The Charger Blog

Women in Business Club Fosters Mentorship, Inclusion, and Sense of Belonging

The Women in Business Club is one of the University杏吧原版檚 newest recognized student organizations, and it is already offering students important educational and networking opportunities, regardless of their major or gender identity.

March 24, 2021

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Women in Business club meeting.
The Women in Business Club is one of the University杏吧原版檚 newest recognized student organizations.

Jocelyn Rodrigues 杏吧原版21 MBA is looking forward to graduating from the University of New Haven this spring with her third master杏吧原版檚 degree. She has previously worked around the world 杏吧原版 including in London, Abu Dhabi, and Bangalore 杏吧原版 and her experience taught her the importance of mentorship, diversity, and inclusion.

During her first semester as a Charger, Rodrigues was invited to be part of a new initiative to establish a strong support system for women in the University杏吧原版檚 Pompea College of Business. This resonated with Rodrigues, who was excited about the opportunity to share her experiences, support gender parity, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. That initiative became the University杏吧原版檚 new Women in Business Club, of which she is now president.

杏吧原版淎s someone who strongly believes in continued professional development and who has seen a lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in some workplaces around the world and in society, I wanted to help form an organization that would empower our students, women, and minorities,杏吧原版 she said. 杏吧原版淚t was important for me to help create networking opportunities for students to succeed after graduation.杏吧原版

The Women in Business Club hosted its first event in November.
The Women in Business Club hosted its first event in November.
'Serves as a safe place to learn, grow, and network'

Created as part of the Pompea College of Business杏吧原版檚 focus on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a sense of belonging, the Women in Business Club is open to all students, regardless of their gender identity. A registered student organization, the club already has more than 70 active members, including students of diverse majors and backgrounds.

The Women in Business Club has hosted events for the University community, including 杏吧原版淲omen SOARing in the Modern World杏吧原版 earlier this month. As part of the virtual panel discussion, five successful and inspirational women shared how they have fostered change personally and professionally.

Olivia Jimenez 杏吧原版23, the club杏吧原版檚 vice president of mentorship and collaborations, says that serving as a member of its executive board has been an exciting opportunity that has enabled her to make a meaningful impact on the University community.

Olivia Jimenez 杏吧原版23.
Olivia Jimenez 杏吧原版23.

Finley Chapman 杏吧原版22 is helping to organize the University杏吧原版檚 inaugural Lavender Ceremony, which will honor graduating LGBTQ+ students this spring. A member of the Accessibility Resource Center Task Force he is dedicated to ensuring that the campus is accessible to all Chargers.

杏吧原版淚 believe the Women in Business Club is important to have at the University because the field of business has historically been a predominately male-dominated industry,杏吧原版 said Jimenez, an international business management major. 杏吧原版淭his club creates an environment that fosters understanding of the business world from a female perspective. I hope it serves as a safe place to learn, grow, and network with other women.杏吧原版

杏吧原版楤oosting our students杏吧原版 self-confidence and courage杏吧原版

Being a part of the club has enabled Rodrigues, Jimenez, and their fellow members to interact with and learn from such professors as Candice Deal, Ph.D., assistant dean of the Pompea College of Business; Ceyda Mumcu, Ph.D., associate professor of sport management; Mona Mehrabi, adviser of the University杏吧原版檚 graduate business programs; and Khadija Al Arkoubi, Ph.D., an associate professor of management. Their collaboration has made the club possible.

杏吧原版淢y colleagues and I hope to empower our women to face gender disparities, expand their networking with professionals and business leaders, and develop the necessary skills to be the leaders of tomorrow,杏吧原版 said Dr. Al Arkoubi. 杏吧原版淲e are convinced that boosting our students杏吧原版 self-confidence and courage will enable them to break the glass ceiling and overcome gender inequity. This group of established women faculty has been inspiring to our club members.杏吧原版

The club endeavors to foster the best environment for students to grow, learn, and thrive while supporting them as they embark on and progress in their careers. It has organized events that include everything from a pitch competition to panel discussions.

Alex Flores 杏吧原版22 MPA, who serves as assistant treasurer of the club, says it has offered students an incredible opportunity for personal and professional development.

Alexcia Flores
Alex Flores 杏吧原版22 MPA.

杏吧原版淚 believe it is not only necessary, but incredibly beneficial, to have a place where everyone, no matter your gender or agender identity, can discuss the challenges that individuals face within the workplace,杏吧原版 Flores said. 杏吧原版淚 hope the events and panels we have planned bring forth the ability to engage and the courage to bring it into the workforce, no matter what roles we end up in.杏吧原版

杏吧原版業t offers students a platform杏吧原版

Open to all students, regardless of their gender identity, the Women in Business Club aims to foster diversity, inclusion, and education, as well as an environment in which members can feel comfortable connecting, engaging in discussion, and learning from each other.

Emily Watkins 杏吧原版24, a finance major, is treasurer of the club. She is grateful for the opportunities she杏吧原版檚 already had as a member of the club, and she hopes it will inspire her classmates as they prepare to embark on their careers.

Emily Watkins 杏吧原版24.
Emily Watkins 杏吧原版24.

杏吧原版淚t offers students a platform to talk about how to break through the arbitrary limits in society and soar in today杏吧原版檚 business environment,杏吧原版 she said. 杏吧原版淚t provides networking opportunities and an open forum for support and inclusion during a time when diversity is a prominent issue worldwide. I hope it encourages students to know that they can do anything if they work together."

For Kiana White 杏吧原版24, serving as the club杏吧原版檚 secretary has been an invaluable learning experience. She is building important skills and helping to create a lasting legacy at the University.

Kiana White 杏吧原版24.
Kiana White 杏吧原版24.

杏吧原版淚 consider my responsibilities as secretary to be of great importance,杏吧原版 said White, a business management major. 杏吧原版淚 want to leave a long-term structure for the Women in Business Club as a whole and for the next e-board member who will assume my role. I hope to gain more knowledge and build personal connections with my fellow e-board members, club members, and special guests. Not only do I represent the Women in Business Club, but I also represent the students who are eager to bring forth change.杏吧原版

杏吧原版榃e want this club to empower students杏吧原版

For Tanu Sharma 杏吧原版22 MBA, being a part of the club is personal. Having worked as a journalist and television news producer in India, she has addressed issues such as women杏吧原版檚 health and safety, gender bias, and literacy. She also created an international documentary focused on the gender pay gap, which highlighted inspirational women in the entertainment industry who have encouraged and mentored other women.

Tanu Sharma 杏吧原版22 MBA.
Tanu Sharma 杏吧原版22 MBA.

杏吧原版淚 am extremely delighted to be a part of the Women in Business Club,杏吧原版 said Sharma, the club杏吧原版檚 vice president of operations and communications. 杏吧原版淚t shares the vision I have had since I started my work in India, and it gives me an opportunity to support, promote, empower, and recognize women in business. My mission is to empower women regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.杏吧原版

Rodrigues, the club杏吧原版檚 president, hopes it will continue to grow and be a lasting source of support and encouragement for all students at the University.

杏吧原版淭he Women in Business Club hopes to provide a platform for students to discuss issues regarding gender and equality without the fear of judgement,杏吧原版 said Rodrigues, who has accepted a full-time position with RB, a multinational consumer goods company. 杏吧原版淚 really hope we can help create a one-on-one mentorship program in which students who are seeking help can receive guidance from a mentor in their field of study.

杏吧原版淲e want this club to empower students, enable them to discover their goals, and unlock their potential,杏吧原版 she continued. 杏吧原版淲e hope it will provide them with the resources and skills they will need to navigate the workforce and achieve their goals, and to have a positive influence on their communities and on our society.杏吧原版