EmpowerHER is a program designed to support and empower women business leaders at Georgetown McDonough throughout their career journey. Our mission is to create a space for MBA alumnae to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and support each other both personally and professionally.
About Us
Mission
EmpowerHER is committed to connecting and empowering Georgetown MBA alumnae. The program supports alumnae business leaders through all phases of their career paths by providing networking and learning circles, which offer a space for women to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and support each other personally and professionally.
Program Goals
- Foster connections among MBA alumnae
- Provide support throughout various career stages
- Create opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Influence and support incoming MBA classes
- Support current MBA women students
- Collaborate with Georgetown Women in Business Club and other Georgetown women’s activities and events
Benefits
Joining the Georgetown McDonough EmpowerHER Women’s Circles offers numerous benefits designed to foster personal and professional growth among MBA alumnae. Here are some of the key advantages:
To sponsor an event or make a gift to EmpowerHER, contact Peter Sullivan, associate director of development, McDonough School of Business.
Regions
EmpowerHER will operate initially in the following regions:
- DMV Area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia)
- Tri-State Area (New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania)
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Chicago, Illinois
- Miami, Florida
- Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, California)
Each region has a regional chair and event chair (for a term of two years) to facilitate local activities and connections. Sign up for events in your region.
Regional Leadership (2024 – 2026 term):
DMV Area:
- Regional Chair: Catherine Torlucci (MBA’21)
Tri-State Area:
- Regional Chair: Rupal Obaray (MBA’04), MBA Alumni Advisory Council (MAAC) member
- Event Chair: Bridget Greaney (MBA’22)
Get Involved
Membership and Leadership:
Each circle in a region includes regional leaders (regional chair and event chair/facilitator), members, and volunteers. Leaders and members will commit to serving a two-year term in that circle (unless they move to another circle).
Events:
- Each circle organizes its own monthly meetings (organized by the regional chair and event chair) once they have a critical number of members
- Members are also encouraged to participate in Georgetown McDonough conferences
How to Join:
Interested alumnae can sign up for participation and recommend contacts to participate by contacting EmpowerHER’s national chair or a McDonough liaison or by filling out the interest form.
Events
Upcoming Events:
- Regular meetings nationally (once every two months on the last Tuesday of the month): Upcoming meeting dates include October 29, 2024, and December 17, 2024.
- Networking events, receptions, and gatherings are organized within each region, including opportunities for alumni, current students, and prospective students.
Leadership
National Leadership (2024 – 2026 term):
- National Chair: Kaitlyn M. Smith (MBA’20)
- National Vice Chair: Rebecca Bedno (MBA’96)
- McDonough Liaisons: Sudipta Dasmohapatra, senior associate dean of MBA programs; Sara Martinez, director of alumni relations and corporate partnerships
- MAAC Liaison: Elizabeth Ross-Ronchi (MBA’99)
Contact Us
For more information or to get involved, please fill our our interest form or contact:
- Sudipta Dasmohapatra, senior associate dean of the MBA Programs; McDonough liaison
- Sara Martinez, director of alumni relations and corporate partnerships; McDonough liaison
- Kaitlyn M. Smith (MBA’20), national chair
- Rebecca Bedno (MBA’96), national vice chair
- Peter Sullivan, associate director of development (for sponsorship, gifts, and philanthropy)