Women@BCG

When Oya Houalla joined Boston Consulting Group’s Doha office in September 2024, the move carried personal meaning. Although Lebanese, she had spent most of her life between the US and Switzerland. Returning to the Middle East felt like reconnecting with a part of herself while stepping into a new chapter professionally. What stood out immediately was the office’s culture. “When I first arrived in Doha, I didn’t know anyone, but within weeks the BCG office made me feel genuinely at home,” she shares. The Doha team’s smaller size created a close-knit environment where colleagues quickly became friends. Many had relocated from different parts of the world, which created a shared sense of starting fresh together. That sense of community shaped her first year at BCG. The work itself pushed her in new ways. Every project meant navigating unfamiliar industries, new clients, and different teams. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned at BCG is how to become comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Oya says. Through that constant reset, she strengthened her analytical and communication skills, learned how to operate under pressure, and gained early exposure to CEO-level workshops and discussions. One project, in particular, left a lasting impression. Supporting a major energy client on a strategy introduced her to the full oil and gas value chain. A remote visit to one of the client’s oil fields gave her a firsthand look at the scale and complexity of upstream operations, an experience that deepened her interest in the Energy practice and sparked curiosity far beyond the strategic side of the work. What keeps her motivated day to day is simple: the people. “Every day brings an opportunity to collaborate closely with clients, tackle complex challenges, and contribute real value,” she says. She values the opportunity to work on projects that increasingly move beyond strategy into implementation and execution across the Middle East, allowing teams to see the direct impact of their work. Along the way, strong mentorship made a difference too. She credits Stephanie Aoun, Principal in BCG’s Middle East Energy practice, as one of the leaders who shaped her experience most. Oya admires her ability to combine rigor and expertise with kindness and approachability, even while leading demanding projects. Outside work, Oya spends her time running and hiking. Since moving to Doha, long runs along the Corniche and West Bay have become part of her routine as she trains for the Doha Marathon next year.

Most people don’t start their careers knowing exactly where they’ll end up. Jenny lizeth Cortes vargas has embraced that uncertainty since joining the BCG Bogotá office in 2022. She began in Compliance, building a strong foundation in processes and controls. By October 2023, she stepped into a Business Specialist and Partner role, working more closely with teams and contributing to decisions in real time. “My journey at BCG has been very dynamic and full of growth,” she says. “Each step has pushed me to learn, adapt, and grow professionally.” What has shaped her journey: Working across teams and supporting decision-making processes Taking on an enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation as a Team Champion, with time on the ground in London and Brazil 🌍 Staying curious, especially in areas like AI where continuous learning matters One key experience for Jenny was the ERP implementation. “It was very enriching,” she reflects. “I was able to be actively involved in driving change and supporting teams through the transition.” Jenny also points to the people around her. “My biggest supporters have been my team and leaders. Being surrounded by people who share knowledge and drive innovation has been fundamental,” she says. Outside of work, she finds her reset outdoors, walking, biking, and staying active with her dog. Her experience offers a clear takeaway: Progress often starts before you feel fully ready.

“My journey at BCG has been defined by growth.” April James didn’t just grow in her role. She grew with the office, the team, and the community around her. She joined BCG’s Nexus Atlanta office in 2020 when it still felt like a start-up. In those early days, she supported Project Leaders and grew alongside the office as it expanded. Over time, her role evolved to supporting Managing Director and Partners, and eventually into an Administrative Services Manager role, where she was able to #mentor others and help shape the experience of new team members. Along the way, she became deeply involved in building office culture through onboarding, #learning and development, and community initiatives. “That evolution allowed me to progress… where I could give back by mentoring others and supporting their development.” At the beginning of the new year, April stepped into a new chapter as an Operations Manager for the Atlanta Inverto office, once again in “start-up mode.” She is helping build scalable processes as the business grows. “I’m constantly building my understanding of how we work, sell, and create value, and that continuous learning is what keeps the role exciting for me” she shares. Outside of work, she is embracing a different kind of growth. Despite being afraid of heights, April recently took up rock climbing. “The fear remains, but at least I’m embracing it.” Throughout her journey, one thing has remained constant: support. From her mentor, Jade Maxie, who interviewed her on day one, to the Nexus and Inverto teams, April credits her #growth to her colleagues who continue to encourage and guide her.

Meet Carole LEGAY, a BCGer for 10 years. She joined as an apprentice in the recruitment team. Today, she serves as an HR Admin Manager, leading a team of three and shaping the daily experience of colleagues across the office. “My journey at BCG has been very rewarding,” she reflects. “Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people, which has been incredibly enriching both professionally and personally.” Along the way, she has expanded her role while building relationships that extend beyond work. At the center of her approach is a strong sense of #connection. “What I enjoy most is the role of trusted point of contact that I build with all employees across the office,” she explains. Her work brings her into contact with people across teams, where listening and consistency matter. “Being able to listen, support, and create connections is what motivates me on a daily basis.” One initiative stands out in her journey. “The implementation and development of document digitalization tools was a real success,” she says. Moving from paper-based processes to digital ways of working helped modernize operations and proved essential during the COVID period. Her experience is also shaped by the #culture around her. “What I particularly appreciate at BCG is the strong team cohesion, the respect between colleagues, as well as the diversity of profiles and backgrounds,” she notes. Shared moments, from internal events to sports initiatives, continue to strengthen those bonds. Behind her journey is a #network of colleagues, managers, and mentors who have supported her development and trusted her to grow.

For Sarah Oden connection has always been at the center of her journey, bringing together people, perspectives, and opportunities across offices and regions. Sarah first joined BCG’s #Marketing team in Munich in 2016. After gaining experience outside the firm, including time at BMW and becoming a mother to her two children, Tim and Lilly, she returned to BCG in 2023 to help shape Alumni Relations in Central Europe. Looking back, Sarah describes her return to the firm as something special: “When I left, I was told the doors would always remain open. And they did.” She credits Stefan Wittmann, who hired her twice, with helping make that return possible. After two impactful years back in Munich, Sarah transferred to the Cairo office, bringing together personal roots and professional opportunity. Being half Egyptian, the move held particular meaning for her: “It has always been a dream of mine to come to Cairo not as a visitor, but as someone who lives here.” Today, she leads Marketing in Egypt and Alumni Relations across Africa, contributing to strengthening BCG’s presence and impact across the MEA region. For Sarah, the most rewarding aspects of her role come down to two things: people and #impact. Her superpower is connecting people. She believes deeply in the power of relationships and in bringing the right people together. Over time, she has built a broad network across offices and communities, connecting people and perspectives to unlock opportunities and strengthen #collaboration. Throughout her journey at BCG, several people have had a lasting impact and continue to do so. · Pia Tischhauser (BCG Alumna, Member of the Board of Directors, Swiss Re), whose warmth in leadership sets a standard Sarah strives to live up to · Kirsten Lange (BCG Alumna, Multiple Board Member), who demonstrates through her actions what true empowerment really looks like · Barbara N. Naef (Head of Marketing Switzerland, BCG), who quickly became a trusted mentor and close friend · Paula Youens (Head of Marketing Africa, BCG), who proves that people-centred leadership makes all the difference · Bassem Fayek (Office Lead Cairo, BCG), who inspires with big visions, bold ideas, and a relentless drive to make things happen Her advice to others is simple: “Invest in strong relationships, stay open to unexpected opportunities, and follow what feels right to you.”

From Finance Analyst to Finance Manager in seven years, MBA Hermon Menghisteab, MBA’s journey at BCG is a story of continuous growth, partnership, and impact. Over time, her role evolved from building foundational financial skills to partnering closely with senior stakeholders. With each step, her perspective and responsibility expanded. "The journey has been one of continuous #learning and growth, and I’m proud of how much responsibility and perspective I’ve gained along the way," she shares. For Hermon, the most rewarding part of her role is seeing the real #impact behind the numbers. "It’s rewarding to know that the analysis we provide helps drive both client impact and internal performance," she says. Hermon also values the partnership aspect of her work. Collaborating with case teams, practice leaders, and operations colleagues means constant exposure to new ideas and different parts of the business. "Working closely with case teams, practice leaders, and operations colleagues means I’m constantly learning about different parts of the #business,” she says. In addition to her core responsibilities, Hermon shares that the Dallas office plays a big role in keeping her work both engaging and energizing. Support has played a key role in her journey. From managers who are intentional about feedback and stretch opportunities to family and friends who provide perspective and encouragement, Hermon emphasizes the importance of having people in your corner. Outside of work, she prioritizes balance and new experiences. "My favorite adventure outside of work is traveling to a new country and or city," she says. Whether exploring somewhere new or spending quality time with loved ones, stepping away allows her to return recharged and focused.

Seven years ago, Hayley King began her journey at BCG on the admin team in Nexus Atlanta, BCG’s innovation-focused delivery center that brings together digital, marketing, and operations talent to support client work and firm initiatives. Today, she serves as a Change and Communications Senior Specialist on the Global Digital Marketing Team. Her path is a testament to #growth, adaptability, and the power of community. “My experience at BCG has been shaped by the people I’ve worked with and the different perspectives I’ve been exposed to,” Hayley shares. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn from teams across regions and functions, which has expanded how I think about the work.” Starting in Nexus gave her more than operational experience. It built a lasting foundation. “It helped me build a strong foundation in how the firm operates and allowed me to form relationships that I still value more than seven years later,” she reflects. As her career evolved, so did the scope of her impact. One standout moment was supporting the evolution of BCG's website, including the rollout of a refreshed #UX and #UI design. “I was especially proud to support the evolution of BCG's website,” she says. “Seeing how that process comes together across teams and functions was both interesting and rewarding.” The experience deepened her understanding of how BCG’s brand shows up in #digital spaces and reinforced the importance of #collaboration. What continues to inspire her most is teamwork. “What I find most rewarding is collaborating with teams that are willing to work through challenges together and focus on moving things forward.” Behind her success is a network of supporters. “I’m deeply grateful to the senior leaders and peers who have consistently taken the time to share their insight, offer guidance, and support my growth,” Hayley says. “Their generosity with their time and energy has meant a great deal to me.” Hayley’s story is a reminder that growth is built through relationships, curiosity, and the courage to embrace new #opportunities.

From summer intern to Project Leader, Lisa Yang’s BCG journey spans ten years of exploration across industries, topics, and different versions of herself. She began in Financial Institutions and later made a defining move to Health Care, exploring its intersection with health insurance. Bringing her background in #AI, digital transformation, sales management, and organizational change into a new space wasn’t just a career shift. It was intentional. “Bringing my experience into a new space was more than a career move. It was a conscious step toward broader impact,” Lisa shares. “BCG has given me both the platform and the trust to grow beyond boundaries.” What Lisa values most is the spirit of partnership that defines her work. “I value the sense of standing shoulder to shoulder with others, working with smart, genuine colleagues to find clarity in complexity and inspire each other to reach new heights,” she says. As a Project Leader, she engages directly with senior leaders at pivotal moments, helping them navigate both #ambition and uncertainty. “We don’t just give advice. We co-create change.” Lisa’s superpower? Perception. “My superpower lies in perception,” she explains. “What I once saw as sensitivity has become a leadership asset. It allows me to understand people’s motivations and emotions deeply.” Whether with clients or teams, she listens for what isn’t always said, focusing not only on outcomes, but on growth. “To me, true #leadership comes from helping others believe in their own potential and grow stronger along the way.” Outside of work, Lisa balances intensity with creativity. A lifelong artist with a dual degree in Finance and Art, she continues to paint and create illustrations, including for BCG recruiting initiatives. “Painting slows me down and reconnects me with imagination,” she says. “That blend of logic and creativity is my favorite kind of adventure.” Her story is a reminder that leadership is not about choosing between strength and sensitivity or logic and creativity. It is about embracing all of who you are.

At the BCG Global Services Delhi office, there is a focus on creating spaces where women in technology do not just exchange ideas, they build conviction, community, and visible pathways to leadership. Hosted by Shipra Mehrotra, Global IT Platform Management Director and Global Services Delhi Women in Tech Hub Lead, the first Women Leadership Circle of the year brought together women #leaders shaping enterprise platforms at global scale. In the spirit of International Women’s Day, the conversation felt especially timely, highlighting the impact of women leading at the forefront of #technology and enterprise transformation. Beyond hosting, Shipra actively participated in the dialogue, engaging with the speakers, sharing her own leadership journey, and offering candid reflections from her experience building and leading global platforms. In conversation with Ankitha Garapati, Senior Director, Global Platform Management, and Kirsten McGlone, Senior Director, Global Product Portfolio Lead, the session unpacked what high impact leadership really looks like inside complex enterprise environments, and what it takes to grow into it. Three ideas stood out: 🔹 Clarity is a force multiplier. In complex systems, everyone can add detail. Leaders create impact by simplifying it, clearly defining the problem, why it matters, and the value it unlocks. 🔹Technical depth must translate to enterprise value. Great leaders zoom in and zoom out. They connect architecture to strategy, and execution to impact. 🔹Innovation requires discipline. Not every challenge needs a “shiny bridge.” Scalable solutions start with asking: Why this? Why now? For whom? Equally powerful was the candor around growth, navigating self-doubt, balancing #ambition, asking for support, and choosing progress over perfection. Because leadership does not scale in isolation. It compounds when shared.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women of BCG. We also celebrate you — the leaders, mentors, entrepreneurs, parents, colleagues, and allies in our global community who expand opportunities for others every day In this message, our Global Chief People Officer, Alicia Pittman, reflects on this year’s theme, Give to Gain — and what it asks of all of us. Progress does not happen in isolation. It is built when we invest in one another and create environments where every person has the opportunity to grow and thrive. Thank you for the role you play across every space where you lead and contribute. #IWD2026