Founded in 1997, Penn State Women in Business is a professional development organization within the Smeal College of Business open to all students of all majors. Our mission is to foster growth, leadership, and confidence by connecting members with inspiring professionals, meaningful opportunities, and a supportive community of like-minded women.
Meetings, events, and opportunities — straight to your inbox.
Subscribe →The mission of Women in Business is to foster an immersive learning environment for women students at Penn State through professional development, social, and philanthropic events, while establishing a positive culture where members can grow as business leaders.
Women in Business encourages all of our members to pursue leadership positions, for we know that we are a group of leaders of tomorrow. We hold ourselves to the highest academic, professional, and ethical standards to ensure quality leadership
The Executive Board creates a plethora of opportunities for members to learn and develop professional skills through corporate events hosted by Women in Business. Communicating with corporate sponsors has led to internship opportunities and has fostered mentorship.
WIB works to give back to the State College community through local philanthropic activities, participation in THON, and engaging with the community’s youth through WIB’s annual development workshop and gala event, The Power of Us.
Networking works to make a large university and larger corporate world more manageable for our members. We provide the opportunity for members to network with other students, Smeal faculty, the local community, and corporate partners.
Elected each spring, our Executive Board leads every event, dollar, and decision WIB makes over the year.
Lexi Scott serves as the President of Women in Business for the 2026–2027 academic year. In this role, she leads the Executive Board, provides support across all committees, and ensures the successful execution of WIB’s events and initiatives. Lexi is a senior majoring in Management Information Systems.
Mary Mahoney is the Corporate Relations Director for Women in Business during the 2025–2026 academic year. In her role, she builds and maintains partnerships with corporate sponsors, secures funding through donations, and coordinates impactful professional development events for members. Mary is a junior majoring in Finance.
Maddie Gahr is the THON Director for Women in Business for the 2026–2027 academic year. She leads all THON-related efforts, including fundraising, family relations, dancer selection, and overseeing the THON Committee. Maddie is a junior majoring in Accounting and Finance.
Haley De Stefano serves as the Powerful Women Paving the Way (PWPW) Conference Director for the 2026–2027 academic year. She leads the planning of the annual conference by overseeing chairs and committees, developing the conference theme, and managing sponsorship outreach. Haley is a sophomore majoring in Accounting.
Riley Franz serves as the Finance Director for Women in Business for the 2026–2027 academic year. She manages the organization’s budget and plans company visits and trips to give members insight into various career paths. Riley is a junior majoring in Finance.
Gisele Davis is the Membership Director for Women in Business for the 2026–2027 academic year. She manages the membership database, runs engagement initiatives, and oversees programs like mentorship and member incentives. Gisele is a senior majoring in Advertising.
Megan Lineen is the Events Director for Women in Business during the 2026–2027 academic year. She organizes a variety of events, including social gatherings, community service initiatives, and WIB’s signature Power of Us Gala. Megan is a senior majoring in Finance.
Olivia Bartholomew serves as the University Relations Director for Women in Business during the 2026–2027 academic year. She strengthens WIB’s connection to Penn State through alumni outreach, Homecoming coordination, and leading the WIBtern team. Olivia is a senior majoring in Supply Chain Management.
Hana Le is the Public Relations Director for Women in Business for the 2026–2027 academic year. She oversees all communication efforts, including weekly updates, social media management, website content, recruitment initiatives, and merchandise design. Hana is a sophomore majoring in Management.
Chairs run point on our signature programs, reporting straight to their directors.
Keeps WIB connected to our THON families all year — visits, cards, and cheering them on THON weekend.
Plans the events that pushes WIB's THON total higher.
Keeps donors and WIB alumnae in the loop on our THON progress and impact.
Organizes WIB's service events with local State College partners throughout the year.
Plans WIB's signature gala from venue to program.
Builds relationships with WIB alumnae for mentorship, panels, and networking events.
Secures gifts, giveaways, and sponsor contributions for the PWPW conference.
Handles PWPW's branding, promotion, and social media presence leading up to the conference.
New to WIB and want to get more involved? WIBtern is our semester-long shadowing track — you're paired with a director, sit in on their meetings, help plan real events, and learn how a 500+ member organization actually runs. It's how a lot of our chairs (and future execs) get their start.
A look back at the events, faces, and moments that have shaped WIB — updated every year with new memories.
THON 2026 Weekend
Interested in joining? This section covers everything you need to know from membership tiers and dues, to policies and how to become a member.
Fill out both forms here: [ add your dues form link here ]
Stay in the loop on meetings, events, and opportunities all semester long. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/sbNxZvuBWT6kzaQS9
Scan the attached QR code to join our Flare group.
To be considered an official WIB member, dues must be submitted by September 30, 2026.
Payment Methods: Pay dues using Cheddarup — [ add your Cheddarup link here ]
We love seeing our members get involved! To be recognized as an active member of Women in Business, you must fulfill the following requirements each semester.
Attend at least:
Accumulate a minimum of 16 total points by the end of the semester. Points are earned by attending WIB-sponsored events.
For more information on how to reach higher involvement status, see Membership Tiers below.
Want to get involved early? Don't miss our INvolvement Nights — the perfect way to jump in and learn more!
Your total points each semester determine your tier — and the perks that come with it.
To be considered an active member, you must earn at least 16 points by meeting the following event requirements each semester:
You can mix and match events to go beyond the minimum and work toward a higher tier!
Our Corporate Relations Director builds real relationships with companies who invest in developing women leaders — funding events, sending speakers, and opening doors for our members.
The Mentorship Program offers a unique opportunity to connect with experienced J&J professionals for one-on-one guidance and support. This year-long program is designed to accelerate your personal and professional growth through conversations and actionable insights.
This opportunity involves a hands-on intro to investment consulting for nonprofits, including case studies and research panels. Applications open on Mar 23 – Apr 6. It is best fit for Finance/Econ majors graduating May 2028–May 2029. This opportunity will take place on August 5th and 6th, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Join us for “Kohl’s 101,” a relaxed introduction to Production and early talent opportunities, followed by a small-group activity where members can talk through a sample scenario interns might experience. This is a great chance to learn more about careers in retail, ask questions, and connect with Kohl’s professionals in a supportive, low-pressure setting.
This opportunity is a career preparation session for students interested in accounting and KPMG opportunities. It will take place virtually and is open to all students.
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon—known as THON—is a year-long fundraising and awareness campaign that brings together over 16,500 students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, united by one cause: finding a cure for childhood cancer.
We were matched with the Newcombs just before THON 2017, and they’ve held a special place in our hearts ever since.
The newest addition to our THON family, the Mussers, joined us in February 2024. Allyson, our THON child, recently turned 12 years old and fills every room with joy. She loves reading and playing with her sisters, Olivia and Stella.
Every donation gets us closer to a cure.
Be sure to credit Women in Business at Penn State as your organization at checkout.
It's never too early — or too late — to start fundraising! Every dollar counts, and your efforts make a lasting impact. Ready to begin? Start your fundraising journey below.
The Powerful Women Paving the Way (PWPW) Conference is a two‑day career and leadership event, co-hosted by the student organization Penn State Women in Business and the Smeal College of Business. Designed to support and advance women in business fields, the conference brings together students, alumni, and professionals for two days of inspiration, connection, and professional growth.
Trade contact info with women who were sitting in your seat, years ago.
Small-group workshops on the skills that don't get taught in class.
Hear from women leading real companies about real career paths.
Follow @psu.pwpw on Instagram for this year's theme announcement!
Power of Us is Women in Business’s annual philanthropic initiative dedicated to creating meaningful change in our community. This year, we partnered with the Jana Marie Foundation, a State College local organization focused on mental health awareness.
Throughout the year, our committee will lead a series of fundraising efforts, campus engagement activities, and corporate outreach initiatives designed to support Jana Marie Foundation’s mission. These events will bring together WIB members, alumni, and local partners to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations around mental health.
Our work will culminate in the Power of Us Gala, where our community will gather to celebrate the impact of our efforts and highlight the importance of accessible mental health resources. Power of Us reflects how empowering women through service can create real, lasting change.