Launched in Fall 2022 with generous seed funding from Visa Foundation, the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business launched the EmpowHER Program with the aim of building a network of students and professionals committed to advancing gender equity in finance. With the ultimate long term goal of bringing more diversity into capital allocation roles, EmpowHER set out to attract MBA candidates from different backgrounds united by their interest in leveraging financial solutions to build a more sustainable and equitable future. Over the course of two years, EmpowHER provided exclusive training on today’s most pressing environmental, social and governance issues, hands-on learning experiences, robust networks, and meaningful mentorships to support the cohort’s pursuit of positions with potential for impact. We congratulate the inaugural EmpowHER class of 2024 on their many accomplishments and are eager to follow their careers as they pursue opportunities that create social and environmental value in tandem with economic value. 

“Ever since I became a part of the program, I have been profoundly impressed by the support and mentorship offered by the EmpowHer team, mentors and my cohort. The whole community is genuinely passionate and dedicated to the cause of advancing sustainability in finance. The materials and resources provided are meticulously curated, ensuring they are current, well-researched, and presented in an engaging and accessible manner. The chance to network, collaborate, and exchange knowledge with fellow cohort members has been invaluable, leading to the formation of lifelong friendships and professional connections.” - Sangitha Mohan, MBA ‘24 

In addition to fulfilling the rigorous requirements of the Stern MBA, the 15 participants in the 2024 EmpowHER cohort received training on the intersection of sustainability and finance through sessions on ESG Materiality and Reporting, Return on Sustainability Investment, ESG Ratings and Research, Gender Lens Investing and Green Bonds along with focused sessions on the career landscape in sustainable finance. EmpowHER members also received coaching on how to deepen and sharpen communication style to achieve impactful changes in the way we communicate and present ourselves.

All of the curricular and experiential learnings were complemented by professional and peer mentorship. CSB engaged 30 executives from a variety of sectors across asset classes to provide one-on-one mentorship to support students navigate their MBA and recruiting experience by providing strategic guidance and details on their industry and work, along with networking opportunities. The peer and professional community built by the EmpowHER network emerged as a standout experience for the students. 

“Being a part of EmpowHER taught me a lot about finance and sustainability, but the most important learning is how we, as future business leaders, have a duty and a responsibility to effect sustainable change through our professional (and personal) actions. Moreover, the program introduced me to some of the most talented, fearlessly ambitious and wonderfully empathetic women in my cohort, who I am proud to call my friends.”  - Andy Mukherjee, MBA ‘24 

The team at CSB is delighted to celebrate the graduation of the first EmpowHER cohort and send them off with the network, skills, and confidence to succeed. 

As we proudly say goodbye (or see you later!) to our inaugural cohort, we are excited to be recruiting for our third. We encourage incoming MBA students to apply who want to join a diverse community and:

• Be familiar with the current trends, innovations and developments in sustainable finance 
• Understand the environmental, social and governance issues affecting finance and business 
• Develop knowledge and skills for incorporating sustainability into financial services 
• Understand the diverse career paths in sustainable finance
• Build a network of peers, educators, and professionals for support during and after the MBA Program

Current EmpowHER students say:

EmpowHER helped me find the courage to pursue the unknown, and I'm so grateful to have built my financial foundation alongside my Stern community. - Zaima Alam MBA ’25

Please browse our site to learn more about the program:

• Workshops and Programming
• Our incredible network of mentors
• Curriculum Guide

This program is open to all Stern MBA candidates regardless of sex or gender identity; we particularly encourage female-identifying students to consider applying.  The EmpowHER Program runs over two years, commencing in Summer 2024 and ending with graduation in Spring 2026. Before applying, please keep in mind that mandatory programming will commence before your arrival at Stern in July and you must be able to commit to the extent possible.