Jenny Le on Paying It Forward and Leading with Purpose

For Jenny Le, education has always been more than a personal milestone — it’s been a gateway to possibility. As a first-generation college and MBA graduate, Jenny understands firsthand how access, support, and community can change the trajectory of a life. Today, she pays that forward as the outgoing Chair of Forté’s Alumni Leadership Council and a leader at Osaic, all while navigating career, motherhood, and meaningful volunteer work.

In our latest Beyond the MBA spotlight, Jenny shares how her upbringing shaped her path, the habits that keep her grounded, and the leadership principles that guide her commitment to lifting others.

How has your upbringing shaped your relationship with education and Forté?

As a first-generation college student, I was the second in my family to attend college and the first to earn an MBA (Columbia Business School, MBA Class of 2020). When I filled out my FAFSA, I realized we had no savings for college — let alone for living out of state. Scholarships made Harvard College and Columbia Business School possible, and Forté opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Through their Career Forums and Leadership Conference, I secured two internships before business school and discovered a community that continues to shape my journey. Today, as Chair of Forté’s Alumni Leadership Council, I’m proud to help create opportunities for others to thrive.

How do you find balance between your career, family, and volunteer work? Any tricks that help keep everything running smoothly?

One quote that guides me comes from Thasunda Brown Duckett: “I only have 100% of me, not 110%. Within that allocation, my children get 100%.” That perspective helps me stay intentional. As Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Osaic Wealth, a mom to a toddler with another on the way, and a board member for two foundations, time-blocking is my lifeline. I prioritize deep work, family moments, and meaningful contributions to Forté and Osaic Foundation — because leadership starts with clarity and purpose.

Leadership often means creating space for others. Throughout your professional journey, how have you helped lift others as you’ve advanced in your own career?

At Osaic, a leading wealth management platform with $700B+ in assets and 11,000 advisors, I’m proud to help Americans retire with dignity. Beyond that mission, I mentor three MBA students through Forté and two analysts at work — helping them refine their vision, sharpen their skills, and gain visibility through leadership opportunities. Investing in others is the most rewarding part of leadership.

As the outgoing Chair of the Forté Alumni Leadership Council, what are you most proud of accomplishing with the Council during your tenure?

This incredible group of 25 alumni is passionate about #MoreWomenLeading. Together, we:

• Launched the first post-MBA conference for women navigating career and life transitions — now growing toward 100 attendees in 2026
• Introduced the Women in Boards series to spotlight pathways to nonprofit and corporate board service
• Built a thriving community through committees focused on alumni engagement and student support

These initiatives create lasting impact—and that’s what leadership is all about.

Quick Takes

• Book or podcast for women leaders: Unfinished Business by Anne-Marie Slaughter — a must-read on navigating work, life, and family
• Best advice for working moms: Treat life like a diversified portfolio. Schedule time for your partner and for yourself — your identity matters. I try to schedule a monthly date night with my husband and a monthly self-care evening (e.g., facial, massage, etc)
• One habit that keeps you grounded: Daily time outdoors, even 10 minutes, to recharge and reset
• One word to describe Forté: Community