STEVENS POINT, Wisc. (WJFW) – In recent years UW Stevens Point has seen an influx in business students, especially female students. As of Fall in 2023, 51% of the UWSP School of Business student population were women.
While standing in front of Stevens Point’s Trailblazer mural featuring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Professor, Lyna Matesi recounts how her journey in the business world 25 years ago where she noticed a large difference between her and her colleagues.
“I was often sitting at tables where there weren’t any other women.” Said Matesi “That has a lot of impact on someone.”
Her experiences inspired her to bring more women to the table. Five years ago, when the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business began asking universities to focus on elevating women leaders, Matesi jumped at the chance to do just that.
“For 5 years, we’ve been giving a place for women to unleash the ideas and the power that they have to start new stuff.” Said Matesi
The Women’s Trailblazer conference is a networking opportunity that will offer 25 female keynote speakers and breakout sessions to help women generate new ideas.
“These are women who get things done and love the power of being together for a day.” Said Matesi
Matesi is a part of a planning committee that works year-round to make sure this conference goes off without a hitch.
“The day of the conference it is like walking on Cloud Nine.” Said Matesi “Because I’m learning, and I’m connecting and I’m seeing other women light up with hope for their ideas.”
The conference is targeted towards Wisconsin women of all ages, education, and careers. it will offer 25 keynote speakers and breakout sessions to help women connect and elevate each other.
“We love rural women, because we know how hard they work and how fierce they are because we want them at the conference.” Said Matesi
The conference will take place on November 6th from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the UWSP Dreyfus University Center. It is available to attend in person or virtually. To register, visit UWSP’s website here.