Perceived gender disparities in business have caused unequal representation in leadership roles, pay gaps and limited access to opportunities. Moorpark College’s new Women in Business Club seeks to equal the playing field.
The Women in Business Club, founded by second-year business major Ella Varsha, aims to create a safe and enriching space for aspiring female entrepreneurs and students seeking a supportive environment.
Inspired by her high school finance class, Varsha observed a stark divide between male and female students, which prompted her to seek and create an inclusive space for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
“Although this class was extremely interesting,” Varsha explained. “I definitely noticed a divide in understanding and comprehension between the males and females, adding onto the fact that there was a low woman population in the course.”
The club’s inaugural meeting was held on Jan. 29, 2024, in the cafeteria conference room and was available on Zoom.
Their first meeting featured guest speaker Yael Rubin, entrepreneur and co-founder of Blumenes Labs. This women-owned business offers organic pain-relieving CBD products.
During the meeting, Rubin engaged with students as she described her experiences with co-founding her business and her challenges as a woman in business. She emphasized the changing landscape for females in the industry.
“Through my career, I’ve seen how we (as females) like to please people more than we should,” Rubin explained. “But I feel like now we are changing. The platform for women is very big and opening and changing.”
The club’s primary goal is to provide a space for any woman wanting to be a part of an inclusive space. While the club is focused on developing business skills, being a business major is not a requirement.
“I think the club attracts audiences from different majors because of the female ideology of a supportive group,” Varsha explained. “And the fact that business skills are useful in every aspect of life, for example, public speaking, finance and investing.”
The club intends to have a financial advisor at a future meeting to help educate members and answer questions about stocks, Roth IRAs and mutual funds. The advisor would also be able to answer members’ questions regarding their finances.
Their next scheduled meetings will be held on Feb. 26, March 25, and April 22 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cafeteria conference room. All meetings will also be available on Zoom.
Students interested in learning more about this club can visit its Instagram and directly message them with any questions.
