At Enkay we empower female artisans through a shared community, each of them equipped with the tools and training to tend to their craft, collectively uplifting their villages in the process. Partnering with the Jaipur Rugs Foundation (JRF) is one of the ways we turn this intention into reality, creating a lasting legacy with exponential reach.
The Jaipur Rugs Foundation is the life’s work of N.K. Chaudhary, the father of our founder, Asha Chaudhary. In his youth, Mr. Chaudhary revolutionized India’s weaving industry by introducing a model that positioned artisans as individuals to honor instead of resources to exploit. The ability to earn an income through work with transformative businesses like Enkay is a life-changing opportunity for these female artisans, but it is only the beginning. With roughly 273,731 lives positively impacted thus far, JRF works across 669 villages in the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh offering social, educational and healthcare services in these rural areas.
In the same spirit, we have recently partnered with three non-profits who share a similar ethos of empowering women across the globe. The first is the Forté Foundation, a community of motivated and inspiring women committed to changing the balance of power in the workplace while transforming leadership in every field.
Our goal is to help these organizations raise awareness by sharing their stories and incredible work, starting with the Forté Foundation. Read on to learn more about Forté and how this impressive organization empowers women at all stages of their career journeys.
1. What was the catalyst for founding Forté?
Forté was founded in 2002 in response to groundbreaking research illuminating the differences in female enrollment among various professional education programs. The research revealed that while law and medical schools enrolled nearly equal numbers of men and women, MBA programs averaged less than 28% women. Due to our efforts, in partnership with our member schools, women now represent 42% of full-time MBA students at our member schools as of the fall of 2023.
2. Tell us about your mission. Who does the Forté Foundation help?
As a women’s organization, our mission is to launch women into fulfilling, significant careers through access to business education, professional development, and a community of other successful women to help guide and support them.
3. What kind of programs are available for students, both Undergrad and MBA? And what programs are available to those who recently graduated and are just stepping into the career world?
Our Undergraduate programming helps students think beyond their major and gain valuable business skills that prepare them to succeed — and lead. Forté members can explore self-discovery programs, conferences, networking opportunities, and job resources like the below: College Fast Track to Finance Conference, Women of Color Leadership Symposium and Undergraduate Virtual Women’s Conference and Career Expo
We also host Forums for women who are exploring an MBA. Our MBALaunch program is a one-stop shop for applying to business school. It helps more women get into better schools by making their application as strong as it can be.
Forté offers online workshops and events, summer meetups, leadership conferences, and MBATakeoff. Through our partnership with FranklinCovey, our MBA Takeoff program is designed to equip women with essential tools and practical insights. They grow as leaders, develop critical organizational skills, and learn how to turn their unique strengths into superpowers as they start this journey. A few of our MBA specific programs and conferences include: MBA Campus Leadership Summit, MBA Financial Services Fast Track, MBA Women’s Leadership Conference and MBA Women of Color Symposium
Finally, our Career Takeoff Conference offers attendees an opportunity to assess their goals, boost their brand, strengthen their community, and manage their wellbeing as a professional. This helps women design their ideal career path, rather than simply reacting to everything coming at them.
4. How does Forté help women in established careers?
Our Rise Leadership Program is designed for experienced women who are looking to take the next step into an executive-level role. It’s a three-month, deeply immersive leadership program where participants learn how to broaden their influence, expand their personal board of directors, and further develop their authentic leadership style.
We host Leadership Bootcamps that include one-on-one coaching sessions, the development of a strengths profile, a peer coaching template, and networking opportunities.
Our Women on Boards series offers resources for those pursuing a board seat, including thought leadership discussions and training, and certification resources. Our database of Global Board Ready Women provides talent acquisition experts access to more than 8,000 talented senior women ready to fill key executive roles and sit on boards of non-profits, PE and VC portfolio companies, medium-sized businesses valued at $5-250M, and Fortune 100s.
5. Your resources are available to women across the globe, correct?
That’s correct. We have 15 MBA partner schools in the UK, Europe, and Canada. Forté members come from diverse backgrounds, industries, and career stages. They represent a global community, with members on every continent.
6. In addition to application preparation, leadership training, networking and so much more, you also offer financial support to thousands of women through fellowships. Please tell us how that program works.
Forté Fellowships are prestigious, competitive awards recognized within the business school community and beyond. Forté Fellows exhibit exemplary leadership, represent diverse backgrounds, and demonstrate a commitment to advancing women in business — all of which align with Forté's mission. To date, our partner business schools have awarded $400 million to more than 17,000 Forté Fellows. If you would like to be considered for a fellowship, you must first submit an MBA application to a participating school. All schools grant awards for full-time students. Part-time and executive awards are available at select schools.
7. Your community boasts an impressive 115,000+ members. Can you share a bit more about that breakdown?
Our community's age distribution reveals a diverse range: 9% are under 25, 24% fall within the 25-30 range, 39% are aged 31-39, and 28% are 40 years old and above.
Across different career stages, our community demonstrates a varied breakdown: 7% are currently in college, 9% pursuing or holding MBAs, 19% are categorized as early-career professionals, while the majority, comprising 65%, are actively contributing as working professionals or alumni.
8. Are there any upcoming events you would like people to know about?
We host many events throughout the year. This link will take you to our Forté events page.
9. Is there anything we did not cover that you feel is important for people to understand about the foundation and your work?
Thriving in school and the workplace is not something you have to do alone. Our community of women and allies want to see you succeed and know how to help you get there.
10. How can people get involved and help support your mission?
With equity and diversity initiatives facing political and economic headwinds, our work is more important than ever. From donations to volunteering and speaking at our events, we’re grateful for your support as we continue our journey toward equity.
We find strength in numbers. Our community is over 116,000 strong, but we’re always looking to expand our member base. Join our community to help us change the status quo. For more information on how to get involved, please visit our website fortefoundation.org.