WiB exists to serve the women of the Foster MBA community and their allies. As an MBAA club, WiB has 3 main goals:
Building Community
Unpacking Gender Dynamics
Professional Networking
We recognize the intersectionality of diversity efforts and aim to promote greater collaboration between WiB and the wider Foster community–including fellow MBAA clubs, faculty, alumni, and the Seattle business community.
Mission:
Our mission is to support the personal and professional development of Foster women MBA students by creating opportunities for women to grow into leadership positions and increase their visibility in the classroom, the workplace, and the community. We encourage our members and everyone at Foster to engage in behaviors, activities, and dialogue that fosters a welcoming environment where women MBA students can thrive.
Goals for 2023-2024:
Build community
Build stronger relationships between first years and second years full time, evening and full time and with undergrad women.
Build awareness of gender dynamics with professors and classmates of all genders.
Build our professional network
Forte Foundation
NAWMBA
Professional groups & ERGs
Interested in learning more about Foster Women in Business? Send us a note via out contact form!
SURABHI RAO
Co-President
Full-time Class of 2024
Surabhi was a lawyer prior to her education at Foster. In her career, she has been influenced by strong women mentors, and accordingly paid it forward. Surabhi chose to join WiB because of the mentorship opportunities and the community that she found here. She aspires to one day lead the product team of a financial services technology company.
CORI PRATT RICHARDS
Co-President
Evening Class of 2025
Cori is obsessed with stories. This started with late night reading as a child, to an undergraduate degree in English Literature, and then a career in marketing telling the story of companies. Her favorite stories in books and business are of strong women. Cori chose to lead the WiB club to support the adventures and achievement stories of the 23/24 members.
PRIYANKA GADKARI
VP, Partnerships
Full-time Class of 2024
Priyanka built her career in the Retail and CPG space before coming to Foster to pivot into marketing and strategic partnerships in the Tech space. Through her involvement with WiB, she has enjoyed getting to build relationships across industries to foster visibility, growth, and mentorship for WiB students.
ELLISON USON
VP, Finance
Evening Class of 2025
Ellison Uson has been in the Lending industry for over 10+ years working with small/mid-size businesses that seek debt financing. He started his career as a commercial credit analyst and now is a commercial underwriter for a local non-profit credit union in the Puget Sound area. He specializes in underwriting Commercial/ Industrial, Commercial Real Estate, Small Business Administration (SBA), and small business credits geared towards helping the business community. During his free time, he loves to spend time with his corgi – Mickie, exploring the PNW either hiking or weekend road trips, and traveling. While at Fosters, he wants to build his community, form purpose driven, meaningful connections that’ll transcend through his career.
VANSHIKA KAUSHIK
VP, Communications
Evening Class of 2025
Vanshika is a skilled marketing expert with more than five years of experience in B2B marketing and consulting. She is currently a product marketing consultant for a start-up, where she excels. Over her career, Vanshika has become an expert in simplifying complex concepts for effective communication. This skill has been invaluable in promoting team synchronization and collaboration. As VP of Communication, she is committed to establishing efficient communication among women in the business community. Vanshika believes that effective communication is essential for building better connections within the club and growing the community.
ESTER ALLEN
VP, Alumni Relations
Full-time Class of 2024
Ester Allen has 10 years of internal operations and nonprofit management experience focused on scaling up infrastructure to ensure that staff have the resources they need to be successful in achieving the organization's goals. She is adept at leading cross-functional teams and driving results in HR, finance, facilities and organizational strategy. Ester hopes that her experience can add value to the amazing community of female leaders at Foster and within WIB.
CHANDANA DEVARAJA
VP, Operations
Full-time Class of 2024
Chandana has 7 years of experience in Tech with a focus on Data & Analytics. Having been fortunate to have formidable women mentors in both personal and professional life, she recognizes the immense value of a supportive community of strong women and is excited to contribute to and strengthen WiB.
PRIYANKA NATRAJAN
VP, Programming
Full-time Class of 2024
Priyanka has 4 years of experience as a software engineer and project manager in the network technology space. Through her role at WiB, she hopes to build an inclusive community to empower women and allies through their MBA journey and beyond.
DIVYA GAMBHIR
VP, External Events
Full-time Class of 2024
Divya has 4 years of work experience as data and research analyst in the consulting industry. Through her role at WiB, she hopes to empower future female leaders at Foster by expanding opportunities with external forums and facilitating mentorship to foster collective growth.
Throughout the year, Women in Business offers programming and activities roughly centered around the following categories:
Discussion Forums | WiB hosts discussions throughout the quarter to provide a safe space for members to discuss topics important to them, from gender dynamics on MBA study teams to concerns about sexist language in the workplace.
Speakers & Workshops | WiB hosts guests speakers and clinicians to present on a variety of topics, including gaining higher levels of emotional intelligence and developing more confident speaking skills. These events are often delivered through a joint effort of multiple clubs and space can be limited. RSVP is typically required.
Career & Alumni Networking | WiB works to nurture relationships in the greater Seattle community by planning networking events that offer members the chance to connect with Foster alumni and executives from the city’s many outstanding companies. Casual networking events are held throughout the year, sometimes in conjunction with other club activities. The club also hosts an annual Spring Alumni Networking Dinner, where current students dine with club alumni.
Mentorship Program | An initiative sponsored by the Women in Business chapters at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, the WiB Mentor Program matches MBA students with undergraduate women to discuss everything from academics to career paths. The program features an event each quarter, with a Kick-Off Meet & Greet in the fall; Coffee Chats in the winter, where mentors are provided with coffee cards to treat their mentee(s); and a closing Spring Luncheon, featuring a guest speaker from the business community.
Social Activities | Throughout the year, WiB offers evening and weekend social activities with a casual atmosphere. Additionally, off-campus retreats provide stress-free getaways for members to relax, connect, and recharge with activities ranging from yoga to cooking to hiking.