Developing Future Female Business Leaders

Since 2017, VSB has partnered with the Agnes Irwin School for Girls (AIS) to offer a “Shark Tank” entrepreneurship program and a mini-business conference. AIS students learn business fundamentals and had the opportunity to pitch their business concepts to a panel of Villanova judges. In February of this year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, VSB hosted a virtual mini business conference for AIS students to learn more about key areas of business such as marketing, management, corporate finance, and supply chain management.

“I am passionate about getting young girls interested in studying business because they are the future business leaders of the world,” said Cathy J. Toner, JD, Assistant Dean, Talent & Staff Development, Community and External Outreach. “The best way to increase female leadership is to inspire, encourage, and provide the resources for young female students to begin careers in business.”

VSB faculty members who hosted discussions about their areas of expertise and the career possibilities within their respective fields included: Katie Iacocca, PhD, assistant professor, Management & Operations; Meg Luo, PhD, associate professor, Finance & Real Estate; Julie Pirsch, PhD, associate dean, Teaching & Learning; teaching professor, Marketing & Business Law; and Narda Quigley, PhD, Mahoney Family Endowed Professorship in Business and professor of Management.