Ouachita has a new organization on campus for women, primarily those majoring in business and mass communications. Women in Business is an organization with the goal of creating networks with women successful in their careers, creating a learning environment for those who are planning a career in mass communications or business, and empowering women to achieve whatever they put their minds to.
Four years ago, a group of senior girls planted an idea for an organization for women interested in business. Although this never materialized, Dr. Faught became interested in the idea last year and challenged one of his classes, with a majority of women, to begin this project. So the organization began with a push from faculty of the Hickingbotham School of Business.
A few students took hold of this idea and ran with it. They worked through the summer and planned a schedule for the organization now known as Women in Business. While they began with a focus on business, they realized how connected mass communications and business really were, so they incorporated both. Even with the focus mainly on these two majors, women with any interest or major may join.
The main focus for this organization is to empower women, to connect them with people already successful in the business world and to create a place with a dynamic that allows students to learn from others. Their mission is to connect, inspire, and achieve.
“Personally I grow with the idea that woman can do it all,” said Estefanie Perez, a senior majoring in business and mass communications who serves as the executive team leader and charter member.
This organization wants to help women gain the ability and confidence to do anything a man thinks he can do.
Through this organization, students will interact with the community and learn alongside their peers.
At the first meeting, a form was passed around to let those attending identify their interest. Many were interested in marketing, fashion merchandising, management, etc. So, the leaders took all the women into consideration, and they are working diligently to set up meetings with successful women in the many fields mentioned.
They plan on bringing in alumni and others connected with Ouachita to speak monthly. They will also set up workshops throughout the year to help with things like creating a resume.
Some of the leaders will be graduating in the fall and want to see this organization that they put countless hours and hard work into continue to grow and impact future students.
The leaders are beginning to watch for those interested with leadership potential to take over. When the spring semester begins, they will pick a few students who will carry on the leadership roles in this organization.
The Women in Business provides wonderful opportunities for career-minded women, particularly those interested in business or mass communications. The networking and experience will be invaluable in a future career.
Perez summed it up well, “We really hope this is a place where you can learn from other people and be inspired.”
Emails will be sent regarding meeting times, and students can always feel welcome to contact Estefanie Perez or others from the Women in Business.
By Ashylnn Morten, Staff Writer
