Building Bold Futures: Gala Honors Women in Business at MSU

The Women in Business club is wrapping up its first semester as a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) at Minnesota State with an elegant and meaningful End-of-Year Gala. 

The event will take place today from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Floyd Roberts Jr. Pavilion and is open to members, guests and anyone who women have inspired in the professional world.

The gala marks a significant milestone for the club, which has grown tremendously since its launch. 

“I think, honestly, just like how much we’ve grown. We currently have 40 recognized members,” said club President Evelyn Marnell. “Typically, about 50-60% of them are at our meetings … It’s heartwarming to know that these people are just as passionate about women in business as we are.”

Founded with the goal of creating a community of encouragement and professional development, Women in Business is open to all students, regardless of major. 

“We have nursing majors, we have aviation majors. Like we have everyone and we want everyone to come,” said Vice President Mackenzie Hartl. “Just because it’s Women in Business, you will gain something. You will gain your professional skills.”

More than a celebration, the gala is a chance to honor the club’s mission of connection and inspiration. Students will be bringing mentors, professors, and even family members. 

“We also open the invite to women who inspire us or people who inspire us,” said Marnell. “So I know a lot of our leadership are bringing our mothers, aunts, grandmothers — someone who has influenced your life.”

One of the core missions of the club is to provide a safe space to discuss real-world experiences and challenges women face in business environments. 

“In my past internship, there was a guy who had been there less time than I had, and people would immediately talk to him … they wouldn’t give me the same level of professional respect as they would to him,” shared Marnell. “Let’s support women in business … let’s support this field of wanting to support each other and build each other up.”

Unlike the formal tone of regular meetings, the gala aims to create a relaxed, social atmosphere. 

“Being able to meet our members on more of a friendship level instead of a business one — like, we’re trying to be professional all the time — the gala is basically where we actually can just hang out,” explained Hartl. “We don’t want this to be something super formal … but more like a hangout, relaxed, set-our-mind-at-ease type of event.”

To add a fun touch, the club is also hosting a giveaway during the gala. 

“If you buy tickets and you follow our Instagram and then you tag one other person, you’re entered to win,” ” said Hartl.

When asked why new members should join, both leaders agreed the benefits go far beyond business. 

“There’s nothing to lose. Just come,” encouraged Hartl. 

“We are so welcoming. We love this. This is such a passion project for all of us,” Marnell added. 

The gala serves as both a reflection of what the club has accomplished and a preview of what’s to come. 

“Next semester we want to increase membership, obviously, so check us out next semester for some super awesome events,” Hartl said.

Those interested in learning more about Women in Business or getting involved can contact President Evelyn Marnell (@Marnell, Evelyn L.) and Vice President Mackenzie Hartl (@Hartl, Mackenzie M.). The club also shares updates and opportunities on Instagram at @msuwomeninbusiness. Open to students from all backgrounds, the organization offers a welcoming space to explore leadership, empowerment and professional growth.

Photo Caption: The Women in Business club will host an end-of-year gala at 6:30 p.m. today, and will be open to anyone. (Logan Schlosser/The Reporter) 

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