Congratulations & Welcome!

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

Since its inception in 2015, the ROMBA Fellowship has grown to include 50+ top business schools from around the world. This competitive scholarship is awarded to MBA students who are committed to building and strengthening communities of leadership, inclusion, and belonging within business education that advance equity for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

In addition to the financial support awarded by participating schools, ROMBA Fellows become part of a strong and diverse business network.  Opportunities and benefits are designed to elevate Fellows to our corporate  partners and connect them with other Fellows and our larger network of 15,000+ peers and alumni. These opportunities extend beyond their campus and allow Fellows to develop as leaders in business who advance equity and belonging during their MBA studies and throughout their professional careers.

If you have any questions, email Nick Bailey at nbailey@reachingoutmba.org.

*Reaching Out MBA uses the “+” as part of LGBTQ+ to intentionally embrace all individuals regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation who are working towards building communities of inclusion, respect, and belonging.

BENEFITS OF THE FELLOWSHIP

  • Incoming Fellows will be invited to a weekend retreat in Philadelphia, PA on the weekend of July 24-26, 2026.*
  • Priority consideration for a variety of leadership roles including opportunities to organize a major national Reaching Out event.
  • Priority consideration for our summer treks program.
  • Free registration for the ROMBA Conference.
  • Exclusive Fellows Reception and educational programming at the ROMBA Conference

*Reaching Out pays for hotel lodging for all Fellows attending the Fellowship Retreat. Fellows are responsible for their own transportation costs. Student access funds are made available for Fellows that require financial assistance to attend the retreat.

2026 Reaching Out MBA Events

The 29th ROMBA Conference –  October 1-3 in Dallas

Our flagship event, the ROMBA Conference is the largest gathering of LGBTQ+* MBA students and professionals in the world.

We come together to learn, connect, have fun, and be inspired. There are also great opportunities to recruit with our 50+ corporate partners looking specifically for LGBTQ+ talent, attend skill-building workshops, and network with peers. 

If you’d like to learn about opportunities to lead a content session at ROMBA, email Nick Bailey at nbailey@reachingoutmba.org.

HIGHLIGHTS  

  • Thirty panels and workshops focused on MBA related industries and leadership skills 
  • Plenary sessions with senior level Speakers, Social Advocates, Celebrities, and esteemed ROMBA Alumni 
  • Career Expo with 50+ Corporate Partners recruiting for internships and full time employment 
  • Networking Receptions and other Social Activities
  • Competitions with $20,000 up for grabs!

Club Leadership Summit

Reaching Out works with over 50 LGBTQ+ MBA clubs in North America and Europe. Each April, we bring together the rising club leaders for a day-long Summit designed to connect each schools’ leaders, develop their plans for the next school year, and teach them best practices for running a LGBTQ+ MBA club. You will be invited to attend the Summit in the spring if your first or second year.

 

 

 

 

ROMBA Fellowship Retreat – July 24-26, 2026, Philadelphia

Each summer, the incoming Fellowship cohort gathers for a retreat to build their LGBTQ+ network, develop leadership skills by working with our corporate partners, network with ROMBA alumni, and learn how Reaching Out can support their careers both while in school and post-MBA. 

Programming will take place on Friday evening and all day Saturday with anticipated travel to take place Friday morning and Sunday afternoon.

 

Summer Treks – June & July 2026

As an incoming MBA student, you will be invited to visit a host of companies over two days to learn about a specific industry, get a feel for each company’s culture, and hear from current employees and recruiters.

All 2026 Summer Trek dates & locations will be finalized soon.

Applications open in April and will be available at  www.reachingoutmba.org/summer-treks

ROMBA Fellowship FAQs

What financial assistance does Reaching Out provide for Fellows?

The Fellowship Retreat

Reaching Out pays for hotel lodging for all Fellows attending the Fellowship Retreat. For the retreat, Fellows are responsible for their own transportation costs. Funding is made available for Fellows that require financial assistance to attend the retreat. Many of our Fellowship schools can provide travel assistance for the retreat, so we ask that you inquire with your school prior to applying for funding assistance from Reaching Out.

 

Other Reaching Out Events

As a ROMBA Fellow, you receive complimentary registration to the ROMBA Conference. Reaching Out does not provide hotel rooms for Fellows for any events aside from the Fellowship Retreat. If you need travel assistance for any of these events and your school is unable to provide funding, you are welcome to apply to the James Robertson Student Access Fund for assistance.