As the school year comes to a close, many students turn their attention to ‘What’s next?’ Internships, jobs, and career paths become the focus, and each year at this time, the George Washington Women in Business (GWWIB) steps up. On Saturday, April 7, GWWIB hosted its 9th Annual Spring Conference, an event that offers real-world insights to undergraduate students who are exploring what they want to “be.” With the bold yet simple theme, “Make Your Mark,” the conference invited a variety of professionals to describe how their work has made a difference—for individuals, communities, and the world.
At the daylong campus event, representatives from multiple industries encouraged students to choose a career that reflects who they are and what theylove. Guest speakers included Tara Abrahams, Executive Director of The Girl Project at Glamour, Kunal Mehta, Author of Disruptors, and Lauren Wilner, Vice President of Fashion and Director of RTW and Beauty at Macy’s Inc. Speaker series were conducted by Kim Jackson, senior Director of Merchandising at Alex and Ani and Cameron Hardesty, Head of Merchandising at UrbanStems.
“(Organizing) this conference was the most challenging yet rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life,” says Amanda Gryga, GWSB ’19, conference co-chair, and GWWIB president-elect. “Attendees engaged in conversations and workshops that empowered them to define their personal brands and make their own mark on the world.” According to Ms. Gryga, this year’s event had a record attendance of 300 general attendees and 150 professional participants. “We were also proud of the fact that over 50 of the 150 professionals involved were GW alumni, whi
ch is more than we’ve ever had before.”
One of those professionals, Dale Carlson-Bebout, GWSB MBA ’90, a 30-year technology industry veteran and member of the Dean’s Board of Advisors for the business school, was particularly impressed with this year’s conference. “At my first board meeting, the 2017 co-chairs did a presentation on the upcoming conference,” she says. “Their professionalism and enthusiasm was incredible. The conference was amazing—equivalent in content, operations, and energy to many business conferences I have attended in the past.”
Food & Event Management panelist Aysia Woods, CCAS BA ’15, agrees. “It’s inspiring to see an entirely student-run organization build relationships with high-level executives and impressive companies.” Ms. Woods, an independent corporate events consultant, was a member of GWWIB as an undergraduate and currently belongs to the organization’s national chapter, United Women in Business. “GWWIB complemented my liberal arts degree and opened my eyes to the world of business—networking, writing resumes, and exposing me to new career paths.”
As a member of the Government, Policy & Non-Profit Panel, Libby Wuller, CCAS BA ’17 and business development professional at Quorum Analytics, also credits GWWIB with helping her launch a promising career. “GWWIB is a fantastic resource and network for women who have an interest in pursuing a career in business.” Ms. Wuller was particularly inspired by the diversity of speakers the conference hosted—representatives from technology, fashion, sports, government, and finance. “You’re never too young to start building your network,” she adds.
Ms. Carlson-Bebout offers a different perspective. “Even though I’m senior in my career,” she says, “I always take away a high level of inspiration and personal improvement goals from the speakers and panelists at the conference. Those takeaways range from someone to follow on social media to a story about a woman who overcame incredible hurdles in her life’s work and personal mission.”
—Mary Follin
