Point Loma Nazarene University has introduced a new club aimed at fostering student professional development through networking and idea-sharing. The ASB-certified Business Club, Women in Business (WIB), is building a community that emphasizes mentorship, connection, and professional growth, open to all students regardless of their major.
Since the club’s inception two months ago, it has experienced rapid growth. Just a month after launching, WIB gathered around 173 Instagram followers and approximately 70 students on its mailing list, with about 50 attendees—primarily female students—participating in the first meeting of the semester.
Club meetings offer members opportunities to interact and build connections within the campus community, featuring guest speakers such as Diana Baraza, a PLNU alumna with an MBA, who visited on January 27.
“Our vision for the club is a space to empower future leaders through networking, mentorship, and professional development,” stated Leah Bowles, president of WIB and a second-year business major. “When you look around this campus, you see a lot of great leaders, especially female leaders.”
According to Kate Gerspacher, WIB Director and a second-year business major, community and connections are central to the club’s structure. She views the club as a chance for students to build relationships within their major, professional field, and anticipated careers.
“It’s about creating a community of people who better understand the role women have in business,” Gerspacher explained. “We always want to share that to attend a meeting, you don’t have to be a woman or a business major.”
The club aims to empower members, inspiring and motivating them, according to Bowles.
Aubray Bartley, a second-year organizational communication major, attended the first meeting held on January 27.
“I enjoyed the girls’ community,” Bartley mentioned. “Everyone was engaging with each other about their classes and majors, and it was great to see the community gather together to lift each other in the business world.”
Club meetings attract a diverse group of students from different majors and backgrounds, providing a space for women to connect with others in their field. Attendees expressed that they had conversations with peers on campus with whom they had not interacted before.
“Having a support group to lift you up and encourage you when needed most is invaluable,” Bartley expressed. “It’s a great outlet to meet people you might not have met otherwise and discover more creative aspects of yourself.”
The club’s focus on women-led initiatives captured the interest of other campus organizations, such as the Finance Investment Society, also women-led. On February 18, the two groups co-hosted an event called “Bouquet and Budget.”
“Many clubs are reaching out to partner with us,” Bowles stated. “It’s incredible to see the support at our university’s business school.”
The club was founded by Bowles, Delilah Marrocco, Grace Weaver, and Vera Palfrey, all second-year business majors in the fall semester of 2024. Bowles mentioned that she is the only founder currently on campus, as the others are studying abroad, but they plan to become more involved upon their return.
For more information about club meetings, upcoming events, and leadership, check out the WIB Instagram page at @plnuwomeninbusiness, or join the mailing list through links on the MyPLNU app.
