As I wrap up my year serving as one of the co-social chairs for the Graduate Business Association (GBA) at the Wisconsin School of Business, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey it has been. From organizing large-scale events to maintaining tradition, this experience has been nothing short of rewarding, challenging, and deeply meaningful. GBA has been the highlight of my MBA journey as it has allowed me to grow my friendships, create safe spaces where people can develop a sense of community, and grow as a person.
One of the highlights of this role was planning and executing some of the most anticipated events of the year. The Spring Ball, themed “Hollywood Glamour,” was my absolute favorite. My classmates and I got all dressed up, and celebrating the spirit of the Wisconsin School of Business community was nothing short of magical. This event was also part of the On, Wisconsin weekend, a time during our spring semester when potential new students come to visit and learn what it’s like to be a Business Badger! We get to show them our traditions and get them excited about what is possibly in store for them in the next year. After Spring Ball, we also hosted our Halloween party—an event for the ages—and most recently, the Winter Ball, which we themed as a nostalgic “prom.” This allowed us to end the semester on a high note with laughter, dancing, and plenty of memories!
Each of these events required months of planning, collaboration, and creativity. From brainstorming themes and booking venues to managing budgets and coordinating with vendors, every detail mattered. Seeing our classmates enjoy themselves and connect in meaningful ways made all the hard work worthwhile. Since so much effort went into these events, our entire GBA board was an invaluable resource to lean on for support and help. I cannot thank my co-social chair—Shagun Singh—and our President—Nick Wong—enough for all the work they put in behind the scenes. They poured their heart and soul into this program, and without them, I don’t think it would have been so seamless.
In addition to these big events, we also maintained a cherished weekly tradition: TAPS (Thursday After Professional Studies). Every Thursday, classmates gather to unwind, maybe complain about school a bit (oops), and strengthen their professional and personal networks. These events offered a consistent space for connection amid the hustle of school life. We offered a chance to explore the beautiful city of Madison while creating a community for those who wanted it. We also hosted multiple co-sponsored TAPS with various Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), which increased visibility and further strengthened the WSB community.
At its core, serving as a co-social chair was about more than just event planning. It was about creating opportunities for connection. The Wisconsin School of Business is a special place because of the people who make up this community. I have had the privilege of getting to know my MBA cohort, and I have made lifelong friendships through this program—something that will last far beyond these two years. Our events aimed to foster camaraderie, celebrate our diversity, and create moments where lifelong friendships and professional relationships could take root, and that’s exactly what we accomplished.
This role taught me so much about leadership, teamwork, and adaptability. I learned how to juggle multiple responsibilities, communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, and stay organized in the face of competing deadlines. Perhaps most importantly, I learned the value of building community—a skill I’ll carry forward in my career and beyond.
As I look back on this year, I’m filled with gratitude for my fellow GBA board members, my co-chair—Shagun, the program office of the MBA and master’s programs (Delaney Egan, Mark Matosien, and Joe Crombie), and all the classmates who showed up, participated, and made these events unforgettable. Being a part of the GBA board has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my MBA experience, and I’m excited to see how future boards continue to enhance and grow our community. To anyone considering getting involved with GBA or a similar organization: do it. The opportunity to make an impact, build relationships, and create lasting memories is truly unparalleled.