When Mia Loiferman joined Forté MBALaunch in New York City in 2019, she was looking for guidance on the MBA application process. What she built instead was a lifelong board of directors.
Originally from Brazil, Mia moved to the United States as an exchange student. After earning a scholarship to complete her undergraduate degree in economics at Northeastern University, she chose to stay and build her career in the U.S. Her family had made significant sacrifices to make that opportunity possible, and she felt a deep responsibility to maximize it.
After graduation, Mia joined the United Nations, first as a project coordinator and later as Head of Operations. For nearly five years, she worked on humanitarian and disaster relief initiatives, traveling internationally and operating in mission driven environments. She valued the global exposure and impact, but over time she began to feel she had reached a ceiling.
“I loved the mission and the international exposure,” Mia says. “But I realized I needed stronger analytical and strategic tools to expand my impact and grow professionally.”
Taking the Leap From a Nontraditional Path
MBALaunch gave me clarity on what schools were looking for and how to position my story strategically."
For professionals coming from public service or other nontraditional backgrounds, pursuing an MBA can feel daunting. There is no standard pipeline, no built in playbook, and often no peer group navigating the process at the same time. The decision carries financial risk and requires stepping away from a defined identity.
Mia felt that uncertainty acutely. As an international candidate living in New York, she found the MBA landscape overwhelming and opaque. While researching resources, she discovered Forté and applied to the 2019 MBALaunch cohort in New York City.
MBALaunch provided structure at exactly the right moment. Through weekly programming, the application process was broken down into manageable steps. Sessions covered GMAT strategy, school selection, essay positioning, interview preparation, and scholarship navigation. Just as importantly, the program created accountability. Preparing for standardized exams before and after work is demanding, but showing up weekly for a committed group kept momentum strong.
“The MBA process can feel unclear if you do not come from a traditional business background,” Mia says. “MBALaunch gave me clarity on what schools were looking for and how to position my story strategically.”
Creating a Board of Directors
We supported one another through rejections, negotiations, relocations, and career pivots. Having women who are equally ambitious and genuinely invested in your success is incredibly powerful."
During one MBALaunch webinar, a speaker suggested that women should build their own personal board of directors to guide major life and career decisions. The idea resonated deeply. Mia and five other women in her cohort decided to take that advice seriously.
In 2019, they began meeting regularly across New York City to study for the GMAT before and after work. They exchanged application feedback, discussed consultants and school research, and held each other accountable to deadlines. What began as study sessions evolved into something intentional. They formally created a WhatsApp group and named it “The Board of Directors.”
Four members of the group applied to MBA programs in 2020 and graduated in 2022. Mia applied in 2020, entered Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business in 2021, and graduated in 2023. Another member recently completed her MBA in 2024. Collectively, the group earned admission to institutions including Columbia Business School, Dartmouth Tuck, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, The Wharton School, and Yale School of Management.
Beyond admissions success, the board became a permanent support system. The group has maintained monthly check ins since 2019, discussing compensation negotiations, career decisions, coursework challenges, and long term goals. After the pandemic, they reunited in Miami for a long weekend. More recently, they traveled together to Brazil and continue to meet for lunches in New York whenever possible.
“It has been joyful to watch each of us grow,” Mia reflects. “We supported one another through rejections, negotiations, relocations, and career pivots. Having women who are equally ambitious and genuinely invested in your success is incredibly powerful.”
From Public Service to Economic Consulting
At Tuck, Mia deepened her analytical training and leadership skills. She graduated in 2023 and joined Analysis Group in Boston as an economic consultant, advising clients on complex economic and strategic matters.
Looking back, she sees MBALaunch as more than an admissions program. It was a catalyst for clarity, confidence, and community.
“MBALaunch did not just help me apply to business school,” she says. “It showed me the importance of building a community of women who challenge you, support you, and grow alongside you. The MBA is a degree. The network is for life.”
Advice for Future MBALaunch Participants
Take advantage of every resource. Ask questions. Reach out to alumni. Show up consistently. And consider building your own board of directors."
Mia encourages future participants, especially those from nontraditional paths, to fully engage in the experience.
“Take advantage of every resource. Ask questions. Reach out to alumni. Show up consistently. And consider building your own board of directors. The process is demanding, but you do not have to go through it alone.”
SUPPORT FOR YOUR MBA JOURNEY
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