I came to Springfield College as a Business student, but taking a personal finance class changed my perspective on money. It came at a time when I really needed to learn how to manage my finances and understand how financial decisions affect our lives. As a first-generation college student, that knowledge felt especially meaningful. I have always been good with numbers and talking to people and making connections, where I became curious about how people build wealth through discipline and consistency. Finance gave me a way to connect those interests with practical skills I am using in my own life.

Another way to connect my interests was by joining the Women in Business Club on campus. I have been involved in the club for about two years, and this is my second year serving as president. Before becoming president, I participated as a member.

Our mission is to create a safe and empowering space for women on campus, regardless of their major. We want members to feel comfortable sharing their experience, exploring their goals, and learning skills they can apply in everyday life.

I believe it is very important for women to have opportunities to network and talk openly about their ambitions and where they want guidance. Having a supportive community can help us learn from one another, build confidence, and discover opportunities we might not have known about otherwise.

I decided to get involved with the club to help create a more open and welcoming community, a place where women can be themselves, learn together and use the resources available on campus to grow professionally and personally.

I enjoy leading and bringing people together. Serving as a president gives me opportunities to practice communicating, organizing activities, and working with the team. Those experiences support my academic growth and will help me in my future career. Just as importantly, I value having a community where we can share our goals and ambitions.

I would encourage any female student to consider joining the Women in Business Club. You do not need to have everything figured out and you do not need any experience or criteria to join. As a senior, I wish someone had told me that when I was a first year.

Bring an open mind, a willingness to participate, and an interest in learning. Everyone is figuring things out, and you deserve a space where you can ask questions, share ideas, and grow. You do not have to wait until you feel completely confident to get involved.

I want to recognize the women in the club for helping create such an open and nonjudgemental environment. And I am super grateful for members of the Department of Business as they have helped me become who I have along the way. They have been flexible, supportive, and open to new ideas, especially our advisor Priyanka Musa and Laura Katz, head of the department.