8.26.10... Rashida Mingo's Journey to Columbia Business School is Coming Soon!

Columbia Business School

Janet Hanson is the founder of 85 Broads, a wonderful global network of powerful women who are in business, specifically finance, but also more recently, the membership opportunity has been extended to all types of professionals. This is the 2nd opportunity I have had to come in contact with a Columbia Alum from the Bschool. The first was a graduate of the real Estate Program I spoke to a couple of years back when my career focus was heavily centered on Real Estate. Janet has been wonderful in my application process to her organization. She also responds to emails and connected me to a younger member that is at Brown. I can't wait to actually met her and put a name with a face to continue building that personal relationship. I told her that I was really excited about building friendships through this organization b/c the women are phenomenal. I think what impresses me most about her, is that she is the founder of the organization. And, she still responds personally to each member to approval of membership. She has been very open, approachable. As I read through her Bio, I was not only impressed by what she has done. But, I was inspired to see that there are Women who have gone before me & traveled this world in Invest Banking &; Private Equity, been successful, built families, and happy stable lives. She is on the Board for Work Life Balance at Yale. She is also a visiting Professor at YSOM. If you have not seen Yale's Policy for Work Life Balance for women you should check it out. It is very impressive. They Have BACK UP CHILD CARE!...And, a certified Babysitting Website that conncets Parents and students for babysitting jobs. I was really impressed. Honestly, this was the first Top Bschool I looked at that a solid model for work/life balance that would support students opposed to making up your own path.

Anyway, back to Janet…I am inspired by her. She is a great representation of CBS '77. I look fwd to continued conversations and guidance from her. And, I look fwd to my application for Columbia as well. I am inspired by the Single Mom who finished her MBA in '06. I still hadn't had a chance to reach out to her, but will be doing so as I get more involved with my research for Columbia. I am Loving the close knit & support of women within this community. It is indeed a Great Institution! As an applicant, wherever you end up, the alumni of the schools have been invaluable to me in this process. I know it’s important to reach out to current students. But, the willingness of Alumni to share their journeys is equally important, b/c it can give you a glimpse of how your life may be 15/20 years from now. Well, that's all for Now…I am hoping Columbia has a Diversity Conference or something, they are next on the list! Plus, I have never had the opportunity to explore NYC! I am always there in between flights w/ no time to get out into the city. So, NYC, Here I come!

As always, Be Luv! Rashida