Our Mission
Women in Business at the University of Wisconsin Madison works to create a network of empowered women in business who not only feel supported in their professional development, but personally through a community of other members as well.
Our Values
PROFESSIONALISM - Leadership
inclusivity - Fun
continuous improvement
We strive to offer exceptional opportunities for members to explore their professional interests and learn about what it takes to succeed as a woman in the world of business.
With 31 leadership positions, WIB creates an environment that promotes growth as members can apply to be leaders after just one semester of active membership in the organization.
WIB hopes to create an inclusive environment to ensure everyone feels like a valued part of our community. We focus on bringing on members who are able to add unique perspectives, experiences, and identities to our organization.
WIB strives to continually improve our offerings to make them more relevant to what our members need to succeed. Our two Organizational Analysts dedicate their work to find out how to make WIB better.
While professionalism is our top value, WIB also promotes fun and quality time in social settings with other members through socials, the mentorship program, the banquet, and other internal events.
What We Offer
Women in Business operates on a points based membership system. To retain active membership, members must meet semesterly point requirements to continue their access to the great events our organization offers. Below is a quick glimpse at some of the fun events we offer each semester!
WIB Wednesday company speakers
WIB Wednesdays are our signature events where we bring in inspiring female leaders from major companies to give advice and guidance to our members. These meetings include an overview of the guest company and their job opportunities, a chance for Q&A, and often times and interactive professional development activity. There is also always time for networking following the event, where some members have even made connections that led to job opportunities.
Professional development
WIB offers many professional development opportunities throughout the semester for members to grow their business skills. Our opportunities have ranged from mock interviews and resume editing, to golf lessons and business attire fashion shows. We strive to offer members a range of valuable opportunities that will strengthen their ability to shine in the in the business world.
SOCIALS
While WIB is first and foremost a professional organization, our members like to bond outside of the business school with fun social events. Growing strong personal connections is important for our members, as many are close friends outside of WIB. Activities like painting classes, ice skating, game nights, and workout classes have helped our members destress from schoolwork and grow strong personal bonds.
Fundraisers
Fundraising helps WIB offer the many exciting opportunities our members enjoy at a low cost, and it also helps us promote our mission within the community. WIB is always grateful for support at fundraisers hosted within the community through local restaurants and other opportunities through the School of Business.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Giving back is an important part of WIB, as our members enjoy staying involved in the greater Madison community through volunteering and service. We’ve traveled onsite to volunteer with causes like the Pregnancy Helpline of Madison, decorated lunch bags for the Ronald McDonald House, tied blankets for Domestic Abuse Intervention Services of Madison, and held donation drives for these and many other organizations.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
As the newest branch of WIB, diversity, equity and inclusion strives to not only increase diversity within our organization, but also ensure members are educated on the importance and impact of DEI. This branch works towards providing meaningful opportunities for our members to learn more about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and on campus as well as how they can incorporate these practices into their daily lives.
SUSTAINABILITY
As of the Fall 2023 semester, WIB added a one point requirement for Sustainability. This new branch will include sustainability-focused programming, like speaker events with leaders in sustainability or interactive, service based workshops, or even collaborative events with other branches of the organization.
MENTORSHIP
We have two strands of mentorship within our organization: Internal Mentorship and Professional Mentorship. Our Internal Mentorship program connects new members with a returning member of WIB. To promote bonding, mentor/mentee pairs participate in a couple of fun mentorship events each semester. Our Professional Mentorship program matches a member of WIB with a WIB alumnus. In this program, our members have the opportunity to explore career interests and form a professional connection.
TRIP
Each semester, WIB embarks on a professional development trip to a new city to give members the opportunity to explore new companies and industries they may not have previously considered. Past trips have been to Austin, New York City, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and more! These trips have also helped connect members to companies that do not typically recruit from UW, like Kendra Scott, Inspire Brands, YETI Coolers, and more!
BANQUET
Banquets are the perfect way to close out a successful semester in style! It's a night to bid farewell to our graduating seniors while enjoying delicious food and great company. These events are the perfect occasion to celebrate our organization and reflect on the memories we've made throughout the semester.
WIB WELCOME
WIB Welcome is a great opportunity for new members to jump right into the WIB community! This event is specifically designed for new members to meet and chat with existing members, allowing them to get to know other members, build relationships within the organization, and ask any questions.
PERSONAL BRANDING BOOTCAMP
The PBB is designed to help new members build their personal brand by providing them with invaluable skills and knowledge. New members will learn how to leverage LinkedIn and other sites to showcase their professional achievements and build their network. They'll also gain valuable insights on how to refine their resumes, as well as how to develop strong interviewing skills.
A Note From Our President
“Hello! My name is Olivia Lemanski and I am honored to be the President of Women in Business for the 2024-2025 academic year. I joined WIB my first semester of my freshman year, and would never have dreamed of all the ways it has enriched my life three years later. I am incredibly proud of the talented group of 100+ top female business leaders in our organization, and the community that we have built together. Each member brings unique perspectives, skills, and ambitions that drive us forward and keep our organization’s innovation growing. Our organization strives to provide the tools, resources, and support necessary for all members to chase after their passions and achieve their career goals. As President, I am committed to working alongside the fantastic WIB leadership team to execute top-notch events that strengthen our members’ skills as well as our relationships with one another and alumni. In addition, I am focused on upholding our reputation and maintaining our integrity as a leading business organization. I am proud to represent Women in Business alongside our 31-student leadership team, and 100+ student members. Whether you are a current member, prospective member, employer, or supporter of our mission – we are excited to have you with us on our journey this year!”
- Olivia Lemanski, Chapter President