When Wallace Gundy reflects on her MBA journey at the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School, one word comes to mind: transformational. From the moment she was named a Forté Fellow, Wallace knew she was part of something bigger than herself — a community of ambitious, mission-driven women determined to lead with confidence and purpose.
Finding Belonging Through Forté and Paying It Forward
“Being a Forté Fellow was both an honor and a source of community during my MBA,” Wallace shares. “It reminded me that I wasn’t on this journey alone and that I belonged in the room.” Surrounded by peers who inspired her to aim higher, she found strength in the collective energy of women committed to changing the face of leadership.
That sense of belonging and empowerment motivated Wallace to become a donor to Forté. “Forté invested in me at a pivotal moment in my life, and I wanted to pay that forward,” she explains. The fellowship opened doors financially, professionally, and personally. Supporting Forté is her way of ensuring other women have access to the same opportunities that shaped her own path.
Growth and Resilience at Simon
Wallace’s MBA experience was nothing short of life-changing. “It completely transformed my career path and fundamentally shaped my way of thinking and problem solving,” she says. At Amazon — where ambiguity is the norm — she relies daily on the analytical and leadership toolkit she built at Simon. The program pushed her outside her comfort zone, teaching her resilience, self-advocacy, and the ability to thrive in diverse teams.
Coming from an undergraduate background in English and Classics at the University of Virginia, Wallace embraced the unfamiliar territory of Simon’s quantitative courses. “I took on leadership opportunities outside of the classroom that were just as valuable as the classwork, and learned how to lead with empathy and clarity,” she recalls. Balancing academics, community involvement, and recruiting proved to her that she could succeed in demanding environments.
I took on leadership opportunities outside of the classroom that were just as valuable as the classwork, and learned how to lead with empathy and clarity.”
Rewarding Work at Amazon
Since completing her MBA, Wallace has thrived at Amazon, where she manages product quality and commercialization for Private Brands. “The most rewarding part of my career has been tackling complex problems with teammates across the world,” she says. While the scale of her work is enormous, she finds the deepest fulfillment in mentoring others. “Creating space for others to succeed is the part of my work that excites me the most.”
Creating space for others to succeed is the part of my work that excites me the most.”
Investing in Women, Building Stronger Futures
Wallace encourages women who may feel hesitant about pursuing an MBA to trust themselves. “An MBA isn’t just a degree. It’s a confidence booster, a network builder, and a door-opener. If you’re considering it, go for it.” For her, inclusive leadership is a daily practice rooted in curiosity and empathy. “It means creating space where people feel heard, respected, and valued. It’s about listening, embracing different perspectives, and making sure everyone has a voice.”
Wallace is passionate about advancing women’s leadership and business education. “Investing in women’s leadership isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart business decision,” she emphasizes. Diverse leaders drive innovation, resilience, and stronger alignment with the communities they serve. “When we invest in women, we’re investing in stronger businesses, healthier communities, and more equitable economic growth. And as someone who has benefited from that investment, I know firsthand how transformational it can be.”
