Pillars of WIB

Professional
Education
Social
Philanthropic

Mission

1. Market to attract non-CSOM
2. Extend community impact beyond U of M
3. Pursue innovative ideas and events
4. Strengthen corporate relationships
5. Continue to build and maintain an educational environment, to prepare members for future

Women in Business is a student organization at the Carlson School of Management that is dedicated to bringing together business professionals and students of all majors to network and learn about pertinent topics within business. Women in Business holds speaker meetings twice a month on a variety of topics, has monthly volunteer and social events, and a signature networking event once per semester. Women in Business is for the student who wishes to grow personally and professionally through invaluable networks and friends as well as the business professional who wishes to give back to the Twin Cities community and help develop its future business leaders.

History

Pioneering Year 2004-2005: What once started as an idea, soon became a series of planning meetings among a network of students within the dormitories of the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2004. After the proposal for Women in Business was approved by the Business Board, WIB kicked off events as a new organization in the spring semester of 2005. Events included a Business Fashion Show during Business Week and a self defense class with the UMPD.

2005-2006: In its first official year, WIB grew to 65 members that comprised 8% of the undergraduate women class. The year's events included holding our first Speed Networking Event, raking leaves for the elderly, and attending ComedySportz.

2006-2007: During its second official year, membership expanded to over 100 students. Women in Business also tripled its corporate sponsorship and created an Advisory Board. In addition to many exciting speakers, WIB held two Speed Networking events, put on a Family Fued game during Business Week and volunteered at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, the Ronald McDonald House, and Habitat for Humanity.

2007-2008: During its third year WIB grew to 170 members and became one of the largest students organizations at Carlson. WIB went to Lake Minnetonka to host its fall networking event and then headed inland to downtown Minneapolis for the spring networking event. It continued to host great speakers, social events, volunteer events, and raised $5000 through the Dream Date for Hope event for the Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation.

2008-2009: WIB's fourth year brought a total of 182 members into the organization officially making WIB the largest student group in Carlson. WIB transitioned into a Campus Life Organization--becoming an official entity of the University of Minnesota. During the fall, WIB hosted its first Leadership Conference inviting professionals and WIB members from neighboring schools. The Dream Date for Hope fundraiser became part of Business Week and raised a total of $5600. In addition, the WIBuddies program was re-launched connecting returning Wibbers with new members.