Friends University to start NAWMBA chapter in June

Friends University is pleased to announce that it is bringing the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA) to Wichita. Launching a chapter of NAWMBA is also a first among Kansas’ private universities.

The new chapter will provide professional women with high quality leadership development opportunities. Hosting local and regional networking events throughout the year, the Friends University NAWMBA Chapter is dedicated to propelling women MBA students and professionals into leadership positions.

In keeping with NAWMBA’s mission, Friends University’s chapter will offer resources and support through a strong national network of businesswomen to empower female professionals and diversify the workforce.

Michelle Case, assistant professor and MBA program director, will sponsor the new chapter.

“This is a great opportunity for our Professional and Global MBA female students and alumni to network and participate in leadership development opportunities,” Case said. “We will be planning monthly events and looking forward to bringing together a dynamic group of women leaders.”

Some of the many benefits NAWMBA members receive are as follows:

  • Education and Professional Development
    Members are educated on career opportunities and necessary skills through chapter programs and events at the national and international levels, including an annual leadership conference.
  • Mentorship
    Mentoring relationships are encouraged between NAWMBA members. In 2016, NAWMBA plans to launch a beta program connecting mentors and mentees from its professional and student membership.
  • Networking
    Students and alumni are given opportunities to network with schools, organizations and companies that are committed to the development of women’s roles in business.
  • Collaboration
    Increased communication and collaboration are facilitated among graduate business school programs, employers and peer organizations regarding their initiatives to educate and encourage women in business.

NAWMBA was founded in 1978 as the National Network of Graduate School Business Women by the Women’s Association at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. These women believed an organization dedicated to addressing the issues women face in business was critical to their future success. The women met with a group of women from Harvard Business School at which time they realized the need to organize a national organization.

NAWMBA serves four related client groups—female MBA students, female business professionals and MBA-level entrepreneurs, universities and corporate partners.