.png)
About Us
Each year, the DWIB executive team dedicates countless hours towards planning and executing events that engage, motivate, and empower the female-identifying business leaders of the future. The impact of each team's efforts on the DWIB community are long-lasting and will not be forgotten as they move on to exciting new chapters of their lives.
Meet the team
_edited.jpg)
President
Abby Smith
In her third year of the integrated business and humanities program, Abby is thrilled to step into the role of President. Building upon her experince as a general member and Director of Operations she is eager to continue DWIB's legacy of engaging, motivating, and empowering everyone in the business industry. Abby aims to connect with members and build a supportive community through meaningful relationships. She is dedicated to ensuring that members feel welcome at each and every DWIB event. She looks forward to the exciting year ahead!
Vice President
Emma Kerr
Now in her third year of the Honours Commerce program, Emma is thrilled to step into her role as Vice President of DWIB. With a passion for marketing, she’s eager to bring creativity, strategy, and collaboration to the executive team. DWIB has been central to her growth both personally and professionally, and she’s excited to give back to the community that has shaped her journey. Emma loves building genuine connections. Whether it’s through late-night study sessions, brainstorming new ideas, or simply striking up conversations with new faces. She’s looking forward to supporting and empowering members while helping lead DWIB into another impactful year.
Director of Finance
Joann Serrao
In her third year of the Honours Commerce program with double minors in Economics and Innovation, Joann is excited to step into the role of Director of Finance. Last year, she served as Director of Advocacy, where she help launch the Black Empowerment and Mentorship (BEAM) Program. Beyond DWIB, Joann recently completed a four-month internship at Scotiabank and will be joining CIBC in Corporate Banking next summer. She is eager to leverage her experiences to empower others, foster financial transparency within DWIB, and contribute to an impactful year ahead.
Director of Operations
Kirsten Oldham
Inher fourth year of the Commerce program, pursuing a specialization in Accounting and minor in Economics, Kirsten is excited to return to the DWIB executive team as the Director of Operations for the 2025/26 school year! Drawing on her past experiences as both a general and executive member, she hopes to support DWIB’s mission of empowering, motivating, and engaging students. She looks forward to the events ahead and continuing to grow the supportive DWIB community. Kirsten can’t wait for another exciting year, and looks forward to making new connections while helping create opportunities that leave a lasting impact!
Director of Multimedia
Erika Santua
In her third year of the commerce program, Erika is excited to be taking on the role as Director of Multimedia for DWIB. With previous experience in marketing positions and roles, she has a love for capturing moments and translating them into projects that relay a message. As multimedia, Erika works alongside Marketing to bring to light DWIB's brand through video content creation, digital presentations, and photography - encompassing DWIB's pillars through powerful storytelling. She is committed in creating a memorable experience for all members visually and physically.
Director of Marketing
Anastasia Pinsky
In her second year of the commerce program. Anastasia is excited to join DeGroote Women in Business team this year as the Director of Marketing! Bringing a strong passion for marketing and graphic design, she is eager to shape and execute DWIB's creative vision and social media engagement alongside the Director of MultiMedia. With a love for storytelling through design, Anastasia strives to elevate DWIB's brand prescence and foster meaningful connections within the community. Beyond her creative pursuits, Anastasia looks forward to collaborating with the DWIB team to build an inspiring and empowering space where members can thrive.
Director of External Relations
Julia Thomas
In her final year of the commerce program, Julia is excited to serve as Director of External Relations for DWIB. Specializing in Finance and Data Analytics with a minor in Sustainability, she is passionate about building synergistic relationships between organizations and their external environment. In her role, Julia oversees DWIB’s outreach to corporate partners and community organizations, creating collaborations that provide members with professional development, industry insights, and networking opportunities. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where students and our business partners can connect, learn, and grow.
Director of Internal Relations
Rishita Ranjan
Currently on her 12-month internship as an Account Coordinator at MiQ, Rads is grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the DWIB team this year as the Director of Internal Relations. Driven by their passion for uplifting others, Rads is incredibly excited to build a connection with the DWIB community, where she will work to make a meaningful Impact. In joining DWIB, they are excited to create a welcoming, empowering space for fellow students and hopes to cultivate strong, lasting relationships within the community.
Director of Advocacy
Varana Insanalli
Now in her third year of the Honours Commerce program with a specialization in Information Systems, Varana is honoured to serve as the Director of Advocacy for the 2025/2026 academic year. With a strong background in advocacy-focused roles, she is excited to bring her experience and energy to DWIB. Her goal is to continue giving back to the DeGroote community, a place that has shaped her journey in countless ways. Varana is deeply committed to ensuring every student feels represented, welcomed, and included at every DWIB event. She places a strong emphasis on accessibility, striving to make sure all initiatives are designed with every student in mind. She is beyond excited to see what this year holds for herself, for DWIB, and for the incredible students at DeGroote!
Director of Community Engagement
Nicole Alves-Sala
Nicole is a fifth-year Commerce student minoring in Sustainability, and she’s excited to be stepping into the role of Director of Community Engagement this year. After completing a 12-month internship with Deloitte, she’s now pursuing her CPA designation. Driven by a passion for social and community impact — and supported by her leadership experience — Nicole is eager to build inclusive, accessible, and innovative community initiatives. In her role, she looks forward to creating meaningful opportunities for members to engage, grow, and feel truly welcomed — both within DWIB and beyond.
Our Sponsors
In partnering with DWIB, you will be an active supporter of our goal to empower female and gender-diverse students both personally and professionally as they begin their academic and professional careers.
A partnership with DWIB allows the opportunity to develop relationships with our large membership base, while promoting company initiatives and opportunities to over 300 driven students, many of whom are seeking internship and post-graduate employment. By participating in our events, sponsors will have the opportunity to interact with a group of enthusiastic young leaders determined to make an impact in the business world.
Contributions of any kind are essential to the success of DWIB. It is through the generosity of our sponsors and partners that we are able to host our many events and initiatives to further our goal of educating and empowering students at DeGroote.
Our Mission and Vision
The motive of DeGroote Women in Business (DWIB) is to fully engage, motivate and empower female-identifying business students through business education and experience. It is our mission to create a platform where students can openly address issues concerning women in the business world. DWIB will provide mentorship, awareness and exposure to different industries and companies through various events. Additionally, the goal is to facilitate a smooth and confident transition from an academic environment to a professional environment. We aim to develop and organize unique and valuable opportunities to benefit both students and partners. DWIB will provide a platform for the talents of the present to meet the leaders of the future.
Our Silver Partners
Our Bronze Partners
Our Gold Partners
Explore Previous Teams and Our Board of Directors
Learn More About The Leaders Before Us
Over the years, DeGroote Women in Business has proudly served as a platform for empowering women in the business community. Through dynamic events, inspiring speakers, and meaningful networking opportunities, we’ve cultivated an environment where women can thrive, collaborate, and lead.
