Former PwC Exec Impacts Leadership Program
Fran Engoron’s passion for developing future business leaders is evident when she speaks of the Mason School’s Leadership Advantage Program (LeAd). Her commitment to the concepts and execution behind the unique program and a desire to perpetuate this resource-intensive and atypical academic experience compelled her to invest $100,000, including a $25,000 matching gift by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
LeAd, a distinctive component in the Mason School MBA education, was designed to prepare students for life after school through individualized assessment and development of their leadership capabilities and competencies. At its core is a two-year partnership forged between a student and an Executive Partner – a volunteer, seasoned business expert who is well qualified to provide one-on-one leadership mentoring that will empower a student to excel on both a personal and professional level. To Engoron, this kind of rare, student-centered opportunity underscores the personalized experience delivered by Mason School.
As a member of the W&M Business School Foundation board since the mid 1990s, Engoron has been involved in and appreciative of the progressive improvements implemented by the School over the last several years, not the least of which is Alan B. Miller Hall, Mason’s new home to be completed in 2009. But, she says, “My passion has always been on the programmatic side where I see the tremendous value of the William & Mary education in play. Programs such as LeAd are groundbreaking – an amazing, unparalleled experience for students, faculty and the School. I wanted to make sure that if I gave a major gift, it would go to support a critical programmatic area.”
A sociology major from the College, Engoron '70 went on to get her Master’s degree in healthcare administration from The George Washington University. She has since enjoyed a career with PricewaterhouseCoopers where she retired as a partner in 2004. She served on both the U.S. and global leadership teams of Price Waterhouse and has over 25 years of client consulting experience with the Firm as well. During her tenure at PwC, she implemented a program similar to LeAd for the Firm’s partners. She also chairs the Board of the Bronx Charter School for the Arts and is able to support use of cultural arts programming to engage children in learning and enrich their lives. Taking that love for creating enrichment and life-changing experiences to the adult level, she serves on the Mason School LeAd advisory board where she values occasions to work with students who are future leading business professionals.
“LeAd is a golden opportunity for Mason students to benefit from rich and deeply personalized assessment and coaching in a risk-free environment,” says Engoron. “It sets them up for success by helping them leverage their strengths and mitigate their shortcomings. It is highly productive for the individual and will be important to their careers. I am pleased to be able to support that and help keep the Mason School at the leading edge of business education.”
