When Tricia Osolin, University of Chicago (Booth School of Business) ‘14, made the leap from Hollywood creative campaigns to business school, she wasn’t just changing industries — she was challenging expectations. “Going back to school for an MBA was not the norm,” she recalls. “Most people at my agency asked, ‘Why would you want to go back to school?’” That moment of doubt could have derailed her plans. Instead, becoming a Forté Fellow gave her the affirmation she needed. “It was the vote of confidence that helped concrete my decision to pursue that original goal.”
As President and Founder of RedMark Group, Tricia brings together creative vision and analytical rigor to shape impactful strategies. Her MBA didn’t just open doors — it gave her the structure and credibility to launch a company that helps organizations build brand narratives rooted in data and purpose. “Pairing creativity with analysis has been transformative,” she says. “It continues to shape how I build and grow today.”
Since 2018, Tricia has been paying it forward by supporting Forté. “Being a Forté Fellow was both meaningful and motivating,” she shares. “Supporting Forté now is my way of helping another woman experience that same encouragement and opportunity.”
Now part of the Forté 500 community — a network of senior women leaders — Tricia is energized by the chance to connect across industries and experiences. “There’s real energy in learning from each other at this stage of our careers,” she says. “We’ve walked different paths but share a common commitment to leadership and impact.”
Supporting Forté now is my way of helping another woman experience that same encouragement and opportunity.”
Why Tricia Believes in Investing in Women’s Leadership and Business Education
For Tricia, investing in women’s leadership isn’t just a professional imperative — it’s a personal and societal one. “When women have the right resources, relationships, and support,” she shares, “we’re able to grow in our careers in the same way we’re encouraged to grow in every other part of our life.” But unlike personal milestones that are often celebrated and supported, career growth — especially for women — can be met with resistance or isolation. That’s why organizations like Forté matter.
Tricia emphasizes that when women are empowered in their careers, the impact doesn’t stay confined to the workplace. “That growth doesn’t stay neatly in the work box of our life,” she says. “It spills over.” For her, professional development has enriched every dimension of her life — from family to community to personal confidence. The transformation is holistic, and it’s contagious.
She captures this beautifully with a simple metaphor: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” When one woman rises, she brings others with her — colleagues, friends, family, and future leaders. That’s the power of investing in women’s education and leadership: it’s not just about individual success, but about collective elevation.
🎥 Watch Tricia share more in her own words:
If You’re Considering Supporting Forté…
Tricia’s advice is clear: start with the impact. “I would probably share my personal experience and why I found Forté to be really unique and special,” she says. What stood out most to her was the organization’s specificity and intentionality — supporting women at every stage of their career journey.
From exploring the MBA path as someone from a non-traditional industry, to connecting with peers during her program, to launching her career post-MBA, and now thriving as a senior leader — Forté has been there. “I didn’t know the support I would need,” Tricia reflects, “but Forté already saw those steps on the journey and was intentionally crafting elements for them.”
That longevity and foresight, she says, is what makes Forté exceptional. “Individuals can both provide value and receive value across their career journey.” Supporting Forté means investing in a continuum of growth — for one woman, and for many.
🎥 Watch Tricia share more in her own words:
On Inclusive Leadership and Authenticity
Tricia’s leadership philosophy is deeply inclusive. “It’s about meeting people where they are and inviting them to bring their whole selves forward,” she explains. “True inclusion isn’t just about making room — it’s about engaging with humility, treating others with dignity, and lifting people forward with both truth and compassion.”
True inclusion isn’t just about making room — it’s about engaging with humility, treating others with dignity, and lifting people forward with both truth and compassion.”
That ethos has only deepened since becoming a parent. “If my baby can read whether I’m calm or chaotic from across the room, then teams can too,” she laughs. “Turns out modeling the mood matters more than I realized.” For Tricia, leadership is legacy — and legacy begins with presence.
When asked how she blends career, family, and passion, Tricia offers a refreshingly honest answer: “I’m learning. Growing in this.” She likens authenticity to system integrity — being accurate, trustworthy, and consistent across all states. “The values I bring to client work are the same ones I bring home to family dinner,” she says. “That consistency makes blending feel natural instead of forced.”
Her favorite analogy? Technology. “If your iPhone, computer, tablet, and watch aren’t synced, things get confusing fast. But when they’re in harmony, everything works more smoothly. That’s how I think about authenticity across the ‘versions’ of myself.”
Tricia’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about fitting a mold — it’s about forging your own path with clarity, courage, and compassion.
