International Women’s Day and WiB
By Emma Lucchino
As an organization dedicated to empowering women and providing opportunities, Vanderbilt WiB has been a catalyst of change in improving gender equality. While we celebrate the achievements of women during Women’s History Month and on International Women’s Day, Vanderbilt WiB also aims to celebrate these achievements every day and continue to support both the women in our organization and women across Vanderbilt’s campus. To show our commitment to empowering women, I decided to look at some of our programs that have brought this organization together.
First, we get to hear from incredibly inspiring women each year at our annual speaker series. For this event, we invite a prominent businesswoman to come share her wisdom and advice with Vanderbilt community members who wish to attend. Whether these women are CEOs, entrepreneurs, mothers, or all three, they serve as role models for what strong female leadership and determination look like. Hearing stories of rising through the ranks in a male dominated industry, overcoming gender stereotypes, and continuing to pursue a goal even when it becomes challenging all make for a very insightful event. I’m sure each woman in Vanderbilt WiB can imagine themselves someday becoming a powerful businesswoman like the ones we host at this event each year!
Not only do we get to hear from prominent businesswomen, but we also get to work with them one-on-one and have them mentor us as we work through navigating our career goals. The mentorship program is hosted twice a year through WiB, and allows selected students to create a personal connection with local businesswomen, who have succeeded in their fields. Participants receive guidance, advice, and personal stories that allow them to learn from these inspiring women and apply some of their lessons to their own lives.
And in addition to learning from women around us, members of the Vanderbilt WiB community are able to make their own personal impact in the business world through the Externship Program. This program is new to WiB this year, and allows selected students to participate in an internship with a Nashville-based company. Women in this program gain real experience that they can take with them to whatever career they choose. On top of that, they have the opportunity to continue meeting more amazing, driven businesswomen who can become inspiring role models in their lives!
The values of WiB perfectly align with the message behind International Women’s Day. Our organization allows for collaboration and support from other women both on campus and in our community! No matter where we go after Vanderbilt, WiB is a community that all of its members know they can rely on for support and guidance throughout their career journeys.