How STEM MBA Programs Empower Women in Leadership
Elevating Women in Leadership: The Power of an MBA
For Eleanor Dinardo, the decision to pursue an MBA degree was about more than career advancement. She also wanted to grow her leadership style, form genuine connections, and find a supportive community.
"I wanted to truly know my classmates, form meaningful relationships, and build a network that would last well beyond business school," Dinardo said. "The journey to an MBA, and beyond, is about more than just career advancement—it’s about discovering who you are as a leader and how you can use your voice to create impact."
While almost half of the U.S. workforce are women, they are still underrepresented in leadership positions. Women leaders often excel at collaborative problem-solving and inclusive decision-making—qualities that drive success in today’s technology-enabled business environment. Additionally, diversity in leadership can boost employee satisfaction and engagement, further fueling company success.
Your analytical mindset and leadership skills can be a powerful force for innovation in any industry. The diversity of students in Carnegie Mellon University’s STEM-Designated Full-Time MBA program at the Tepper School of Business helps create a rich learning environment where you’ll develop the skills to advance your career while inspiring other women to aim higher.
Accelerate Your Leadership Journey: How a STEM MBA Can Transform Your Career
Are you ready to elevate your career with the analytical and leadership skills that drive success in a data-informed business world? Whether in consulting, financial services, technology, or another field, a STEM-designated MBA can be your catalyst for advancement as a woman in leadership.
Learn how our MBA program will prepare you for a successful career. This two-year program is ideal for women who want to develop their leadership skills in a supportive environment that combines analytics, collaboration, and creativity. After graduation, you will be ready to lead innovation, strategic decision-making, and achievement in any workplace.
Fast-Track Your Career with a STEM MBA
Our STEM MBA program prepares you for senior roles in technology companies and beyond. Through a combination of rigorous technical education and practical leadership training, you will develop:
- Strategic thinking skills to tackle complex business challenges
- Advanced data analytics and decision-making expertise
- Executive presence and communication abilities
- Valuable networks and mentorship connections
- Adaptive, cross-functional leadership skills
“Tepper Women in Business (TWIB) is a community dedicated to empowering women and allies through professional development, networking, and advocacy,” said Dinardo, current president of TWIB. “Our programming spans multiple areas, from social events that foster community and friendship to workshops that help women build confidence, navigate challenges, and prepare for leadership roles.”
Unlock Exclusive Resources and Support for Women in STEM
Your opportunities for professional growth are not limited to coursework. As a student in our MBA program, you will have myriad opportunities to apply what you have learned outside the classroom, and a robust support system will help you overcome the challenges you face as a woman in business.
Some of the resources we offer to supplement classroom learning include:
- The Accelerate Leadership Center for personalized coaching
- Tepper Women in Business Club for networking and peer support
- Forté Foundation partnership and financial support opportunities
- Career services with unique industry connections
- Regular workshops and events focused on women in STEM leadership
Join students like Emily Torrealba in capitalizing on your unique capabilities with our comprehensive career development resources.
Emily’s MBA Journey: Exploring the Silicon Valley Ecosystem as a Forté Fellow
Emily Torrealba is a second-year MBA student at the Tepper School with a background in mechanical engineering and project management. Her interest in entrepreneurship led her to join the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, the campus-wide hub for startups and innovation.
“As a Forté Fellow, I am truly honored to be part of a community that champions women in business. Coming into my MBA as a first-generation graduate and only one of two women in my undergraduate engineering class, I am deeply committed to advancing women in the workplace. I believe that fostering diversity and inclusion is not only important for individual growth but is also crucial for shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for the Tepper School and beyond,” she said.
Emily was awarded the James R. Swartz Entrepreneurship Fellowship, which took her to Silicon Valley, where she connected with visionary founders and venture capital industry experts in the region’s vibrant startup ecosystem.“
“The connections I’ve made have opened doors I never thought possible, helping me secure a full-time role in a Leadership Development Program where I’ll continue growing as a business leader,” Emily added. “Whether it was through the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, the Accelerate Leadership Center, or the Faculty Lunches, I had access to guidance that shaped me into a stronger leader.”
Begin Your Leadership Journey Today
Your leadership journey starts here. Our MBA program is one of the top MBAs for women, with a proven track record of preparing women for industry leadership. Small class sizes ensure you receive personalized attention, while our strong corporate relationships open doors to opportunities in consulting, financial services, technology, and beyond. Here, you will join a supportive community of ambitious professionals who share your goals of making an impact through data-informed leadership.
“An MBA can be a transformative experience, but the key is to stay true to yourself. You bring a unique perspective to the table, and that perspective is valuable,” Dinardo said. “Business school is a place to take risks, challenge yourself, and redefine what success looks like on your terms.”
Take the next step in your leadership journey—fill out the form to learn more about our Full-Time MBA program and see how you can combine analytical expertise with advanced business skills to become the leader you’re meant to be.