Inclusive Community, Meaningful Impact
The Foster School of Business nurtures a community where every member feels seen, heard, and supported, cultivating a deep sense of belonging for all. Our community works to incorporate inclusion and belonging perspectives into every decision we make. Learn more about Foster’s commitment to Inclusion and Belonging.
Affinity Groups and Student Organizations
Foster MBA students have access to a wide range of student-led organizations and affinity groups that champion inclusion and belonging across the Full-time and Evening MBA communities. These groups provide critical spaces for underrepresented students to connect, celebrate identity, share experiences, and advocate for change. They also create opportunities for allyship, cultural learning, and inclusive leadership development through events, panels, mentorship, and community engagement.
From groups focused on race, gender, and LGBTQIA+ identity to those centered on cultural heritage, first-generation experiences, and veterans’ status, these organizations play a vital role in building a welcoming, dynamic, and supportive environment where all students can thrive.
Diversity in Business
DiBS hosts proprietary events, such as networking & speaker panels with diverse entrepreneurs and corporate diversity program professionals, as well as raises awareness among the Foster community of existing events and networking opportunities.
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Out in Business
The UW Foster MBA Out In Business Club works with allies to promote inclusion and belonging in the Foster program. They also partner with local business and business organizations to offer networking opportunities in the community for our members.
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Women In Business
WiB’s mission is to nurture the personal and professional development of Foster women MBA students, with a specific focus on growing women into leadership positions and increasing visibility in the community.
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Foster Veterans Association
The FVA supports and advocates for Foster MBA students who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces, helping them translate their unique experiences into meaningful careers.
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Strategic Partnerships that power your MBA Journey
Foster’s commitment to inclusion and belonging extends beyond campus through strategic partnerships with national organizations that empower underrepresented students. These partnerships offer access to professional development, application support, mentorship, and career networks—helping you thrive from day one of the MBA journey through long-term success.
Management Leadership for Tomorrow
Management Leadership for Tomorrow equips underrepresented students with the skills, coaching and connections they need to lead organizations and communities worldwide.
The Forté Foundation
The Forté Foundation aims to increase the representation of women in business and transform leadership in every field that business touches.
The Consortium
The Consortium, the nation’s largest inclusion and belonging network, links top-tier students, MBA programs and corporate partners, providing merit-based scholarships.
Reaching Out MBA
Reaching Out MBA is expanding to inspire, connect and educate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender MBA business students to build a network for future LGBT business leaders of tomorrow..
Access
Access is a free comprehensive admissions resource for underrepresented minorities (URMs) and women interested in applying for an MBA or other business-related graduate programs.
National Association of Women MBAs Seattle
National Association of Women MBAs Seattle is dedicated to propelling women MBA students and professionals into leadership positions in business.
National Black MBA Association Seattle
National Black MBA Association Seattle is a group of professionals dedicated to advancing their careers, enriching their personal and professional experience, investing in the leaders of tomorrow, and driving impact in the Black community.
Prospanica Seattle
Prospanica (Formerly the National Society of Hispanic MBAs) Seattle is dedicated to increasing Hispanic leadership in the Pacific Northwest through graduate management education, professional development, recruiting, and networking.
Veteran’s MBA Conference
Veteran’s MBA Conference connects top-ranked universities with employers who value their elite academic credentials, military leadership abilities, and limitless career potential.
FOSTERing MBA Access Event Series
Increasing Opportunities for Underrepresented Communities
FOSTERing MBA Access is a series of events dedicated to increasing awareness and access to MBA-level education in underrepresented communities. The original FOSTERing MBA Access event was started in the spring of 2014 by two full-time MBA student leaders who wanted to do something about the lack of underrepresented groups in the classroom. The initial events featured an evening of honest and open discussion with Foster MBA students and alumni, business leaders and Foster MBA staff/faculty. FOSTERing MBA access is now a two-day event series which includes corporate treks to prominent Seattle companies and features honest and open discussions with Foster MBA alumni, business leaders, Foster MBA Administrators, and current underrepresented Foster MBA students. Attend FOSTERing MBA Access and discover why professionals from underrepresented communities (people of color, LGBTQ, women, and veterans) decided to pursue an MBA and how it has helped enhance their
careers. This event is typically offered in the Fall. Sign up on the Admissions Events page.
CGSM MBA Application Preparation Seminar
The MBA Application Preparation Seminar (MAPS) is intended to provide prospective students interested in The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management with “insider” knowledge in navigating the admissions/application process to be a competitive applicant for The Consortium and its member schools. Each seminar is designed to provide a platform for potential MBA applicants to learn about the Consortium’s member schools, the application process, The Consortium fellowship opportunity and the benefits of The Consortium membership. MAPS offer potential MBA applicants the opportunity to network with admission representatives from member schools and chat with Consortium
alumni and current students about their MBA experiences.
Diversity MBA Admissions Conference
Hosted by the Riordan Programs Alumni Association, the Diversity MBA Admissions Conference is an annual event in Los Angeles that connects talented diverse, underrepresented, and underserved candidates who wish to pursue a degree in business with admissions directors at top-tier business schools. The conference has continually helped connect and place participants with top-tier MBA programs.
Forté Forums
Forté Forums are designed for standout women considering an MBA—whether you’re a high-achiever looking to change careers, a college student planning for the future, or a professional ready to take your career to the next level. They take place from August through October in various cities across the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
Reaching Out MBA: MBA Admissions Fair
The Reaching Out MBA: MBA Admissions Fair is targeted at LGBT individuals considering applying to business school and happens in conjunction with the annual ROMBA Conference which takes place each autumn. Attendees benefit from panels, coffee chats with admissions officers and students, and the LGBT MBA Admissions fair which hosts top-ranked MBA programs.
Experience Foster: MBA for Women
An Experience Foster event at the UW Seattle campus! Learn about the Foster MBA and how other other women are maximizing the variety of opportunities in these programs. This is an opportunity to connect with our students, alumni, and admissions staff, and learn how a Foster MBA can help you make a successful career change.
During this event you’ll:
- Learn about how the Foster MBA experience can help you achieve your career goals
- Meet Foster’s Assistant Dean of Full-time, Evening, and Global MBA Programs
- Learn how Foster students utilize a wide variety of resources offered to Full-time and Evening MBAs
- Work through a brand essence exercise with MBA Career Management
- Network during a reception with current students and administration
Sign up on the Admissions Events page.
Student Connections
While classes are in session, Foster MBA students host small, informal Zoom gatherings where you’ll have a unique opportunity to get inside information about the Foster MBA experience directly from the source!
In addition to our standard sessions, we offer customized sessions focused on Diversity in Business, Women in Business, Veterans, International Students, LGBTQIA+, and more! We typically offer a couple sessions a month take a look at the Admissions Events page and sign up for the topic that best fits your needs.
Connect with us
Whether you’re just starting your MBA journey or are deep into your research, we’re here to support you. If you have questions about inclusion and belonging at Foster—or want to learn more about how our community and partnerships can support your goals—don’t hesitate to reach out.
MBA Diversity Resources Team
