The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has more than 200 student organizations. Women in Business club (WIB) has created a space for female business students to thrive.
What started as the idea of instilling confidence in women going into corporate America, WIB has grown into a resource for female business majors and minors at UWL.
Founder and President Erin Poggemann said she wanted to create a community for women with similar experiences and interests.
“I wanted to give an opportunity to women who were to be in leadership and grow themselves professionally and personally,” Poggemann said.
Founded in Dec. 2023, the club now has more than 380 registered members and 650 Instagram followers meaning WIB is gaining momentum as a popular student organization.
WIB aims to help women build their professional repertoire by hosting events such as LinkedIn workshops and resume building, that not only prepare members post-graduation, but create a community.
Clubs like WIB promote female empowerment in a field dominated by men.
“This club is important because there’s not many opportunities for strictly women who are interested in business,” said Abby Jenson, the club’s vice president.
According to the 2024 Mckinsey report, it will take 50 years for all women in corporate America to experience parity, or equality, in leadership positions. WIB aims to help close this gap by encouraging confidence in female leadership roles.
“We have 15 people on our leadership board right now where the women are the ones who are leading the organization and building that practice of standing up for themselves as leaders,” Poggemann said.
WIB brings in women in leadership roles from local organizations like Fascina and Northwestern Mutual to help prepare members for their future careers. This allows for members to ask questions and gain professional insight.
The club focuses on more than just the professional aspect; they create a friendly inclusive environment.
“When you are trying to promote an atmosphere that people can just come and be who they want to be, [they] learn, while they’re not having too much pressure to be a professional at such a young age. We lead with kind of this casual and professional atmosphere,” Poggemann said.
In addition to bringing in speakers, WIB hosts social events and gives back to the community.
“Last year we did a Galentine’s day social, where we did bracelet making. We wanted to get to know the members too so it’s not super formal,” Jenson said.
“We are going to do a volunteering event, where we have anybody who attends donate a period product, so we can give back to the women who need that in our community,” Poggemann said.
Although WIB is a step in the right direction for women, there is still work to be done. Putting in the work at the meetings now will help prepare the members for post-graduation.
Joining clubs like WIB helps invest in the businesswomen of the future.
“You have to take yourself seriously in order to be taken seriously. The only way that we will be able to do the things we want to do is if you take the first step,” Poggemann said.
If interested in WIB, check out their Instagram @uwlwib for more information regarding meeting times and events coming up.
