-time programs are ideal for those looking to pivot careers or explore new industries, while part-time and online options may better serve those aiming to advance within their current field. Before diving in, it’s crucial to align your personal goals with the potential outcomes of your chosen MBA program.

Connect with Forté Foundation



Elissa Sangster is the CEO of Forté, a champion for equity, and a passionate advocate for business education as a key pathway for women to find career satisfaction and success. Prior to joining Forté, Elissa served in leadership roles for MBA Programs at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. She earned her MBA and B.A. in English from Texas A&M University. She lives in San Antonio, TX with her husband and daughter.



Wendy Dukes is the Director for MBA Programs. In her role since 2021, Wendy is committed to the continuous growth and evolution of Forté’s MBA programs and the strategy that guides them. Prior to joining Forté, Wendy spent six years as director of student and alumni engagement for Purdue University’s Krannert Professional Development Center.



Wendy held roles of similar influence with Management Leadership for Tomorrow and with the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina’s MBA Career Management Center, guiding students to professional positions. Her early career includes eight years in marketing and brand manager roles for well-known names: Burt’s Bees, HanesBrands, and The Kraft Heinz Company. Wendy earned a master of business administration from the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University and a bachelor of science from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University.



Get Transferable Skills Checklist and Value Proposition Worksheet HERE

Listener Letters: If you have a situation that we can all learn from, email us at ask@trillmba.com.  We will not use real names.  Put Listener Letter in the subject line to let us know we can read your letter on the show.



Want to be the first to get new videos and tools like Michael Pittman’s Onboarding Document Template? Join our Patreon for access here: https://www.patreon.com/trillmbashow



Learn How To Save Money On Student Loans with JUNO



Have you received some Trill Lessons from this podcast?  If yes, could you help us out by subscribing and leaving a quick review in iTunes?  Hitting subscribe and leaving a review makes a HUGE difference and should only take a minute. 



Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here »

Editing and Sound Design by Chris Mann of Podshaper



Picture Source: Sukari Brown, Forté Foundation’s 2023 Edie Hunt Award Winner