Empowered at Forté
Bauer Graduate Students Find Their Voice at the 2025 MBA Women’s Leadership Conference
What happens when two Bauer College graduate students go to a conference that’s mission is to help launch young women into powerful and successful careers?
Full Time MBA candidate Dhruvisha Shah and MS Global Business Leadership candidate Tatum Homan walked away with more than a line to put on their résumé. They gained personal lessons to carry long into their careers.
Hosted by the Forté Foundation, the MBA Women’s Leadership Conference is an opportunity for women and allies in their pre-MBA, MBA and professional paths to come together to learn from peers and mentors in a series of panels, discussions and networking events held over two days.
Shah and Homan traveled to Denver, CO, this summer where they participated in the 2025 MBA Women’s Leadership Conference. Accompanied by Graduate Career Services Associate Director Erin Reed, they met and learned from women in leadership and connected with recruiters from Fortune 100 companies.
“Across two days, I listened to leaders speak with honesty, vulnerability and conviction,” Shah said. “They didn’t just share résumés — they shared values, trade-offs and personal truths.”
When Shah and Homan stopped to reflect on the experience, there were a few key takeaways they carried with them after it was over.
Tatum Homan
"Both the best and worst versions of you are tied to the environments you are a part of. A heavy hitter for understanding the importance of standing strong on our values and advocating for ourselves."
"Showing up authentically helps others do the same. Sometimes we think that shrinking ourselves down will help us navigate the environments we were made for. This hinders not only ourselves, but the people around us and the innovation we hope to achieve in our industry."
"Be intentional, and don't underestimate the power of consistency. Have a clear understanding of exactly what your goals are, your values, and your story. If we do nothing else, striving to be 1% better than we were yesterday adds up to success and solace in our journey."
Dhruvisha Shah
"Own your story — fully and without apology. Your career doesn’t have to be conventional to be valuable. What you’ve overcome, explored, and questioned — it’s not a detour; it’s your foundation. The turning points you’re tempted to downplay are often your greatest assets. Leadership begins when you stop editing your story and start owning it."
"Grace is part of ambition. “You can have it all, just not at the same time.” That reminder helped many of us breathe easier. Progress doesn’t have to be constant to be meaningful. Giving yourself permission to move forward with intention — and without guilt — is a leadership skill in itself."
"Authenticity is how trust is built. The most compelling speakers didn’t mask their challenges — they leaned into them. They reminded us that people don’t connect to perfection. They connect to truth. When leaders show up with vulnerability, they create space for others to do the same."
"Humility is a quiet kind of power. In a moment of reflection, we were asked to write a word that inspires us. I chose humility — a reminder that the best leaders keep learning, stay grounded, and know that listening often speaks louder than speaking."
"Connection over contact. Always. An activity where we exchanged bracelets and shared one-on-one conversations turned networking into something meaningful. The conversations that followed weren’t about titles — they were about stories, intentions, and shared growth."
Homan credited Bauer Executive Director of Graduate Recruitment & Admissions Lenay Johnson for nominating her to attend the conference, and to Reed, who she said was a pillar of support throughout the entire experience.
“I hope I get to attend more conferences with (Reed) and maybe help a new student next year!” Homan said.
And that opportunity may just arise for Homan.
Bauer College of Business is now a partnered Forté Foundation school for Undergraduate and Graduate Bauer students.
Through this partnership, Bauer students can sign up for a free Forté Foundation Membership to get access to all their online resources, webinars, conferences and connect with recruiters. Students benefit to their online resources such as webinars, workshops and forums, as well as in-person events such as the MBA Women Leadership Conference.
"Bauer seeks to develop students,” Reed said. “Students come to Bauer to get an excellent education, to advance their careers and to build a network. The Forté Foundation partnership allows students to supplement their network while also expanding their community.”
Reed also commented on how Forté and Bauer both value career development and professional development skills within their communities.
"At Bauer, you get the sense that we’re building more than just a network—we’re building a family. That’s exactly what Forté does as well. Forté is deeply committed to professional development, creating a strong community of women and allies while equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in their careers."
Through the Rockwell Career Center, Bauer is able to prepare students for their careers through teaching them professional communication skills, networking skills and experiential learning. This partnership with Forté serves as another opportunity for students to grow and develop their careers.
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