50-chiffre-chanceuxVery few MBA programs and even fewer Executive MBA programs are fortunate enough to have as many women as men in their programs. Since the early 90’s, women are in the majority in most Canadian universities, however, the situation is  not the same in management and leadership programs for senior executives, where women rarely represent more than 40 % of the student body, and often less than that. In leadership and executive positions as well as on boards, reaching gender equality is still a privilege, a rare occurrence.

That is why the McGill-HEC Montreal EMBA team was extremely happy to welcome 23 women and 23 men to its new class, which started in September 2016. It’s a first in the nine years of the program’s existence. While it is a source of pride for the program, it is the women themselves who should be proud: senior leaders with impressive backgrounds and experience, making  time in their busy schedules to develop themselves further. The EMBA has been very fortunate.  We’ve had many female applicants, with exceptional careers.  We select our participants by focusing on diversity of backgrounds and experiences, without pushing for gender parity.

“We do not choose our participants based on their gender. The 46 students who began the program a few days ago were simply the most qualified among the many candidates interviewed. We were pleased to have so many great female and male candidates and hope to be as fortunate in the coming years!” explains Michel Filion, Director of Recruitment for the McGill-HEC Montréal Executive MBA.

Since the program’s inception in 2008, the EMBA has always welcomed over 30% women in each of its cohorts. Today, the McGill-HEC Montreal EMBA has nearly 100 alumnae. These successful business leaders from various industries are a rich source of inspiration for all women interested in doing an EMBA program.

“No matter how long ago they graduated, our alumnae are extremely generous with their time and are always willing to speak and advise new candidates who have concerns or questions about the challenges of the EMBA journey. This support is certainly one of the reasons that we get many great women candidates each year,” adds Michel Filion.

Diversity has always been a key value of the EMBA McGill-HEC Montreal.  The program typically brings together leaders from more than 20 different industries, including the recipients of our scholarship for managers of indigenous origin and our scholarship for managers of non-profit organizations. This year’s class reached gender parity with 50% women, but all of the program’s classes are composed of 100% passionate managers from different backgrounds, who have the courage to return to school and the humility to learn from each other and become better leaders, together.

“We look forward to the day when reaching gender parity in an Executive MBA will be the norm. For now, though, we very much appreciate being able to welcome these 23 women and 23 men to the program. ”  says Marianne Vandenbosch, director of the McGill-HEC Montréal Executive MBA program.