The mission of the WSA is to connect, empower, and celebrate the next generation of women leaders and we do so by engaging the HBS community in the continued pursuit of gender equality in the workplace and beyond.
WSA membership is free and all women at HBS are automatically enrolled in the Club – making it the largest club on campus. Men and partners are also welcome to join and we strive to hold free or heavily subsidized events to create an inclusive community for all. The WSA events are designed to maximize the social, academic, professional development, and community outreach aspects of the MBA experience.
The WSA maintains strong relationships with its affiliates: Women in Investing, Series W, Manbassadors and MoMBAs. In particular the WSA and its partners:
• Facilitate connections between classmates, alums, and prospective employers
• Host highly successful and engaging speakers on campus
• Provide access to EC (second year student) and alumnae mentorship and support
• Lead highly effective exam preparation sessions
• Organize social events and dynamic workshops
Activities include social events like the first year retreat, workshops on negotiation and effective communication, and mentorship programs like our collaboration with Harvard’s Undergraduate Women in Business group.
The WSA also hosts and organizes the annual Dynamic Women in Business Conference. Now in its 27th year, it’s widely regarded as one of the school’s tentpole events.
The conference draws about 1,300 attendees, which includes HBS and Harvard-affiliated students and faculty, professionals from near and far, and alums. This year, the club hopes to increase the attendance of men to further the dialogue on gender parity.
During the event the conference a variety of speakers come to campus for keynotes, panels, and workshops. Speakers generally draw on their professional and personal experiences to provide valuable lessons on topics related to women in business.
Each year the theme changes, and this year the club chose “Your Story: Redefined” to highlight the different sets of experiences and choices that women can make to achieve success. Specifically, it will focus on the narratives of diverse speakers to help the current and future generations of female business leaders envision their own paths to success in an ever changing business environment.
Prospective students are encouraged to attend – it’s a great way to network with HBS students and alums, and participate in an inspiring event.
The WSA hosts a monthly webinar for prospective students, and if you want to meet women from the WSA and get their perspectives on the HBS experience, this is another good way to do it.