Evening MBA Program Staff Spotlight: Jenny Forbes

Ever wonder how Foster does it all? Dedicated staff members are committed to this prestigious program and its students’ success, working hard behind the scenes to ensure an exceptional experience for every applicant. Meet Jenny Forbes, Foster MBA Admissions Program Coordinator.

What brought you to Foster? What are your responsibilities as a member of Foster’s Admissions team?

I began my Foster career working as the Student Affairs Assistant, which was a great way to learn about the program from the ground up.  I appreciated all aspects of working with the current students, from welcoming the new students to the program in the fall to celebrating the graduating classes as they walked across the stage to collect their diploma.

The opportunity to work at Foster was particularly special because of my familial connection with the business school.  Not only did my sister, Emily Warren, work at Foster, but my grandfather, John Wheatley, was a marketing professor at UW for over thirty-five years.  My Papa once said that he enjoyed almost every day of his career, and it means a lot to me to be able to continue his legacy here at UW.

I was excited to take on a new challenge and join Foster’s Admissions team this winter as the Event Coordinator.  In this role I work with members of the A-Team on recruiting, and admission events including Evaluation Day, Campus Night, the Insider Series and other admissions related events.  I support the Student Affairs team with their big events in September and with Graduation.

Why did you choose Foster as a professional?

I had been a stay-at-home-mom for eleven years but my children were in college and high school and I was looking to return to work.  While staying at home with them I volunteered heavily with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at the local, district, region, and state level, so I knew that I would like to do something to support learning and education.  Since beginning here I have been thoroughly impressed with the caliber of the students, staff, and faculty.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Without a doubt the people I get to work with.  The students and MBA Program staff are the absolute best and they make coming to work each day a pleasure.  I’m happy to do whatever I can to help make a student’s experience at Foster the best that it can be and help them reach their full potential.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part is having to say goodbye to amazing students every year after they graduate.  It’s hard to say goodbye to people I enjoy working with.  The silver lining is that because Foster is like a family, students return often to visit and support the school.

What do you appreciate the most about the Foster community?

I love the engaged and supportive community that we have here at Foster.  Everyone is so willing to lend a hand or support the program in so many ways. Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work,” and that really describes life at Foster.

What is one interesting fact most people don’t know about you that you would like to share?

I mentioned that I was heavily involved in volunteering with the PTA.  I began my service with this amazing organization while my kids were in elementary school (over a decade ago!), and I still enjoy supporting it whenever I can.  Each year I return to the elementary school to help the PTA with Science Day.  I am affectionately known as the “Squid Lady” because I teach squid dissection with third graders.  Around 130 third graders rotate through my classroom and get the chance to dissect a small squid.  We discuss habitat, movement, defenses, and diet of squid, and then we learn about some of their basic anatomy.  The highlight of the day is removing the cuttlebone and using it to write their name using squid ink.  It’s so much fun, and the students and teachers really enjoy it.

Foster is ________.

Family.  Not only because of my family connection, but because of the impressive close-knit culture at Foster.  Everyone associated with the program is so supportive and willing to collaborate that it truly feels like a family.

 

 

 

 

Wondering if the Foster Evening MBA Program is the right fit for you? To make an appointment with the Foster MBA Programs Office, call 206-543-4661 or toll free at 1-866-778-9622, or email us at [email protected].

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