Simon Success Stories
A seasoned healthcare executive and advocate for women in leadership, Dorothy Coleman, has spent 40 years improving access, affordability, and quality across top firms. A proud Simon alumna, she also founded the Simon Women’s Alliance, supporting women and allies through scholarships, mentorship, and global engagement.
What led you to pursue an MBA at Simon?
I had initially chosen the CPA route early in my career, but I always wanted an MBA. By the time I was CFO at Excellus, I’d hit a high point in my career and was looking for a new challenge. I chose Simon because of its strong reputation and rigorous program. Learning with classmates from such diverse backgrounds really opened my eyes beyond healthcare.
How did Simon shape your approach to leadership and financial management?
While my leadership foundation was already strong, Simon gave me a chance to see challenges from multiple industry angles. Revisiting financial basics and hands-on analytical exercises, like regression analysis, gave me a deeper appreciation for the work my teams did. It reinforced something that I’ve always strongly believed in: thoughtful listening, paired with asking the right questions, is critical at the executive level.
What lessons from your career stand out most?
In healthcare, I was deeply committed to making care more affordable, accessible, and high-quality. One thing people often don’t realize is that the administrative costs of denying claims can actually outweigh the savings. Each denial triggers a cascade of work—appeals, reviews, reprocessing—which consumes both time and resources. By understanding these financial implications, I could pinpoint inefficiencies and find ways to improve patient outcomes while also managing costs more effectively. I’m also especially proud of creating women’s leadership groups at several organizations. It was important to me that women had both the support and the voice they needed at the table, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see those groups continue to thrive and empower others.
Can you tell us about your involvement with the Simon Women’s Alliance?
When I joined Simon, I quickly realized there wasn’t a dedicated women’s alumni network—and I knew that was a missed opportunity. I went to Dean Andrew Ainslie and said, “Let’s start one.” I drafted the charter and bylaws, took care of the initial groundwork, and guided the launch. It was exciting, but also a lot of work, and there were a few bumps along the way as we got it off the ground.
Today, the Simon Women’s Alliance is thriving. It has an endowment, supports scholarships, and actively engages women and ally alumni all over the world. Seeing it grow into a self-sustaining network that empowers us, connects alumni, and provides meaningful support to students is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I helped create something with lasting impact for generations to come is a real highlight of my career.
Why do you give back to Simon?Simon provided opportunities I couldn’t have imagined—international immersions in Switzerland and China, access to leaders, and a network that lasts a lifetime. Staying connected allows me to support current students and alumni and help remove barriers for women pursuing their education and careers. Giving back feels both natural and necessary. Any advice for current Simon students and alumni?Start building your network early and actively maintain it. Mentorship and connections require effort, but the payoff lasts your entire career. Treat it as a two-way relationship—listen, ask questions, and be respectful of others’ time. | 
"The bonds I formed and the opportunities Simon offered continue to shape my life today."
—Dorothy Coleman ’16S (MBA) |
Looking back, what makes you most proud of your Simon experience?
Beyond academics, Simon taught me resilience, leadership, and the power of community. During my MBA, I faced a serious health challenge with a colon cancer diagnosis. The encouragement and support I received—from Dean Ainslie, faculty, and my classmates—made it possible to continue and complete the program. The bonds I formed and the opportunities Simon offered continue to shape my life today.