The Sauder Women in Business Club (WIB) is an open space for building trust, empowerment and confidence while working together as women to achieve our goals, encourage each other and learn how we can contribute to create a more equal world. Officially founded in February 2010, our mission is to encourage women to take leadership roles in their careers and lives to accelerate gender parity. We will achieve our mission by providing developmental opportunities, links to the greater business and social community, and events that bring awareness to our MBA class on different topics such as assertiveness, work-life balance, empowerment, gender stereotypes and negotiation skills. In conjunction with other MBA Society clubs, we invite supportive business leaders and entrepreneurs from a variety of functional areas to address the issues of inequality in the workplace.
Co-President: Sia Li
Growing up in a small town in China, Sia's life underwent a transformation when she embarked on her college journey in Shanghai. There, she encountered the kindest professor who sponsored her to study abroad, enabling Sia to successfully complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics and accounting in the United States. This educational opportunity laid the foundation for her subsequent professional career in global marketing. Sia deeply appreciates the transformative power of education and holds profound gratitude for those who supported and inspired her.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Sia is a dance enthusiast and a promoter of cultural diversity. With over 20 years of experience in Chinese dance, she has actively participated in numerous cultural exchange events.
Co-President: Daria Turenko
Daria grew up in the South of Ukraine during a time of deep economic crisis and poverty. Gender inequality was pervasive in the country, with the majority of managerial positions traditionally held by men. Despite facing gender discrimination, her mother worked tirelessly to provide for her children's education and lay the foundation for their future careers. Her mother's unwavering support enabled Daria to relocate to the country's capital, where she obtained a master's degree in engineering from the National Aviation University. Subsequently, she embarked on a career in the tech industry, working for global IT and insurance giants as well as startups.
Daria aspired to contribute to fostering fair workplace conditions, equity, diversity and inclusion. Guided by her core values, she ascended to leadership roles in HR and Administrative departments, accumulating over 10 years of service in these positions.
Apart from her professional endeavors, Daria is an avid traveler, setting a goal to explore 5-7 countries each year.