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>
Treah Hutchings
Co President
Evening Class of 2027
Treah has ten years of professional experience, beginning her career as a middle school English teacher and curriculum writer before rising to Managing Director of an education nonprofit. Working at the intersection of education, technology, and business, she brings deep expertise in managing multi-million dollar portfolios, launching impactful digital tools, and driving strategic partnerships. She is passionate about learning, sustainability, and social impact. In her free time, Treah enjoys staying active outdoors, fostering kittens, and discovering new reads with her book club.
Himani Singh
Co President
Full Time Class of 2027
Himani brings over half a decade of experience building end-to-end products and driving cross-functional strategy, first as a software engineer across regulated healthcare environments, and later as a co-founder of an edtech startup. At Foster, she is deepening her expertise in product leadership and strategic business development bridging specialized research and commercial impact. Outside of work, Himani is a passionate advocate for women's rights and community service, and believes that empathy, for people and the planet, is at the heart of meaningful work.
Toni Bayarbaatar
VP of Finance
Full Time Class of 2027
Toni has over ten years of experience structuring high-stakes financial deals across emerging markets, first as an analyst building the business case behind Mongolia's landmark infrastructure milestones and later as a VP leading equity deployment, investment thesis development, and seed fundraising for a Speech-to-Text AI startup. At Foster, she is deepening her expertise in venture finance and strategic investment. Toni is an advocate for women in business and believes that finance can open doors for communities that have historically been left out of the room.
Kalyn Jordan
VP of Operations
Full Time Class of 2027
Kalyn comes to Foster with six years of experience in market research and consumer insights, where she partnered with leading CPG and tech brands to uncover what drives consumer attitudes and behavior. At Foster, she is building on a foundation in data analysis and decision-making to move closer to the strategic decisions themselves, with a focus on data analytics, strategy, and consulting. Beyond the classroom, Kalyn can be found rowing on Lake Washington, baking, or finding any excuse to be back out on the water.
Smriti
VP of Marketing
Full Time Class of 2027
Smriti brings six years of experience in finance across Accenture and Wipro Technologies, partnering with global clients and developing a deep understanding of how businesses grow and where they get stuck. At Foster, she is channeling that experience into her passion for marketing, driven by the belief that the most powerful brands are built on sharp strategy and genuine human connection. Smriti is a trained Indian classical dancer and an adventure sports enthusiast: pursuits that have taught her connection across discipline, risk, and creativity.
Cady Zhong
VP of Marketing
Evening Class of 2028
Cady is a Seattle-based video producer at Microsoft whose path—spanning marketing, production, and entrepreneurship—has shaped her thoughtful approach to storytelling, client partnership, and strategy. She believes that sharing women’s stories can spark purpose and possibility in others. As VP of Marketing for Women in Business, she’s focused on building a tight-knit alumni community that creates lasting opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys content creation, Asian dramas, and discovering the perfect matcha.
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.