UNI's Women in Business empowers young women who want to enter the business world

UNI's Women in Business empowers young women who want to enter the business world

College of Business /

Group photo of Women in business MembersWomen in Business (WIB) is one of many student organizations in the College of Business. It was established in December 2014 under the supervision of their first advisor, Katie Hillyer, with the aim of empowering women and promoting gender equality in the business world. Over the years, the club has grown in terms of membership, volunteer involvement, professional connections, and a variety of events. As the club enters its eighth academic year, it continues to provide opportunities for its members to develop professionalism, networking skills, and personal growth.

"Having been a part of Women in Business for several years, I witnessed the club's continued growth,” said Sydney Rhea, president of Women in Business. “According to our club records, we had 36 paid members in the first year of organization, and today we have over 100. Additionally, we've noticed tons of growth in our volunteer involvement, the number of connections we have with professionals, and the versatility of event types we host.”

One of the club's recent initiatives is the Young Women in Leadership Conference, which was hosted on March 9. This conference provides high school students with leadership advice and guidance. The conference has seen tremendous success, with over 250 attendees this year. The conference aims to empower young women and inspire them to become leaders in their communities and future careers. The half-day conference included several keynote speakers, including Katy Susong, Molly Knuth, Heather Bishop and Madilyne Harmston. 

UNI Women in Business has three main areas of focus: professionalism, networking, and development. The club believes that these areas are essential for success in the business world.

Professionalism is a key quality in the workplace, and the club provides numerous opportunities for its members to develop their leadership skills and build confidence in professionalism. This is achieved through various workshops, seminars, and events that cover topics such as public speaking, time management, and effective communication.

Networking is also crucial in the business world, and the club recognizes the importance of creating a community for its members to connect with each other and future employers. The club hosts events that allow members to network with professionals from various industries, such as panel discussions, career fairs, and company visits. The club also offers mentorship opportunities where members can connect with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and support for their future careers.

Personal development is facilitated through workshops covering various skills, such as financial literacy, negotiation skills, and personal branding. These workshops are designed to equip members with the tools they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Over the past eight years, UNI Women in Business has made significant strides and achieved many accomplishments. The club has grown in membership, volunteer involvement, professional connections, and event types. The club's focus on professionalism, networking, and development has provided its members with the necessary tools to succeed in business. Additionally, the club's recent Young Women in Leadership Conference is an excellent example of how the club is dedicated to empowering young women and inspiring them to become leaders. As the club enters its eighth academic year, it is evident that it will continue to play a vital role in developing and empowering young business leaders.