Mia Hawlk is the executive director of MBA programs at the University of Connecticut where she oversees the online, FLEX, and executive MBA degree programs.
In this role, Hawlk led the team in the creation of the online MBA two years ago and this past year, she was at the forefront of redesign for the new UConn FLEX MBA, which will allow students to create a highly customized MBA experience.
Hawlk is actively engaged in the national MBA community and was appointed to the national PMBA/OMBA advisory board in 2020. Hawlk holds a doctorate in educational leadership.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far?
My greatest professional accomplishment has been the redesign of the UConn MBA. In an organization that is inherently traditional, bringing about meaningful change is difficult. Not only have we created a more sustainable MBA, but it is more accessible than ever before.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
I would like to create an MBA scholarship that supports women entrepreneurs. It would help attract talented students who might not otherwise consider an MBA.
MBA students not only increase their own earning potential, but women entrepreneurs are known to create opportunity for others – so the trickle-down impact would be profound.
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
The biggest challenge I have overcome professionally is finding a balance between family and work that feels authentic and sustainable. If things are not going well at home, it’s difficult to concentrate at work.
Admitting and addressing that, especially as a woman, sometimes leaves you vulnerable. Embracing that reality has been one of my greatest challenges, but has had the highest ROI.
What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over?
I want the work I do to help people to live a life that makes them proud. I can do that by ensuring access to our MBA programs through scholarships and instructional design that embraces diversity. I want to leave behind a career that my daughters are proud of.