To close out October, the University of Vermont’s Women in Business (WIB) organization hosted students, alumni, faculty, and local business leaders for their Second Annual Fall Social Event held at the Fleming Museum of Art. The event invited attendees to reflect, connect, and celebrate the shared experiences that unite women across industries and generations. 

Providing a striking backdrop for the event, were the museums Fall 2025 featured exhibitions, including “Kimono,” “Rooted in Nature,” and “Art for Everyone: Gathering.” These exhibits explore themes of place, identity, and belonging, providing a reflective atmosphere in which guests could mingle. Light bites and refreshments served throughout the evening encouraged informal networking as guests moved between the galleries and various discussions occurring between attendees. 

A Night of Meaningful Connection

A speaker addresses the audience at the Women in Business mixer at the Fleming Museum

Co-hosted by WIB President Dakota Swart (’26) and Vice President Emma Zwycewicz (’26), the evening opened with brief remarks from Sonja Lunde, Director of the Fleming Museum of Art, followed by a welcome speech from Swart and Zwycewicz. Their remarks welcomed attendees and highlighted the club’s mission to foster community, confidence, and professional development for women at the University of Vermont. 

“Our executive board has built something special,” Swart shared. “A space where collaboration, encouragement, and empowerment happen every single day.”

Throughout the evening, guests exchanged stories, shared advice, and built relationships that extended beyond the classroom. Many attendees emphasized how events such as this one help bridge the gap between UVM and Burlington’s broader business community, creating space for mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration.

About Women in Business

Founded within the Grossman School of Business, Women in Business is one of GSB’s largest and most active student organizations. The club provides members with opportunities to network with professionals, develop leadership skills, and engaging in conversations concerning gender equity in the workplace. 

Each semester, WIB hosts various events including professional development workshops, speaker panels, and community collaborations that connect students with alumni and business leaders across Vermont and beyond.  

How to Get Involved

Women in Business student leaders address the crowd

Women in Business is open to all UVM students, regardless of major or gender identity, who are passionate about leadership, empowerment, and creating inclusive opportunities in business. Students who are interested in joining can request to join through UVM Clubs, where they will subscribe to our weekly email list. We currently host bi-weekly meetings on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. in Kalkin 004. 

Students can also follow us on Instagram (@uvmwomeninbusiness) where we post updates on meetings, events, and other upcoming opportunities.  Alumni, staff, and business professionals who are looking to connect with our organization can send us a DM on Instagram or email us at uvmwib@gmail.com where we can provide further insight on collaboration opportunities. 

About the Author

Emma Zwycewicz is a Senior at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a theme in Sustainability, a concentration in Marketing, and a Minor in Applied Design. Her professional experience at UVM includes serving as Vice President of the Women in Business club, and her current positions as Graphic Design & Data Visualization Specialist for University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) and a Teaching Assistant for GSB’s Professional Development Series courses. Outside of UVM, she currently serves as a Marketing Intern for the Vermont Brewers Association. As someone who has been visiting Vermont her whole life, her interests include skiing, hiking, and spending quality time with her family and friends. 

Photos by Josh Wallace