Women in Business

At the McGill Desautels Faculty of Management, we aim to embody the United Nation’s stance that women’s leadership must be today’s cause and tomorrow’s norm. Research has shown that “firms with more women in senior positions are more profitable, more socially responsible, and provide safer, higher-quality customer experiences — among many other benefits.”

The changes in the business landscape over the pandemic have further highlighted the need to change the paradigms that often prevail in organizations by promoting greater representation of women in executive decision-making. The need for a diverse workforce, inclusive culture, and new leadership traits has never been more apparent.

We invite women to join our full-time MBA program and accelerate their advancement as leaders now, to push innovation and the breadth of perspective in business administration further and farther.  

Jump to: The landscape | Career resources | Networking opportunities | Ambassadors | News 

Desautels’ Commitment to EDI

Developing a respectful, diverse and inclusive culture for all is key to ensuring everyone who passes through our doors feels safe, welcome, valued and heard. At the Desautels Faculty of Management, we are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to better serve our community and its minorities. Read about our EDI efforts and updates from McGill Desautels first Black woman dean, Dr. Yolande E. Chan.

The landscape

According to the Grant Thornton’s Women in Business report 2021 and the Canadian Women’s Foundation:

• 2021 = increase in the proportion of senior female managers globally
• At 31%, up from 29% in 2020, it has finally passed the 30% tipping point needed to catalyze real change, as identified at the Fourth UN Conference on the Status of Women
• Nine out of 10 businesses worldwide now have at least one woman in their leadership teams
• Although 82% of women aged 25 to 54 now participate in Canada's workforce, they are still underrepresented in leadership roles. Women hold only 25% of vice-president positions, and 15% of CEO positions.
• Women comprise 19.5% of the board members for Canada’s top 500 companies.
• Just 8.5% of the highest-paid positions in Canada’s top 100 listed companies are held by women.

Career resources

Soutar Career Centre 

The Career Management team at Desautels offers all students a tailored career coaching experience. Through guidance, psychometric testing and feedback, innovative programs, events, workshops and speaker series, you receive customized, valuable support as you explore different career options and navigate your own career path.

McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship 

McGill University is recognized for entrepreneurship excellence and is #1 in Canada in producing the most successful women entrepreneurs. The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship proudly boasts more than 400+ active startups, of which, as of 2019, are co-founded by women. Collectively, they have raised $1.5+ billion and created more than 8,000 new jobs.

In November of 2021, the Centre launched the McGill Dobson Entrepreneurial Women Lean Startup Program. The 8-week program provides women innovators an opportunity to develop their idea into a viable business concept while delving into the particular challenges and concerns that women frequently encounter, such as barriers to funding opportunities, and perceived encumbrances on work-life balance.​

Networking opportunities

At Desautels, we provide a number of networking opportunities to develop connections and relationships with classmates, faculty, alumni and other community members during one’s MBA studies. Tap into what you need to grow your business potential as a woman today!

McGill MBA Full-Time Mentoring Program 

The McGill MBA Full-Time Mentoring Program serves to build a strong and vibrant community of professionals engaged with the Faculty in furthering and supporting the careers of its MBA graduates. The network, now open to all, was originally conceived by and for female MBAs. At a 2005 ceremony for the program’s 40th anniversary, a group of female MBA students and alumni discussed the unique challenges and opportunities that executive women were faced with. This inspired them to explore the possibilities of connecting these pioneering career women and alumnae with current MBA students. Thus, the MBA Mentoring Program was borne.

Desautels Graduate Women’s Association (DGWA) 

The DGWA's mission is to maximize the professional development of female students and alumni of the McGill graduate programs through strategic engagement with the McGill community and broader Montreal networks. We enable networking opportunities, celebrate successful women in business and facilitate interactions with influential people.  Graduate Clubs and Activities

Desautels Women in Business (DWIB)  

Desautels Women in Business (DWIB) aims to provide a platform for undergraduate students to explore the opportunities and careers available to them. They are continuously expanding their strong network of women interested in a career in management: from professionals to current students and professors to alumni. Together, they aim to educate and inspire our students to achieve their goals with confidence as they begin to shape their futures.  Learn more about DWIB

Desautels Graduate 2SLGBTQIA+ Association (DGLA) 

The Desautels Graduate 2SLGBTQIA+ Association is an organization open to all students with an interest in creating more inclusive experiences in the Desautels community and in their future professional settings. Graduate Clubs and Activities

Meet our female ambassadors

Our female MBA Ambassadors are eager to share their perspectives as MBA alumnae and current students. Connect to learn about the program, student life at McGill and in Montreal, post-graduation paths and more.  

Alumnae Ambassadors

Student Ambassadors