One of Point Loma Nazarene University’s newest clubs offers a kickstart to student’s professional development through networking and having an open space for the flow of sharing ideas. The ASB-sanctioned Women in Business club (WIB) is creating a community that encourages mentorship, connection and professional development, providing a space for students to explore leadership and success in business – no matter their major.
The WIB has been growing at a rapid rate since its inception two months ago, the club has amassed an Instagram following of 173 profiles, an email list of about 70 students and a gathering of around 50 girls at their first meeting, only four weeks into the semester.
Meetings include time for the club members to mingle and create connections among themselves and across campus, as well as visits from women from all over in the business field, such as Diana Barraza, a PLNU alumnus with an MBA, who spoke at a meeting on Jan. 27.
“Our vision for the club is a space for empowering future leaders through networking, mentorship and professional development,” Leah Bowles, WIB president and second-year business major, said. “When I look around this campus, I see so many amazing leaders, especially female leaders.”
Community and connection have been at the core of the formation and formatting of the club, according to WIB Secretary Kate Gerspacher, a second-year business major. Gerspacher sees the club as an opportunity for students to bond across majors, fields and future workplaces.
“It’s really about forming a community of people who are more aware of the role that women have in business,” Gerspacher said. “We always like to say that in order to come to the meetings, you don’t have to be a woman, or a woman in business, or just in business.”
The purpose has been to leave members feeling empowered, inspired and motivated, according to Bowles.
Aubray Bartley, a second-year organizational communication major, attended the first meeting on Jan. 27.
“I enjoyed the community of girls,” Bartley said. “Everyone was talking to each other and engaging in each other about classes, their majors … It was awesome to see a community of girls come together to hear more about how we can lift each other up in the business world and learn more about it all.”
The group that gathers at the club meetings, including differing majors and backgrounds, provides a space for women to connect over their careers. Some in attendance said they talked to people on campus they otherwise would never have.
“I believe you also get a support group that is there to lift you up and encourage you when you need it most,” Bartley said. “I think it’s a great outlet to meet people that you might not meet otherwise and discover more creative parts about yourself.”
The aspect of being a female-led club has drawn the attention of other clubs and organizations on campus, such as the Finance Investment Society, another female-led group. The two co-hosted an event called “Bouquets and Budgeting” on Feb. 18.
“So many clubs have reached out to partner with [us],” Bowles said. “It has been incredible to see the support in [Fermanian School of Business].”
The club was founded by four girls: Bowles, Delilah Marrocco, Grace Weaver and Vera Palphrey, all second-year business majors in the 2024 fall semester. According to Bowles, she is the only one of the four on campus, as the other three are studying abroad this semester.
Bowles said the three abroad will become involved once they return.
Find information about club gatherings, upcoming events and leadership members through the WIB Instagram page, @plnuwomeninbusiness. You can also join their email list, which can be found through the link on their Instagram or on the myPLNU app.
