Strong. Brave. Courageous. Intelligent. Driven. Beautiful. Kind. What comes to mind when you think about the women in your life?

International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day for praising the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world.

The HEC Paris Executive MBA program helps to empower women by giving them the necessary leadership and management skills to excel in a competitive business environment.

In honor of recognizing the incredible achievements of women around the world this International Women’s Day, we thought you should meet some of the impressive women behind the HEC Paris Executive MBA who have made the program the success it is today (ranked #1 by the Financial Times in 2019), and hear what International Women’s Day means to them.

Barbara Tigre Maia
Marketing & Recruitment Manager, HEC Paris Executive MBA
Brazilian

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, it’s about honoring women’s struggles and everything we’ve accomplished so far. It’s also a reminder of my own responsibility towards the world I want to build and the legacy I want to leave to my future daughter, granddaughter and the next generation of women to come.

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

My mother is the most inspiring woman I’ve met. She’s living proof that hard-work, talent and luck are the key ingredients for success. Born in a low-income family, she finished at the top of her class in a public high school in Rio, got into the best medical school in town, became a doctor, and then earned a Master’s Degree in Epidemiology and an MBA in Public Health at top schools. She overcame many challenges throughout her life, and I loved watching her with her patients because it really is a vision of “vocation” – she was born to be a doctor. She taught me the most important values: hard work, generosity and always giving back / paying it forward.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

My female colleagues are very detail-oriented, they notice nuances and make everyone feel that they are important and being heard.

Who is your favorite female character from a book, movie or television series?

Maureen Chiquet from “Beyond the Label: Women, Leadership, and Success on Our Own Terms”. I read this book last year and it has become one of my favorite books ever. I fell in love with Maureen’s trajectory from having a Degree in Literature to becoming the Global CEO of Chanel.

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

Badasses.

In what ways do you think the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program empowers women?

The EMBA at HEC Paris offers women a management tool kit and a self-confidence boost that allows them to reach that next level in their careers and find opportunities traditionally given to men. I like the idea of the EMBA having a role in bringing gender equality to the business world and hope to see many more female CEOs in the future.

Marie Rasoanandrasana
Participant, HEC Paris Executive MBA
Drug Product Development Manager
Madagascan

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a bank holiday only for women in my home country, Madagascar. When I was younger, I witnessed the women around me celebrating this day with activities such as parades, reforestation and other demonstrations related to the empowerment of women. To me, it has always been a special day to showcase that there are still inequalities between women and men in our society, be it in the workplace, at home, in access to education, and so on. It is also important to celebrate achievements of women who played extraordinary role in communities, to mobilize the young generation of women around their rights.

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

I’m a chemical engineer by training. So, as a chemist, Marie Curie has inspired me the most. Not only because she was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize, but above all, because of her determination to educate herself. She conducted her research on radioactivity under very precarious conditions, but also in an environment tainted by xenophobia and misogyny. She achieved extraordinary scientific discovery and overcame the obstacles that were placed in her way because she is a woman.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

Women in my workplace are very meticulous and precise in what they deliver. They are very competent, technically speaking. They also contribute a lot to the well-being at work, by being attentive to the development of their teams and listening to their aspirations.

Who is your favorite female character from a book, movie or television series?

Jo March in Little Women.

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

As an octopus as they managed work life, family life and academic life successfully.

In what way(s) do you think the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program empowers women?

By giving them the self-confidence they need to succeed in C-level positions.

Farah Boughedada
Associate Director, Executive MBA Program Delivery & Participant Relationship
French

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A day that shines a light on all those incredible women around the world!

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

My mother has always been my source of inspiration. No matter what’s happened in her life, ups and downs, she has always kept her head up and made sure to keep going no matter what.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

They bring care, empathy and humor! A little kindness in this hard world.

Who is your favorite female character from a book, movie or television series?

Elisabeth Moss in the series The Handmaid’s Tale. She fights for what she believes is right and always keep her head up!

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

The women I’ve had the chance to meet in the EMBA program are all powerful women. They know exactly what they want and what they are looking for. They have an incredible strength and they manage their career, family and education with verve! It’s just incredible!

In what ways do you think the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program empowers women?

The program gives a voice to women and helps them to be recognized in an executive world that is most of the time managed by men.

Sara Vanos
Participant HEC Paris Executive MBA
Director of Marketing, MBA Programs (HEC Paris)
Canadian

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s a nice occasion to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of women throughout history and today. This day gives us the opportunity to empower women across the globe and to highlight that women should have equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender.

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

As cliché as it might sound, my mom.

She showed us that you should work hard, be kind and aim for excellence in all that you do, with a smile. We were encouraged to choose any toys, play all sports and to choose any career that we wanted – there were no gender stereotypes. We were taught that anyone can do anything, and that gender should have no role in the potential to succeed in any field. She is a lifelong learner and has encouraged her children to continue to develop, challenge ideas and keep learning. She worked and had success across her senior roles while raising three kids, showing us, that women can have it all. From her, I also learned that even in challenging times, it’s important to stay positive, which helps to achieve tough goals. Because she believes that I can do anything, I believe it too.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

The females around me inspire me every day! They are smart, passionate and funny too. Each one of my female colleagues brings a unique perspective and diversity to our team and I appreciate them all so much. They are kind and they are all looking to do their best every day, which encourages everyone around to aim for the highest standards.

Who is your favorite female character from a book, movie or television series?

I have too many to choose one. I usually read true stories featuring brave heroines, who stand up for what they believe in and change outcomes against the odds. A recent example would include Louise de Bettignies.

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

Incredible. Humble. Superhuman. Each and every woman in my program is driven, smart and a genuinely cool person. They have already accomplished so much, however, based on their potentials and goals, I’m confident that we haven’t seen anything yet!  I have learned from them and discussed with them and I know that if I need anything, they will be available. It’s the women in the class who have organized events after class for everyone to prep for tough finance classes, to share our career insights and help others boost their careers and more.

In what ways do you think the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program empowers women?

The curriculum ensures that we understand business from finance to strategy to marketing to talent management and so much more. This means that we have a holistic view across business and feel comfortable and knowledgeable in a senior position. The program gives us the tools and the frameworks to make tough decisions with confidence. We have learned so much and developed as leaders through group work and exercises, and the classes have given us the right knowledge to succeed as executives. The course also empowers us by training us in an extremely diverse class, which gives us an edge as we better understand working in global environments. Everyone is treated equally and everyone is encouraged to share their experiences and opinions.

Julie Rostagni
Participant, HEC Paris Executive MBA
Program Manager at PSA
French

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day reminds me that I am grateful for the progress already made for women, and reminds me of all the colossal challenges we still face all over the world: access to education, having an equal place in society, a real share of tasks at home…

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

I am truly grateful for the women earlier in history who paved the way for the equality and recognition that women deserve. The intelligence, work and determination of Marie Curie was a guidance for me from a very early age as she was one of the very first women in science. I also greatly admire Simone Veil for standing up for women’s right in front of a misogynistic assembly.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

I do not have a lot of female colleagues, even if there is a good effort to recruit more. My company is very open about gender equality, especially in terms of salary equality, with very good results. In a male dominated environment, women bring a different vision of the job to be done. They are engaged team players who bring loyalty and efficiency.

Who is your favorite female character from a book, movie or television series?

My favorite female character is Althéa Vestrit from Liveship Traders Trilogy by Robin Hobb (one of the few female writers in fantasy). She is a real leader who faces a lot of hardships but never gives up on her vision, and proves to her family that she has what is necessary for being the boss. She carries some insecurities she must deal with and finally matures enough to live well with them thanks to “someone” who she finally allows to help her.

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

The women I’ve met, especially in my track, are amazing and truly inspirational: strong women with a lot of leadership and complementary visions. We all came from various backgrounds, different companies with very diverse management styles, and have shared the advantages and difficulties of being a female leader. I’ve learned a lot talking and working with all these fantastic women during the year. I’ve also met wonderful teachers who’ve passed along their knowledge and the Program Managers of the track and Specializations were inspiring with the constant attention, help and kindness they have given us during our program.

In what way(s) do you think the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program empowers women?

Besides the obvious knowledge we gain through the EMBA experience, the program empowers women by giving us a safe space to open up, meet female peers and have open-minded discussions of the challenges we face, without the fear of being judged. On a personal note, this program finally helped me gain confidence to speak in front of an audience, thanks to all the gentle feedback I received through this experience.

Mariana Caillaud
Participant, HEC Paris Executive MBA
CEO & Founder Startup Health/IoT
Romanian-French

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It allows us to highlight successful women, to promote the place and impact of these women in society, in order to boost equal rights and the complementarity of male and female values.

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

My mother. She is such a wonderful example of how to always share your love with others and find passion in whatever you are doing. Because of my mother, I learned the power of hard work and perseverance by not giving up on my goals and to believe in myself. Born in Romania, I also benefited from a fair representation of women in all domains, including business and management.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

The struggle of women to reach senior levels in any field must not be seen as simply a “women’s issue,” but rather one of talent. Women’s progress has vital implications for the health and growth of companies, and economies. Women bring value because they are more empathetic, detail-oriented, more analytical. Women are strong proponents of compromise and excellent listeners. They think and act out of the box and this brings in a whole new perspective on issues. I love this sentence of Madeleine Albright, 64th United States Secretary of State “Our collective experience has shown that when women have the power to make their own choices, good things happen”. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, company performance is directly related to expertise, drive, business acumen, which are not gender specific. Men and women have complementary perspectives, which contribute to build a wholesome approach.

Who is your favorite female character from a book, movie or television series?

Mercedes Erra. She is not a fictional character but rather France’s advertising queen, a creative force for the advertising industry. She is also an unwavering advocate for women in leadership. She has commitment, energy, will and passion.

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

Brilliant and inspiring!

Stephanie Rajaratnam
Program Manager, HEC Paris Executive MBA One Day a Week Track & EPA Major
Canadian

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A day to celebrate the achievement of women.

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

My mum, Jane Goodall, Rosa Parks, Jane Fonda.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

Emotional Intelligence, effective communication and a spirit of collaboration.

Who is your favorite female character from a book, movie or television series?

June from Handmaid’s Tale and Anne Frank.

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

Strong, dynamic, intelligent women who amongst doing a degree also manage their professional and family lives.

In what way(s) do you think the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program empowers women?

The program brings awareness that they have what it takes to succeed, provides them with self-confidence and provides them with the tools to advance in their professional careers.

Maiada EL KHALIFA
Participant, HEC Paris Executive MBA
Head of Cost Control & Reporting, TOTAL Qatar
French-Sudanese

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A day of celebrating and recognizing women’s achievements, empowering them and making them more visible to the world.

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

Oprah Winfrey.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

Dedication, efficiency and a calm and collected nature, and all above the enormous capability of managing kids, work and life’s demands perfectly.

Who is your favorite female character from a book, movie or television series?

Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich. Her performance in the film was exceptional, resulting in a well-deserved Oscar. Overall, the real story of the movie and the character of Erin Brockovich, depicted by Julia Roberts inspired me and moved me. It is exceptional how a woman armored with nothing more than a filing clerk job in a law firm, no law degree and no experience, could carry out such a stellar investigation which led to a major settlement for victims, by harnessing her strong-minded, bold personality. Strong advocacy, strong will and care for others was what touched me the most. She was a powerful and determined woman.

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

Knowledgeable, inspiring, dedicated and responsible.

In what way(s) do you think the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program empowers women?

I can see the number of women in programs continuously increasing. I believe that this displays awareness with attention to bring gender balance to the class. I also enjoy many programs at HEC such as the Women in Leadership and Women Talks. They’re very empowering.

Blanche Aloisi – de Crépy
Alumni, HEC Paris Executive MBA
Managing Director, TECTONA
French-Italian

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A day celebrating women’s daily achievements and positive impact on the world.

Which woman throughout your life or history has inspired you the most?

My grandmothers have both inspired me. One because she was so hard working, the other because she was so creative and full of a sense of humor. Both were very generous: one was helping Abbé Pierre at Emmaüs, the other one worked in a slum in Mexico helping people to build their own houses and find jobs.

What special qualities do your female colleagues bring to your workplace?

Each woman is different! But, as women are more faced with day to day issues in their private life, we can see more pragmatism in their approach in business.

Who is your favourite female character from a book, movie or television series you love?

I like Karen Blixen in the movie Out of Africa. It shows an independent character, resilient, full of courage and eager for new adventures. She makes herself respected in a world of men and in the midst of wilderness.

How would you describe the women you’ve met in the Executive MBA program?

They were all very determined. I believe when you reach 40 and you still study, it means you want to learn and get the most out of your life!

In what ways do you think the HEC Paris Executive Program empowers women?

HEC moto “the more you know, the more you dare” is the good summary of the education that is given by HEC Paris Executive MBA Program. We, as men and women, have learned tools to develop our own personality and projects. I also like the association HEC Au Féminin which helps women network and talk about business related issues.

To learn more about the HEC Paris Executive MBA program click here or to find out if the program could be right for you get in touch with HEC here.