Nefé ETOMI
I joined the Melan-In@HEC movement because black (and African) women have been underrepresented in almost every area of life for too long. My time spent at HEC doing my MBA were some of the best moments of my life. I found my voice, my worldview was expanded and I pushed myself to become a better person and now feel more equipped to be a leader. More women like me should be able to have this opportunity as well, to make their voices heard and to make a difference in their lives and that of others.
I’m a broke-ass post-MBA student who has quite a bit of time for application assistance and quite the network in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and a little in Kenya and Ghana as well!
HEC Paris MBA | 2020
Tariro (Tari) MATANGA
I joined the Melan-In@HEC movement because I have always wanted to be part of a movement that encourages black women to fulfill their potential. There needs to be more of us in every room and to be part of meaningful dialogue and decision making processes.
I have recently set up an African based startup with a focus in Zambia and Kenya and therefore I have flexibility of time due to the current pandemic we are experiencing and being a Zimbabwean I have a very strong network in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
HEC Paris MBA | 2019
Barria ACHIMI
Joining the Melan-In@HEC Paris MBA movement was a no-brainer for me. My MBA at HEC allowed me to get my dream job. Considering how empowering an MBA experience can be, and knowing many bad-ass African women, I consider the under-representation of black women in those programs a waste of talents.
Getting more black women to enroll in MBA programs is not about bringing in diversity just for the sake of it: it is about changing the narrative about the black community, and creating a more inclusive society where all talents are valued. The argument for more feminine leadership is not to be made anymore, and if our society is now more aware of gender bias, achieving gender balance is still a challenge. And the current awakening of the world to the plague of racism highlights that Black women are doubly discriminated against as black and as women, when it comes to professional opportunities. Educating more African women leaders is planting the seed for a better future for Africa.
I have a good network in francophone Africa, and I can help increase the visibility of the program. I can also occasionally provide advice for applications.
HEC Paris MBA | 2020
Ibukun ADESANYA
Apart from the academics, one of the most valuable things my MBA experience gave me was a broader perspective. Before I entered the program, I had only a few industries and roles in which I thought I wanted to work. However, after going through the program and seeing the various possibilities, I began exploring more unconventional roles. I am now working in the commercial aerospace industry, an industry that never even crossed my mind pre-MBA! Even better, an industry where I can boost representation for the black women. This is the importance of increasing the number African women in the MBA community. It can have a cascading effect and increase our presence in other, previously thought, exclusive communities.
Although I do not have a strong network in Africa, I can still use my available resources to further the cause. I have a job and I have time to contribute during the admissions process!
HEC Paris MBA | 2020
Eduardo (Edu) ORTIZ
I found my best friend (in what feels like) halfway between Mexico and Nigeria. A big part of my decision to be at HEC Paris was diversity. With a not-too-shabby 93% international student body, the MBA program at HEC is trying to "prepare us to work with people from many different backgrounds and cultures". However, women—and particularly black women—are consistently underrepresented at HEC and at most MBA programs across the world. I joined Melan-In because I want future classes of MBAs to have the opportunity to listen to even more perspectives and benefit from a richer class than the one I benefited from. Hell, I’m just hoping to improve their chances of having a queen for a best friend. I join the movement because I want to amplify my friend’s voices.
HEC Paris MBA | 2020
Cody OVERSTREET
Diversity is the goal, and inclusion is the strategy. With a student body that is 93% international, we know all about diversity. But one thing stands out: where are all our black queens? MBA programs around the world miss out on the leadership and talent that black women bring to the table. We’re looking to flip the script, change the narrative, and carve out more spaces for black women in the boardroom.
As an ally, I’m committed to helping you and the larger HEC community achieve the goal of a more inclusive, diverse student body. I have time, a job in Africa and a network in francophone Africa. Looking forward to starting this adventure with you!
HEC Paris MBA | 2020
Noémie ESCAITH
As a woman, I know that the biggest barrier we have is the one when we convince ourselves that we are not good enough. Sometimes, we’re able to shut up that little voice in our head that is discouraging us by seeing and exchanging with people that are similar to us and have made it work for themselves. I joined Melan-In@HEC because I want to make sure every woman can relate to someone in each batch and find the strength to overcome her self-doubts. Although diversity at HEC Paris is what made my MBA experience so special and enriching, I know there is still a lot that can be done. Improving African women's presence in the program was one of the most obvious one.
I’m willing to contribute with what I have to the cause: time !
HEC Paris MBA | 2020