Senior Whitney McVeaghwent into college wanting to be an elementary school teacher. Now, she is the president of one of the largest clubs at Fairfield University – Women in Business.
Women in Business, (WIB) Fairfield’s female-run and operated business organization, is dedicated to promoting the success of women in the working environment. Through networking, career tools and mentorship, WIB hopes to inspire the next leaders of the business world. While most members did not have as dramatic of a career shift as McVeagh, many members share a common reason for joining: to find community in a male-dominated field.
Senior Emily Silen, who has been the Treasurer of WIB for the past two years explained, “Driving change inspires me being a WIB. I am really inspired by other women in business, and I hope to continue working towards having more women in leadership roles and having more diverse workforces across the country.”
McVeagh echoed that as a part of the executive board, she feels lucky to work so closely with alum. These women are excited to give back to the Fairfield community and share how they have been able to be powerful leaders in their respective fields. As college students, there is an expectation of independence when it comes to finding a career. However, as a woman in business fields, some systems are not set up for female success, which makes it incredibly rewarding to have mentorship and a network of support.
For Silen, joining this club was all about meeting new people – a promise that has not disappointed. With around three hundred members, students with all different backgrounds, work experiences and ideologies can connect as friends and as fellow aspiring business women.
McVeagh highlighted “It can be challenging, especially as an introvert, to speak up and have confidence in a male dominated field, but seeing women who are willing to challenge these stereotypes both in business and other fields, like sports and politics, is what truly allows me to express myself as a woman.”
Today over one hundred WIB members will be traveling to the NYC Paramount Office for a female-led panel, networking session and studio tour. The day will be hosted by Candice Bancario, the Chief Financial Officer of Paramount and Fairfield University Alum (‘02). The club will hear from over ten female leaders at Paramount, in their first ever off-campus event.
Silen shared, “We hope this can showcase to members how a female Fairfield alum has found tremendous success. This can help to highlight what their future could lead to.”
The club is constantly looking to new ways to support members and expand their network. They prioritize highlighting female leadership in business, especially those in the Fairfield Alumni Network.
Students who want to join the club and gain mentorship and community, should sign up at Life@Fairfield. Signing up with an email allows students to hear about all upcoming events. WIB is always open for new members and the executive board members emphasized that the club takes any suggestions for speakers and ideas. McVeagh emphasized, “I encourage all female identifying students to look into other female-oriented clubs on campus! There are so many and they are a great way to guide the community and empower women throughout our campus.”
WIB looks forward to growing and reaching more Stags, while maintaining its mission to empower and connect the next generation of female leaders.
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