2020-2021 Women of Walker Report

2020-2021

Women of Walker Annual Report

Prepared by Eleanor Jefferson, Finance Officer Approved by Susan Miller, Manager

ABOUT WOW Women of Walker is an recommendation-based experiential student program designed to prepare female students with essential skills needed for success in pursuing a career in business.

The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied to all facets of being a contributing member to one's career and personal communities.

THE FOUNDER Founder of the Women of Walker and Computer Information Systems Professor, Dr. Dawn Medlin recognized an immediate need in the Walker College of Business for female business students. Pulling from her own experiences as a female in a predominantly male field of study, Dr. Medlin has made it her mission to help prepare females students for success in the world of business and in life.

Program Activities

PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL Students will travel to site visits to gain exposure of the day-to-day operations of a business. Members will learn about internship and full time position opportunities and network with female

PEER MENTORING Returning Women of Walker members will act as mentors to the new incoming members. This will provide an opportunity of orientation and source of support for the new members of the program and the Walker College

PANELS & WORKSHOPS

professionals.

SERVICE INVOLVEMENT The Women of Walker will participate in at least one service project. This could be in conjunction with a service project organized by another student organization college or campus-wide or a community partner.

Industry professionals provide their experience and perspective to the

NETWORKING & PINNING CEREMONY

specific areas of their industry in a

The program culminates with an

question/answer format. Workshops and

overnight trip to attend a networking

applied learning opportunities are

event with Walker College of Business

provided to members on a bi-weekly

female alumnae as well as female

basis throughout the program.

professionals that live and work in the greater Charlotte area.

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EVENTS Members will receive special invitations to a variety of events across campus and in the community relating to female empowerment and self-awareness.

Event examples include: visiting guest speakers, film festivals, diversity celebrations and cultural events

WOMEN OF WALKER 2021

2020 -2021 Review Women of Walker- Virtual Edition

Due to COVID-19 the 2021 program was delivered in a hybrid virtual format to 29 student

members. Six companies and over 30 representatives provided a variety of career and leadership development topics and insights to members during a 14 week program.

Group Reading Activity

Women of Walker read #Girlboss by Sophia Amaruso and participated in a bi-weekly watch party of the Netflix series as a social supplement in a virtual environment

Student Numbers 40 30 20 10 20 14 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 20 19 20 20 20 21

0

Major Overview Accounting CIS Finance Hospitality International Business Management Marketing RMI 0

2.5

5

7.5

10

Student Type

Hispanic 10%

Asian American 5%

Access Scholars 12.5%

Honors 5% Transfers 10% African American 5%

WOMEN OF WALKER 2021

White 52.5%

2021 Interactions A summary of interaction types throughout the program

18

Program Interactions

50

Programmatic Hours

PARTICIPATING PARTNERS Business Career Services

CGI

Sherwin Williams

The State of NC-Controller

MSC Direct

Gartner

Enterprise Holdings

Amazon

WOMEN OF WALKER 2021

TESTIMONIALS Women of Walker means that I have a group that I can be a part of and that will push me to be better and successful. I have been better equipped in knowing how to carry myself in interviews and at potential networking events.

This program is important to me because it helps me gain the confidence I need in the business/school setting.

Carmen Hernandez '21 WoW means leadership and opportunity to me. It has shown me the minds and the ideas behind successful leaders. It provided me the opportunity to learn and

grow

in

my

education

and

professional life helping ensure that I can have a successful career.

Andrea Gonzalez '23 Throughout my three years of being a Women of Walker member, I have gained invaluable

experiences

which

have

significantly improved my networking skills and exposed me to so many new business professionals. What I have learned through Women of Walker, I will carry with me to my first full time job post graduation and beyond.

Taylor Mack '22 WOMEN OF WALKER 2021

THE ADVISOR Amy Odom Associate Director Business Career Services Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University

ENGAGE

External engagement creates a rich and rewarding experience for the members of Women of Walker. Listed below are a variety of ways to become involved with the program: Facilitate a career, professional or leadership development workshop Provide practice interviews to members Serve as a panelist on a professional panel Host a day long site visit that may include building tours, meet and greet, company overview, panel discussions, professional development workshops and recruitment opportunities Host the Networking Event and Pinning Ceremony and/or following day site visit at the end of the program Sponsor a Women of Walker event and programming support

CONTACT odomah1@appstate.edu 828-773-0819 businesscareers.appstate.edu https://www.linkedin.com/amyhodom