This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Gustavus chapter.
Gustavus Women in Leadership (GWiL) is an on campus organization that was founded in 2011. It is “a student/alumnae program that seeks to help the women of Gustavus (students, alumnae and staff) in their academic, professional and personal leadership development. GWIL is designed to inspire and develop women within and through the Gustavus community. GWIL is dedicated to prepare, support and promote the role of and opportunities for women leaders.”
The executive board is comprised of many strong women on campus, including Co-President seniors Courtney Harbeck and Anna Lundquist, seniors Meredith Fahrenz and Alicia Hanson on the Marketing/Communications Committee, senior Haley Coller and junior Mae Meierhenry on the Education Committee, senior Tarin Anding on the Finance Committee, seniors Chloe Altmann, Cassandra Lindquist, and Rebecca Woodstra on the Conference Committee, and seniors Nathalee Boissiere and Danielle Kirchner on the Outreach Committee. GWiL also has an advisory board comprised of 17 Gustie grads.
The most recent event hosted by GWiL was the sixth annual Gustavus Women in Leadership Conference on April 28 at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. The theme this year was “drive change before it drives you.” Students, alumnae, and the general public were able to purchase tickets and attend this event to listen to women speak about their experiences in the business world. Keynote speakers included Beth Schnell, Gustavus alum ’82, who talked about the adjustment of switching her business tactics as her business continued to grow and Angie Bastian, founder of Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP®, who talked about how she began her journey in Mankato and how her products are now sold in stores across the nation. There were six other speakers, including Sarah Bridges, Carin Thomas, Manal Elattir, Jenna Johnson, Molly Nystuen, and Trish Wheaton.
Before the conference (Photo Alicia Hanson)
Keynote Speaker Angie Bastian (photo Alicia Hanson)
To join GWiL, visit https://gustavus.edu/leadership/women/join.php and fill out your information. Check out their Facebook page at Gustavus Women in Leadership, email womenlead@gustavus.edu, or visit their site https://gustavus.edu/leadership/women/ for more information.