“Starting up” isn’t just about starting companies. It is also about starting conversations, building connections, and instilling confidence. And that’s exactly what Women in Entrepreneurship (WE) brought to campus this fall as UW–Madison’s first student club built around encouraging and supporting future female founders.
The semester kicked off in a big way with the club’s inaugural event, the Founders Panel on September 18, which packed Ogg Hall’s Main Lounge with students eager to hear from four local entrepreneurs: Kenzie Beam of EBNS, Grace Berbig of Letters of Love, Shelby Ostad of Miggy’s Bakes and Ashley Storck of Marketini Media. With both the panelists and audience fueled by baked goods, candid conversations were had about where business ideas come from, how to handle early uncertainty, and why betting on yourself should be always be encouraged. Students walked away energized by a shared takeaway: you don’t need permission to start. Only the willingness to take the first step.
Another memorable moment came when WE virtually hosted Cynthia Chu, Chief Financial Officer of Audible and a UW-Madison alum, in October for a conversation about leadership, influence, and opportunity. Chu encouraged students to advocate for themselves, embrace risk, and stay mission-focused, offering a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is as much a mindset as it is a career path.
Beyond its marquee speakers, WE focused on building community and sparking curiosity. The club hosted a welcome social, followed by hands-on workshops, coffee chats, and networking events designed to help students share ideas, find collaborators, and to get the “building” started. Whether members already have a business or just a “maybe-someday” idea, every event reinforced the same message: female entrepreneurs belong in every campus conversation. There is little question that in just a few short months, under the leadership of Trinity Krohn and Alka Lakadia, WE has become THE campus space where women can imagine themselves as founders, creators, innovators, and leaders.
The club’s first semester might be over, but its momentum is only building. With new events, collaborations, and mentorship opportunities on the way, WE is quickly proving that when women connect, ideas don’t just grow. They absolutely thrive.
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