Posted by Taylor Ray
Women in Business, a recent addition to Skidmore's list of clubs, has sparked interest all over campus. Founders and co-presidents Zoe Dartley '16 and Lyssa Jackson '16 have high hopes for the club, and since its creation in Fall of 2013, both have helped put Women in Business in the spotlight.
Women in Business is a forum through which the Skidmore community may share ideas, thoughts, and experience relating to female leadership. Carol Chiarella, faculty advisor for the club and member of Skidmore's Department of Management and Business, describes co-presidents Dartley and Jackson as being "energetic, dynamic, and focused individuals who care about affecting change."
According to a recent interview with Her Campus, Women in Business was created after Dartley and Jackson discovered the program's prominence in big universities around the country. They reformed the program to fit a small liberal arts environment but kept the focus and intent holistic and all-inclusive, with a fundamental goal of encouraging strength and leadership for women in all disciplines. For Women in Business, the path to achieving this goal lies in the sharing and exchange of knowledge, expertise and experience. "Skidmore's climate is characterized by community participation and engaging alumni," Chirella said. The club hopes to achieve its goals by taking advantage of said climate. Exchange of simple tips-such as how to act in a business environment-brand Women in Business as a practical, constructive and collaborative club.
Members of Women in Business have made it clear that its goals reach beyond solely the business major. "To be dynamic and better the position of women, we need to be inclusive, support each other, and share wisdom we gain from our respective backgrounds," Chiarella said. In their interview with Her Campus, Dartley and Jackson describe the club's values as both entrepreneurial and philosophical, noting that the club will set pathways for applied learning and useful preparation for a number of careers. This will be done within the Skidmore community itself, but also within a network of students, community leaders and alumni.
Among other future plans for Women in Business are skill-building workshops that focus on leadership and communication skills, a student forum that includes job opportunities for women in the business field and a newsletter. Co-presidents Dartley and Jackson also plan to foster an engaged and successful club through panel discussions with representatives from the community.
Last December, Women in Business sponsored their first panel, entitled "Do Aggressive Women Win?" The speakers and audience members contemplated expectations for women in the workplace, the glass ceiling and more. The panel featured Skidmore professors from the business and philosophy departments, including Paula Tancredi, Susan Parillo, and Corinne Moss-Racusin. Doreen Crosby of the University of Albany represented professionals from outside of Skidmore.
Women in Business has already begun to promote a collaborative learning experience through social media, predominantly through their Facebook page. In this informal setting, anyone is welcome to post interesting articles that may spark debate or discussion on an issue relating to women in business, women in the workplace or women's rights in general. The club also uses this space to post photos and updates on meeting locations and times.
Women in Business meets at 7 p.m. on Monday nights in Palamountain 201. The current leadership positions within the club include Treasurer Leah Docktor, Co-President Lyssa Jackson, Co-President Zoe Dartley, community outreach coordinator Olivia Dynan and Secretary Emma Marshall (all class of 2016).