FOSTERing MBA Access Event Welcomes Prospective Students
Program serves to recruit, welcome, and prepare students from diverse backgrounds
Each year, the University of Washington Foster School of Business’s “FOSTERing MBA Access” program welcomes students from traditionally underrepresented communities to campus to preview the MBA experience. The event includes mock classes, presentations from admissions directors, company visits, and networking opportunities.
Now in its 10th year, the program recently hosted more than 50 prospective students from at least 12 states for a two-day event primarily geared toward BIPOC professionals considering Foster’s Full-Time and Evening MBA programs.
Attendees heard from school and faculty leaders, including Dean Frank Hodge; Associate Dean for Inclusion & Diversity M. Michelle Purnell-Hepburn; Director of MBA Admissions Brent Nagamine; Professor Elizabeth Umphress; and Associate Director of MBA Diversity Programs Noé Valdovinos Orozco.
In remarks to students, Dean Hodge highlighted the school’s mission statement:
Together…
We Foster Leaders
We Foster Insights
We Foster Progress
…To Better Humanity
“It’s about coming together and bringing people together,” said Hodge. “It’s about creating a certain type of leader — not one who only thinks about profit, but who also thinks holistically about the people within that business and the community at large.”
Professor Elizabeth Umphress led a sample class, providing students with invaluable insights into best negotiation practices.
Nagamine, a Foster employee and a Foster Evening MBA graduate, provided a unique perspective in his presentation. Alongside practical advice on test-optional applications and letters of recommendation, he shared his experiences balancing full-time work with earning an Evening MBA. He acknowledged that it is not easy but a truly rewarding experience that has tremendously benefited him professionally and personally.
Students also had the opportunity to visit local companies and hear directly from executives at Starbucks, Deloitte, and Amazon. Participants heard from underrepresented alumni about their MBA journeys and how they secured their current roles post-MBA. Foster’s close ties with major corporations in technology, aerospace, consulting, and other industries are among the most compelling reasons students choose the Foster MBA.
“FOSTERing MBA Access gives attendees insights into opportunities like summer internships and post-MBA careers,” said Valdovinos Orozco. “It also gives attendees insights into the relationship between companies in Seattle and the partnership with Foster.”
Learn more about Foster’s MBA program.
