University of Montana Business Students Launch Platform Supporting Women in Business Fields

University of Montana students have built a new platform supporting 60 women in business fields.

Maya Haugan and Brianna Shirley, juniors at UM’s College of Business, founded the Women in Business student club last fall to address challenges faced by female students in male-dominated careers. Their initiative structurally creates a community offering mentorship, technical skills training, and networking opportunities.

The club quickly grew to 60 members and hosted its inaugural Women in Business Symposium in downtown Missoula, featuring founder Merrilee Kick as the keynote speaker. More than 25 professionals have volunteered to mentor current students. Plans include expanding membership to business minors from other majors and launching a peer-to-peer mentor program. The next event is Sip & Social on April 20 at the College of Business piazza. Shirley intends to establish a strong foundation for successors before graduating this spring.

This evolving club may resonate with Montana’s business culture, where building strong, local networks and fostering resilience are essential. The emphasis on overcoming imposter syndrome and expanding opportunities for women aligns with broader efforts to diversify leadership in traditionally male sectors. Montana’s comparatively small business community could amplify the impact of such student-led initiatives as future leaders enter the workforce.

By UM News Service , University of Montana