WiB exists to serve the women of the Foster MBA community and their allies. As an MBAA club, WiB has 3 main goals:
Building Community
Unpacking Gender Dynamics
Professional Networking
We recognize the intersectionality of diversity efforts and aim to promote greater collaboration between WiB and the wider Foster community–including fellow MBAA clubs, faculty, alumni, and the Seattle business community.
Mission:
Our mission is to support the personal and professional development of Foster women MBA students by creating opportunities for women to grow into leadership positions and increase their visibility in the classroom, the workplace, and the community. We encourage our members and everyone at Foster to engage in behaviors, activities, and dialogue that fosters a welcoming environment where women MBA students can thrive.
Goals for 2025-2026:
Increase Representation and Support for Women at Foster
Build community
Strengthen inter-cohort relationships
Build awareness of gender dynamics inside and outside the classroom
Build our professional network
Through intentional programming, meaningful dialogue, and strategic partnerships, we aim to elevate the voices of women in business, foster authentic connections, and drive progress toward gender equity. As we look ahead to 2024–2025, we are energized by the opportunity to grow our impact and to champion a future where all women MBA students can lead, thrive, and inspire.
Interested in learning more about Foster Women in Business? Send us an email <ismalik.edu & luzmar@uw.edu>
LUZ AGUIRRE RAMIREZ
Co-President
Full-time Class of 2026
Luz has six years of experience in non-profit management and higher education. She is passionate about consulting, sustainability, and social impact. Pre-MBA, she served as the Senior Program Director at Enterprise for Youth in San Francisco, where she developed internship programs and managed stakeholder engagement. In her free time, Luz enjoys traveling back home to Mexico and reading Spanish fiction.
Ishita Malik
Co-President
Full-time Class of 2026
Ishita Malik has four years of experience in the tech industry, with a focus on cloud and AI technologies. Prior to her MBA, she worked as a Technical Consultant at Microsoft in Hyderabad, India, where she helped clients adopt Azure and drive their digital transformation journeys. She is passionate about empowering others and has dedicated time to mentoring and supporting women in tech.
Napatsorn (Minnie) Sirijaratwong
VP of Events
Full-time Class of 2026
Born and raised in Thailand, Minnie is proud to bring her Southeast Asian roots to the Pacific Northwest. Her journey has taken her from auditing IPOs in Bangkok to leading eCommerce campaigns at Shopee, and now to the Foster MBA program. A curious traveler and someone who simply loves enjoying the food in front of her, Minnie finds joy in exploring cultures through both experience and flavor. Through her role in the AAPI Affinity Group, she hopes to create a space where students can celebrate their heritage, share their stories, and build a warm, inclusive community at Foster.
Dakshinaa Vinod
VP, Alumni Affairs
Full-time Class of 2025
Dakshinaa brings a robust blend of engineering expertise, business acumen, and a deep passion for building innovative products that integrate human ingenuity and machine efficiency. Prior to her MBA, she delivered pivotal contracts in Automotive Engineering and Technology Management in the Oil and Gas sector. During her internship with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, she uncovered blue ocean opportunities in Digital Manufacturing. Originally from Kerala, India, Dakshinaa also enjoys playing the Veena and is a trained Kathak dancer.
Megha Soni
VP, Finance
Full-time Class of 2025
Prior to her MBA, Megha worked as a Program Manager at Amazon, focusing on enhancing the security of global payroll systems. She also worked at Schneider Electric in project management and cybersecurity governance. Megha has an undergrad degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Manipal University. Outside of work, she volunteers with women empowerment nonprofits and enjoys dancing, painting, and exploring new cultures through travel.
Throughout the year, Women in Business offers programming and activities roughly centered around the following categories:
Discussion Forums | WiB hosts discussions throughout the quarter to provide a safe space for members to discuss topics important to them, from gender dynamics on MBA study teams to concerns about sexist language in the workplace.
Speakers & Workshops | WiB hosts guests speakers and clinicians to present on a variety of topics, including gaining higher levels of emotional intelligence and developing more confident speaking skills. These events are often delivered through a joint effort of multiple clubs and space can be limited. RSVP is typically required.
Career & Alumni Networking | WiB works to nurture relationships in the greater Seattle community by planning networking events that offer members the chance to connect with Foster alumni and executives from the city’s many outstanding companies. Casual networking events are held throughout the year, sometimes in conjunction with other club activities. The club also hosts an annual Spring Alumni Networking Dinner, where current students dine with club alumni.
Mentorship Program | An initiative sponsored by the Women in Business chapters at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, the WiB Mentor Program matches MBA students with undergraduate women to discuss everything from academics to career paths. The program features an event each quarter, with a Kick-Off Meet & Greet in the fall; Coffee Chats in the winter, where mentors are provided with coffee cards to treat their mentee(s); and a closing Spring Luncheon, featuring a guest speaker from the business community.
Social Activities | Throughout the year, WiB offers evening and weekend social activities with a casual atmosphere. Additionally, off-campus retreats provide stress-free getaways for members to relax, connect, and recharge with activities ranging from yoga to cooking to hiking.