Fellows of SOM: Holly Briffa ’27, Forté Fellowship
Holly Briffa ’27 reflects on a fellowship that has supported her MBA education and enlarged her understanding of inclusion in the workplace.
The Office of Community Engagement and Dialogue asked students how fellowship support shapes their community experience, enables their SOM education, and furthers their post-graduation goals. Learn more about fellowships and other funding sources.
Why did you pursue this fellowship, and what does it mean to you?
The Forté Fellowship recognizes MBA candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, represent diverse backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to advancing women in business and leadership. While women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, they still hold just over 10% of Fortune 500 CEO roles. I was inspired by the Forté Foundation because I wanted to contribute to a driven, accomplished community of women and allies actively working to change this reality. To me, being a Forté Fellow affirms my belief that representation in leadership matters—not only for equity, but for better decision-making and long-term impact.
How does your status as a fellow impact the way you engage with your community and contribute to your overall SOM experience?
Being a Forté Fellow reinforces my mindset that there is room at the table for all of us. This is not a zero-sum game. I truly believe that the more women who succeed, the better it is for everyone.
Practically, this looks like sharing useful resources and information, looking out for opportunities to connect people who would benefit from being in each other’s networks, and actively supporting classmates through recruitment—whether that’s casing together, preparing for behavioral interviews, or offering encouragement. These actions help to reduce unnecessary competition and make the experience more collaborative and supportive. Contributing in this way has helped me build stronger relationships, made the recruitment process more enjoyable, and strengthened my sense of connection to the SOM community overall.
What lessons have you learned that will help you contribute to business and society at SOM and beyond?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through the fellowship is the power of sponsorship. Sponsorship goes beyond mentorship: it is not just guidance, but active advocacy from leaders who use their influence to open doors and create opportunities. To increase the number of women in leadership positions, sponsorship is crucial. We need leaders of all genders to champion women to take the next step, lead the big project, or get the promotion. Sponsorship requires both the willingness of leaders and boldness from early-career professionals to actively seek out the guidance they need. While it can feel uncomfortable to ask for sponsorship, it is critical to advocate for yourself. And as you progress in your career, it is equally important to look for opportunities to sponsor others. At Yale SOM and beyond, I hope to both seek and provide sponsorship, helping create environments where all emerging leaders can thrive.
What’s one highlight of this experience?
One highlight has been attending the 2025 Forté Foundation MBA Women’s Leadership Conference in Denver, which was an inspiring way to kick off my MBA journey. At the conference, I met peers in my SOM class, connected with incoming MBA candidates from across the U.S. and around the world, and engaged with the broader Forté community. The conference created space for honest and important conversations about the challenges that women in business face, including navigating fertility and family planning alongside career progression, making career trade-offs, and balancing ambition with personal priorities. One reflection that stood out to me was, “The best and worst versions of yourself are both shaped by your environment.” That sentiment resonated with me and made me grateful to be joining a community that will challenge, support, and elevate me.
What advice do you have for other students interested in this fellowship?
Be authentic and guided by your values. Entering my MBA, particularly during recruitment, I sometimes felt pressure to separate my personal life from my professional ambitions. My experience with the Forté Foundation has shown me that people are far more likely to thrive in environments that value the whole person. For women and allies interested in the foundation’s mission, I would encourage you to engage early, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the power of showing up for your community. The relationships you build and the support you give and receive can meaningfully shape your growth and impact.
