Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

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One of Rotman’s mandates is to empower and support women leaders. The Rotman Morning and Evening MBA is proud to showcase women like Anne Hsieh – a Forte Fellowship recipient and and current student of the Morning MBA at Rotman. Anne sat down with us to share her experience and insight about the program.

Tell us a bit about your academic and professional background. What’s your story?

I am a biomedical engineering graduate from the University of Toronto. My studies had focused on developing biomaterials and microfluidic devices for tissue engineering applications. In my postdoctoral training at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, I had the opportunity to advance head and neck oncology for clinical diagnosis and prognosis with a liquid biopsy sample handling device and digital image analysis algorithms. Currently, I am a research fellow in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine department working on single cell analysis.

What is something that you’ve done in your career that you are particularly proud of? 

I am particularly proud when I know I have planted an inspirational seed in someone’s head. Throughout my professional training/career, I have given biotechnology small talks to elementary students, led a course in summer camp to junior high school students, and ran Engineering Biology tutorials to undergrad students. Throughout each experience, I have an audience that connected with me for topics that inspired them, or for advice to pursue a study/interest along this path.

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at Rotman and what most appealed to you about the Morning MBA format?

I decided to go through the MBA training to expand my knowledge base and gain business acumen to facilitate my work and global views in general. I chose Rotman for its location and excellence in student body, faculty, and supporting staff. The Morning MBA fits in with my work/life balance. I have a job that I love in a field that is thriving and evolving so I do not want to leave my work.

I think other people should know about the quality of Rotman’s student body, which is superb and invaluable

I am a morning person and a mom, so I really enjoy waking up early and in that little period of time for myself, get so much self-development done that just feels so satisfying. The process also prepares getting my mind excited for challenges later in the day.

What is the hardest part of the degree? The most rewarding part?

In my perspective, the hardest part of the degree is forming a holistic view of the materials delivered by Rotman to one’s particular industry. However, once the muscles have been exercised and the analytical/thinking process is done, having that skill set is also the most rewarding part of the degree.

Do you have any advice to other women who are considering their MBA at Rotman?

Have courage, go for what you believe/think is right, strive and flourish. The sense of achievement is extraordinary.

What do you think other people should know about Rotman?

I think other people should know about the quality of Rotman’s student body, which is superb and invaluable thanks to the relatively large application pool and an exceptional admissions committee. Each cohort is composed of self-driven strong performing individuals in a collegial environment.


The Forté Foundation is a consortium of major corporations and top business schools working together to launch women into fulfilling, significant careers through access to business education, opportunities, and a community of successful women. The Forté Fellows Program was created with the intention of increasing the number of women applying to and enrolling in MBA programs by offering fellowships to women. At Rotman over the previous 2 years, over 30 Forté Fellows have been awarded more than $1M in total scholarships. To be considered for a fellowship, you must submit an MBA application – no additional application is required.


To learn more about the Forté Fellowship and the Morning & Evening MBA, contact me-mba@rotman.utoronto.ca.
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© Rotman School of ManagementThe Rotman School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB)