A peer-to-peer discussion with the Founder and President of One League.

🎙️Research shows that Ivy league admissions largely exclude talent from underserved backgrounds and socioeconomically challenged circumstances, with only three percent of students from families in the lowest income quartile. Umaimah Mendro, President and Founder of the global education institution One League is leading a charge to change that, starting with three world-class universities: Harvard, Stanford and MIT.

“There is incredible talent that is all around the world, in millions, who deserve a spot at a top institution that provides life changing opportunities, not just education, who today don't have that access, and so that's what [One League] set out to change.”

Mendro was inspired to create One League from her own experience. Growing up in Pakistan, her family was displaced by a military coup while she was a girl. As a result, she did not have access to proper education throughout her middle and high school years. Through grit and determination and studying on her own, Mendro eventually came to the United States, attending Cornell and later Harvard Business School. She credits the world-class education she received as life transforming, and now seeks to open those doors and lower the barriers for others to do the same.

Through unprecedented strategic partnerships with these elite universities and global industry leaders, One League has now served three classes of graduate students from 50 countries. The program is a two-year, 100% online MBA degree, including one year of live, synchronous case study-based Harvard curriculum and a choice between a data science or an entrepreneurship and innovation concentration for the second year. Students have the flexibility to take courses in modules, so they can self-pace and work while they pursue their degree.

This disruptive business model is a novel way to lift those with high potential who may not otherwise be at the table, giving them opportunities, mentorship and a high value network. The top goal for Mendro, at the end of the day, is to touch as many lives as possible and help talented individuals create impact of their own.

Episode 65 gives us insights into the power of online education and partnerships that not only can drive a brand in a positive way but also expand the reach of opportunities elite universities and business programs can provide when they think outside of the box.

#MBA #IvyLeague #onlineeducation #podcast #DeansCounsel

Photos courtesy of Umaimah Mendhro.

Read more about Umaimah Mendhro here.