The amount of women in the work force has steadily increased, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor: Women’s Share of Labor Force. In 2008, women made up 48 percent of the labor force.  In order to keep bridging this gap, the Quinnipiac Women MBAs (QWMBA) was formed to help tackle the problems that women may face in their future careers.

“Our mission is to empower women toward leadership positions in corporate America by providing support, education, professional development, and networking opportunities,” said Katrina Lennon, founder and chief executive officer of QWMBA.

After planning and gaining leaders during the fall semester, the QWMBA program began in the spring semester with bi-monthly meetings, as well as a handful of fundraisers and events.   Next semester, there are plans to do an etiquette dinner, and the group will continue to do other events like resumé workshops and speakers.

“It’s not just something to put on your resumé, it’s something you can benefit and learn from,” said Chief Information Officer and Fundraiser Chair Melissa Santorella. “Networking in the business world is the key to succeed, and with women still the minority in the business world they should do it together.”

Still in its first semester at Quinnipiac, the QWMBA has had the opportunity to design goals for the future of the organization.

“I am happy with the progress we have made as an organization this semester, however we still have a lot more we would like to accomplish at Quinnipiac,” said Chief Operating Officer Kristen Maroney. “I hope QWMBA further establishes itself in accordance with our mission to raise awareness of the challenges women face in the workplace and to empower women towards leadership roles in corporate America.”

QWMBA is a student chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA), a non-profit organization centered around enhancing women’s roles within the corporate world.