Our Crowdfunding Groups
Berkeley Women in Business [BWIB] was founded in 2005 and now is a well established organization on campus that hosts around 50 active members. Berkeley Women in Business empowers women in the workforce through professional development and discourse on gender equity. We strive to develop our members into well-rounded individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in their careers. Yearlong, we host events that assists undergraduates to develop their professional skills as well as learn about women in the workforce. We also host retreats, socials, and mentorship opportunities throughout each semester. Our members develop a sense of belonging and trust within our community that allows for, not only professional development, but personal growth. Our organization is open to all students, all majors, and all genders who are in support of women in the workplace.
BWIB Community
The BWIB community hosts different professional development events every week. In addition, here at BWIB we have a tight knit community who support each other. We host retreats, banquets, and other events that bring us together.
BWIB engages in several projects to enact social change throughout the world. This Crowdfunding campaign will allow us to further scale our impact by funding these projects.
Financial literacy is the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial wellbeing. BWIB has curated content to be distributed among Berkeley students and the youth to have the skills to become financially independent and successful. The funds used from this campaign will go towards developing the brochures and informational booklets that many will be able to take advantage of.
Micro-financing involves small loans typically in the range of $100-$25,000 to individuals or groups that may otherwise have little to no access to traditional financial services. BWIB has used the Kiva platform to microfinance for the past year. Thus far, we have lent over $500 to women-owned businesses across the world in Africa, Latin America, and the Philippines. Kiva allows BWIB to reach women in countries that we may not have the opportunity to help otherwise. Many of the women we lend to support their families through their own businesses. Our loans help them expand and grow their business and help secure their financial futures. We hope to use the funds from this campaign to give loans to more women throughout the world.
BWIB annually hosts the Women in the Workforce conference for young individuals to meet and listen to powerful women leaders in the business industry through workshops and keynote speakers. Through networking and discourse, individuals will learn about women's empowerment in the workplace and engage in conversations with respected industry leaders who are truly changing the world and breaking the status quo.
Although improving, the discrimination and inequality women face in the workforce is undeniable. Men hold 62% of manager positions compared to the 38% women hold. 35% of women face some type of sexual harassment in the business field. 29% women feel that their gender is an obstacle to advancement. To break these facts and stereotypes, the Women in the Workforce educates and brings insight to young individuals from respected women in the industry and their stories.
The conference had around 100 members attend. Past keynote speakers include of Gioia McCarthy, SF Market President and Northwest Division executive at the Bank of America as well as Jenny Dearborn, founder and CEO of Actionable Analytics Group and former Chief Learning Officer at SAP. Workshops were led by individuals such as Marjolein Cuellar, the managing director at Boston Consulting Group, and Alta Sparling, director of campaigns at Sephora.
In order to reach out to as many Berkeley individuals (both female and male) to attend this conference, we launch this crowdfunding campaign. BWIB hopes to continue making a change in gender equity in the workforce and we believe the way to do so is to inspire and influence as many people as possible. By donating to our project, we will be able to scale this conference and make a bigger impact in the community and hopefully reach out to more people across colleges all over the USA.
The budget for our yearly conference is approximately $3000. Given the COVID-19 situation, we are working to resemble the remote experience as closely as possible to the in-person conference. Please see our allocation below.
Website: http://www.berkeleywomeninbusiness.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BerkeleyWIB/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berkeleywib/
Social media shout out - a customized shout out across all our various social media platforms for an event or cause of your choice. Also, an event feature on newsletter - a special feature on our newsletter and on our website! We value your donation and would love to share your support with others.
A special token of appreciation, handwritten by our committee members with custom-made graphics will be mailed to you. Plus all of the privileges of the bronze tier. Dare Exec Board - With this perk, you are also able to vote for one of the following: pie PIED, choose a TikTok for BWIB Exec to create, or everyone on exec to eat a spoon of hot sauce! We will post this being done on our social media.
Receive complimentary stickers bearing the BWIB logo OR our limited edition “empowered women empower” women phone wallets! Plus all of the privileges of the bronze and silver tier.
VIP Conference Experience - We will invite you to join the BWIB conference as a special guest. Sit up close and personal with a member of BWIB’s current committee/exec board, to get to know our mission and vision better! Also, a Workshop opportunity - Get a chance to attend one of our workshops on Tuesday evenings. Plus all of the privileges of the bronze, silver, and gold tier.
