Babson Center for Women’s Leadership
The Babson Center for Women’s Leadership promotes leadership diversity in business and provides opportunities for women and men to learn from the entrepreneurial role models of successful women leaders. We offer mentoring, networking, and leadership development for students, Babson alumnae, and all professionals working to transform the face of business leadership. Through research and executive education, we also work with the business sector to understand the issues that contribute to women’s advancement and the effective collaboration of men and women for competitive success.
The Center began as a grassroots effort of faculty, administration, trustees, and alumnae in 1999. It has grown to become the first comprehensive center dedicated to women in business and entrepreneurship at a leading school of management. Through educational programs and research, we develop women’s leadership skills and promote the advancement of women as entrepreneurial leaders within corporations, entrepreneurial business ventures, and not-for-profit organizations.
What We Do
Research that Makes a Difference
The Center for Women’s Leadership conducts research that focuses on the economic value that women create/generate as business leaders. Our studies also focus on the context and influence of women as organizational leaders and the ways in which organizations are transforming themselves to most effectively tap the diversity of managerial talent. The Center’s research reports are available for download through its Web site.
Building Alliances to Advance Women
Through the Center, Babson has formed strategic alliances with organizations that advance the education and support of managerial and entrepreneurial women. Babson is a founding board member of the Forté Foundation, a national organization that seeks to increase the number of woman business owners and business leaders by increasing the flow of women into key educational gateways and business networks. Babson is also a sponsor of Springboard, a venture capital forum for woman entrepreneurs, and has serves as host for both the New England Springboard Venture Forum as well as the Entrepreneurs Bootcamp. Through joint research with leading organizations, the Center broadens its ability to investigate and understand the challenges of business leadership by women.
Developing the Next Generation of Business Leaders
On our campus, the Center provides programming to ensure a mix of leadership role models is available to all Babson students. Students have the opportunity to learn from senior corporate women as well as entrepreneurs. Interactive panel events such as “Both Sides of Work and Family” —comprised of dual career couples—or “Decisions in My Corporate Career,” serve as a forum for the Babson community to explore the realities of career advancement choices. The Center also sponsors the Women’s Leadership Program for high-potential women in Babson’s top-ranked undergraduate and MBA programs. Women’s Leadership students receive enriched mentoring and learning opportunities designed to enhance their leadership skills and career readiness. Women accepted into the program at the point of admission to Babson College are also supported through a scholarship award.
Networking for Career Enhancement
The Center sponsors alumnae leadership councils in New York and Boston to support the continuous career advancement of Babson’s female graduates. The councils provide educational programs and networking opportunities throughout the year to connect Babson’s graduates with career-advancing information and support. Many alumnae serve as mentors to Babson students. They also provide financial support for the Center’s programs, research, and scholarships.
To Learn More About the Center for Women’s Leadership
The material presented here is a brief summary of the Center's role and work. For a more detailed presentation you may go to our website at Center for Women’s Leadership at Babson College, or contact Allison J. Lawlor, Manager, Outreach and Website at 781-239-5087
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