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    Empowering Women in Leadership: The Working Professional MBA Advantage

    This interactive and engaging event is designed to help you unlock your leadership potential and advance your career! Join us for a deep dive into the MBA experience for working professionals. Participate in interactive sessions and discussions that will provide you with an understanding of the programs' benefits and their impact on your leadership journey.

    Please note: this event is open to all regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity.

    RSVP by March 5. This event is free to attend.

    Friday, March 6, 2026

    12:30 PM – 12:45 PMCheck-in
    Location: Rizzo Center / 150 Dubose Home Ln, Chapel Hill, NC
    1:00 PM – 1:15 PMWelcome & Program Kick-off
    Sarah Perez, Associate Dean, MBA Programs: Admissions & Program Management
    Kara Adams, Director of Working Professional MBA Admissions & Recruitment
    1:15 PM – 2:30 PMRise With Intention: Skills that Will Accelerate Your Career
    Lisa Thompson, Director, Career Coaching
    Zoe Riddell, Associate Director, Career Coaching

    Career advancement doesn’t happen by accident, but by design. In this interactive session, you'll learn the three drivers of career growth for women today: Relationships, Reputation, and Results. Attendees will learn how to build a powerful network of mentors and sponsors, strengthen their leadership/executive presence without self-promotion, and make the shift from simply “getting things done” to delivering strategic and impactful outcomes.

    You will walk away with a personalized “Career Advancement Blueprint” and practical strategies you can put into action immediately. This content will be applicable to those in early or mid-career who are looking to lead with more confidence, intention, and greater scope.
    2:30 PM – 2:45 PMBreak
    2:45 PM – 3:00 PMRemarks from the Dean
    Mary Margaret Frank, Dean of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
    3:00 PM – 4:00 PMMock Class: Strategic Cost Analysis and Performance Management
    Eva Labro, Michael W. Haley Distinguished Professor of Accounting

    Experience the collaborative and energetic environment of our Executive MBA classroom in this mock class, where you will engage with real-world cost measurement techniques to drive decision-making. Join fellow professionals to explore how cost structure impacts companies' financial performance.
    4:00 PM – 4:15 PMBreak
    4:15 PM – 5:15 PMPanel Discussion with MBA Alumni and Corporate Representatives
    Facilitated by: Sandra Chandler, Senior Associate Director, Employer Engagement

    Continue the conversation around leveraging strong professional alliances. This session will bring in voices of alumnae from our Executive MBA programs along with the local employer community to share their insights and the important role networks play in career success.
    5:15 PM – 5:30 PMProgram Wrap-up
    5:30 PM – 7:00 PMNetworking Happy Hour with Executive MBA students